St. Michael's to Construct Practical, Aesthetic Additions

Cranford residents will soon see construction surrounding the half-century-old St. Michael’s Church building on Alden Street – beginning as early as next month.

St. Michael’s has moved into phase two of their ongoing capital campaign to renovate and improve segments of the church building, adjacent school and rectory.

Phase two began in July, almost a year after completing phase one of the project. The goal of the first chapter of the campaign was renovation and repair. The roofs on the St. Michael School building and the rectory, as well as the church’s air conditioning unit were replaced, and renovations were made to the garage area of the church’s facilities.

“Over time things wear out and you have to have some kind of maintenance on your facilities if you want to continue to use them,” said Pastor John McGovern.

The second phase will continue the work of the first, but with a new focus on building additions to the church facilities. The plans for the church include both the practical – a new drainage system – and the aesthetic – a brick wall surrounding the property.

The front steps will also be replaced with a new stairway and retaining wall, and a new entrance will be constructed with an outside stairway leading to the Sarah Black Room. An elevator will be built in the new entrance to make it handicap accessible. A handicap restroom will also be added in the vestibule of the church.

“The front steps have worn out, and the bathroom facilities are inadequate. If you’re going to put a bathroom in, why not put a handicap bathroom in,” McGovern said. “People are getting older and living longer; and they are having more difficulty gaining access to the church and the parish center. That’s the reason for an elevator.”

Expected costs for phase two of the campaign are $500,000 to $650,000, with the funds currently being raised through church donations. The church previously raised $1.75 million at the beginning of the campaign. “The people have been faithful,” McGovern said.

Currently, the church is evaluating contract bids by construction companies for the projects, and expects the actual construction work to begin by mid-November.

Once started, the work will be done in sections to minimize the disruption to churchgoers and regular church activities.

“We’re going to try to avoid as much inconvenience as possible,” McGovern said. “Everything will continue in the church as it has [in the past].”