America Street Restoration Project
In 2000 Bishop Baker considered the feasibility of reopening the Rectory at Our Lady of Mercy Parish on America Street as a residence for individuals that would dedicate a year to service in the community. A survey was conducted RFR& Assoc. and forwarded to the Diocese. In that report was outlined the condition of the property and what work would needed to make the property habitable. For the next two years sporadic work was performed to prevent further deterioration and upgrade some of the living areas. In the summer of 2002, Hank Chardos of Home Works brought a team of workers in to repair the 2nd floor porch. That work was partially completed and additional work on the porch was completed in the Summer of 2003.
The Bishop approached the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians for support of the project. The Bishop has asked that these organizations provide suopport inthe form of monetary donations and labor to complete the project. In October 2003 a planning meeting was held to determine what would be necessary to complete the project. A progress report developed in that meetng was forwarded to the Diocese.
At this point the construction team is seeking $3550.00 to purchase the materials to complete phase I of the project. The construction team will be setting work days on coming weeekends to accomplish the work as funds become available. A schedule of those dates will be published when they are identified. Each Knights of Columbus Council and Ancient Order of Hibernians Division is being asked to contribute $500.00 to the project. This amount will be sufficient to complete Phase I and provide seed money for Phases II and III which will be costed after completion of Phase I. Check should be made out to Bishop Robert J. Baker and a notation made on the Memo line, "Discretionary Fund for America Street House.
Address:
The Most Rev. Robert J. Baker
Bishop of Charleston
Office of the Bishop
119 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Any questions or Comments should be directed to Philip A. Stiles, Jr.