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Michigan Projects Update

by Gerry Leslie and Shawn Barrett

During the last few months, UCS employees were able to visit some of our more recent projects in Michigan. Follow them as the stop and see Sts. Simon and Jude, St. Francis of Assisi, Ross Bible Church and Lakeshore Baptist Church.

Sts. Simon and Jude's 120' dome sanctuary

On April 27-28, 2000, UCS staff members Ann Ferguson and Gerry Leslie embarked on a trip to visit UCS projects in Southeastern Michigan. During their journey, they had the opportunity to learn more about each of the three different congregations.

The first stop on their itinerary was in Westland, to visit Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church. In June, 1999, the UCS crew was on-site to erect a 120' dome for the congregation there. They began holding masses in October of 1999.

Ann and Gerry spent a considerable amount of time talking with several members of St. Simon and Jude, including building committee member Adeline McCusker and Mary, the church secretary. Unfortunately, Father Bechard was out of the office on the day of their visit.

The next morning, Ann and Gerry were out once again, this time heading east to Port Huron to visit Ross Bible Church. In November of 1999, the UCS crew had stopped there to assemble a 110' octagon for the congregation. This structure was quite impressive since it was built with a 24' sidewall. 

While visiting Port Huron, it was interesting to learn that the church has a broadcasting tower for a Christian radio station on the church property. We enjoyed spending time with construction manager Ray Kemp. He has truly dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to see the project for Ross Bible Church come together. The building should be finished late summer or early fall. The congregation plans on kicking off a celebration of the new sanctuary with a visit from Christian artist Steve Green on September 24, 2000.

After leaving Port Huron, Ann and Gerry drove south down I-94 to visit St. Francis of Assisi’s 90' dome. Our crew built the structure in March of 1998. While there, we had the special opportunity of meeting with both Father Danny O’Sullivan, and Jed Dingens, the architect for the St. Francis of Assisi project. While there, they learned that Father O’Sullivan is preparing to retire, after the completion of the building project. All of us here at UCS would like to wish him the best as he pursues all of his future endeavors.

While on the road, Ann and Gerry took the time to make virtual tours of Sts. Simon and Jude, and St. Francis of Assisi. These tours are available online and can be accessed through our website.

On May 24, Dave McLane was able to make a trip to Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven, is on the beautiful west coast of Michigan. While on-site, Dave was able to meet with both Jerry McMaster and Jim Meek of the McMaster Corporation. Our crew assembled Lakeshore Baptist’s 96' octagon this past February. They should begin worshipping in the facility in the late summer of 2000. This was our third Michigan project with the McMaster Corporation and Aslan Architecture.

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