Refuge of the Remnant Construction

OSMM is thrilled to announce that construction of the new retreat center “Refuge of the Remnant” has begun. The building site, located directly behind the House of the Archangels, was blessed by Diocese of Springfield Bishop Thomas John Paprocki during our 14th Annual Conference in October.

After meeting with our contractors it was determined that the best course of action would be to tear down the House of the Archangels and start fresh with our new center. The demolition is now completed and the ground is being prepared to begin construction. We hope to have the building under roof soon so construction can continue throughout the winter.

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The ground of the future Refuge of the Remnant. The House of the Archangels is the darker structure. It is on the west end of the property and must come down.Procession begins to bless the construction grounds.Bishop Thomas Paprocki graciously blesses the site for the Refuge of the Remnant.Blessing continues.Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, IL diocese
Roses distributed for the procession were left on the grounds.The House of the Archangels starts to come down.This is a view of the east side (back) of the House of the ArchangelsDemolition continues
Demolition from two sides brings down the House of the Archangels.Here's the view from the front yard of Mary & Martha's.Dumpsters are filled and hauled away.
Demolition continues on a rainy day.View from the front yardThe basement is dug out and cleared away.
Debbie and Vanessa anxiously await the arrival of the golden shovel.Time to dig!!!One last look at the empty lot, from east to west.OSMM members pray the Angelus as the church bells ring.The crowd gathers in anticipation of the beginning of construction.
Time to cut the ribbon.Joseph does the honors on a cold day, after he can find his hands.OSMM's Becky Kerkhoff releases balloons at the end of the ceremony.Digging begins on Tuesday, December 6th.Construction continues throughout the day.
Digging continues for footings to be poured soon.Forms are put in place to support poured concrete.View from the southeast corner. Mary & Martha's is the house on the right.Construction trucks are lined up in the alley to the east of the lot.Forms seem to be in place - ready to pour concrete on December 7th.
Heavy equipment arrives.Pouring the structural footings on December 7.December 8th activities
Refuge of the Remnant begins to take shape.A large arm lifts high into the sky to pour concrete into the framing.Framing is up for the foundation walls.View from the northwest corner looking south. J.B. Esker & Sons Concrete workers are getting the job done!
Frames are erected to support the foundation walls as the concrete cures.December 8th - Let the concrete flow.Below ground foundation walls are shown here.Progress continues at a fast pace!!Foundation walls are deep for a sturdy structure.
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