The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
St. Paul Catholic Parish in Mosinee began construction in September of a new church on the nearby parish school playground.
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Mosinee is a small city in Marathon County, midway between Stevens Point and Wausau. At last count, the population was a little over 4,000. It’s also where I grew up and attended St. Paul Catholic Church and School.
When the bid advertisement announcing this construction project crossed my desk in February, I don’t mind saying that it took me by surprise and caused me a wee bit of anguish. This is not my typical reaction when faced with a bid advertisement; but when I discovered that my childhood church has an appointment with the wrecking ball, that’s a different story.
All manner of childhood memories came flooding back — the sweeping exterior steps leading up to the main entrance of the church, the backdrop of so many wonderful family wedding pictures.
Obviously, when a church has that many steps and 88 years under its belt, it’s inevitable that it make room for a handicap accessible, modern design with efficient heating and electrical systems.
The new design by Blue Design Group of Hortonville is really quite beautiful. And I’m glad to see that it incorporates the impressive stained glass windows that I remember so well.
Bids were opened in March for the new 18,960-square-foot church with the construction contract going to Ellis Stone Construction Co., Stevens Point.
By this time next year, the new St. Paul Catholic Church should be ready for parishioners … and new memories will be made by future generations.
Ann Knoedler, who celebrated many family memories at St. Paul Catholic Parish, is the lead data reporter at The Daily Reporter.
