We are excited about the progress on the new church
building!
On Wednesday, 10 March 2004, after weeks of preparation, the
main support beams for the building's roof were put into place. The pictures on
this page are a documentary of the events of that day.
These pictures are all compressed to reduce loading time;
click on any of them to view a larger version.
Note: In order to get these pictures posted in a timely
manner, the captions are rather brief and the picture organization is rather
haphazard. Please bear with us as we continue to work on this material over the
next few days. Thank you for your understanding.
The ends of the beams need to be notched to fit into the steel supports.
This is the central support bracket that holds the four main support beams in
place.
The central support bracket is pre-attached to the first beam.
Supports for other beams are pre-attached to the main support beams.
This picture of Fr. Al next to one the main support beams gives an ideal of its
size.
Fr. Al beside another of the main support beams.
The beams are staged in preparation for being lifted into place.
The big crane has arrived and is being set up.
Checking to see that the reach of the crane is sufficient.
NE Corner main roof beam support.
Close-up of the NE Corner main roof beam support.
SW Corner main roof beam support.
Close-up of the SW Corner main roof beam support.
The first beam is being moved into place.
The first lift of the first beam.
Preparation.
The first beam is positioned into its supports.
The first roof support beam has been placed and the second is being lifted into
position.
Joining the first two roof support beams at the central support bracket.
The third roof support beam is drilled for the bolts holding it in place in its
support bracket.
The third roof support beam is lifted into position.
The third roof support beam is picked up.
The third roof support beam is carefully positioned.
The central end of the third roof support beam is aligned with the central
support bracket.
All four of the main roof support beams are in place.
The fourth main roof support beam is lifted into position.
The NW Corner roof beam support.
Close-up of the NW Corner roof beam support.
The fourth main roof support beam is positioned.
The fourth main roof support beam is lifted into place.
Sample wall showing the appearance of the outer stone work.
With only three of the main roof support beams in place, additional supports are
placed under the central bracket to insure stability.
All four main roof support beams are in place!
Last Updated: 06/19/2004
