ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. -
A new Parish Hall could soon rise in Essex Junction, Vermont.
It's been almost a year and half since the Holy Family & St. Lawrence Parish Hall was destroyed by a fire started by a lightening strike in July last year.
"It's one of those days you never forget," says Father Charles Ranges.
Ranges and others watched the hall burn and come down. The 100-year-old hall had been used for church programs and many outside groups also used the space.
Since the fire, the church has relied on other organizations to offer space for its programs.
"It was a big sense of loss on the parishioners. Through the course of the last year there's been a fair amount of anxiety about will we rebuild," says Dave Robideau, pastoral council member.
Robideau says he now holds the vision for a new Parish Hall. It would be two stories with classrooms, a library, and a fellowship hall. It would be built across the parking lot from where the old parish hall stood.
The church says insurance will cover some of the cost of the new hall, estimated at about $1-million. Donations will have to cover the rest.
"We'll find a way to make it happen," says Robideau.
Father Ranges says after a great loss the church now has a chance to build possibly a better parish hall.
"Opportunity yes. Opportunity we really didn't plan on. Out of a most difficult situation some good comes out," says Father Ranges.
The parish is still in the permit process. Once construction starts, church members hope the hall will open next summer.
