A lot has happened since we first announced to you the acquisition of our new retreat center in Burlington, Wisconsin!
Canon Andrew Todd, general manager, has been on site all summer with a small group of volunteers. Thanks to their efforts and some initial professional repair work, a radical transformation has already occurred. Several dumpsters worth of trash and debris have been removed, and the boiler and septic systems are fully operational, along with a large number of the toilets and showers. The grounds have been mowed and cleared of brush and the driveway fully swept. The original network of paths in the woods has been cleared and is now fully accessible.
One recent project is the restoration of the Calvary on the grounds of the retreat center. The original structure, made from iron, was badly rusted. Thanks to the efforts of Canon and the volunteers, it was sandblasted, primed and painted so it can last for years to come.
Before
After
Work has already begun on the separate 3-bedroom "hermitage" or apartment in the middle wing of the building so that the clerics assigned to the retreat center for the coming year have a place to live.
A heartfelt thanks goes to all of you who have already donated to this great work of restoration. Thanks to your prompt response to our appeal for help, we have already met our fundraising goal for the completion of phase one of the restoration. We can now proceed with the architectural design and execution of our plans to renovate the north wing. The completion of phase one will allow us to begin to host summer camps and retreats while work continues on the other parts of the building.
If you have not yet pledged your help, now is the time! May God reward you for your generosity!