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Good Works Volunteer Rob Wiltshire prepares wallboard outside the Robinson home, April 10, 2004
On Saturday, June 11th, a group of St. Peter’s parishioners participated in
the second Good Works home dedication of 2005. This ceremony signified the
completion of many months of home restoration very much in the tradition of
making homes “warmer, safer and drier.”
The home of Mrs. Catherine Robinson was assigned to one of the St. Peter’s
Good Works groups in March 2004. Some may remember from past articles that
this home, located in east Coatesville, has an interesting history. During
World War II the government built a number of temporary dwellings to house
steelworkers doing vital war production at nearby Lukens Steel. With war’s end
in 1945, these dwellings, built quickly and cheaply with no regard to a long
life, were declared surplus and sold for a mere few thousand dollars each.
Mrs. Robinson and her husband, who had recently returned from active military
service, bought this home in 1946 and raised a family there. Though Mr.
Robinson is deceased, Mrs. Robinson and one son continue to live in this home
– a dwelling designed to last a mere five years.
The shoddy construction materials, structural shortcuts, and the aging process
all contributed to the troubled house that we took on in March 2004. Gaps
around many windows made the home almost impossible to heat properly. Several
uninsulated waterlines were above ground, causing routine freezing during the
winter. Improper renovations over the years had actually accelerated dry rot
and insect infestation. Original linoleum floors were crumbling. In short, a
technical challenge.
Over the past 15 months, hundreds of labor-hours have been contributed by St.
Peter’s volunteers, along with material support from the Good Works
organization, to correct these major systemic problems. In addition, literally
dozens of smaller but no less important projects, including installing new
wallboard, priming and painting walls and trim, and replacing sagging drop
ceilings, all contributed to restoring hope and dignity.
During the restoration process, the scores of volunteers have been led by Work
Crew Leader Hugh McClennan and Technical Coordinator Jason Hacker. And so it
was fitting that Hugh gathered all the workers together at noon on June 14
and, with Mrs. Robinson sitting in the middle of the group, began the
dedication ceremony with these words: “I would like us to offer our
collective praise and thanksgiving to God for this day, for this home and for
Mrs. Robinson.” Prayers were offered, a recitation of accomplishments
cited. Then Mrs. Robinson was presented with several mementos: a Holy Bible
signed by each of the St. Peter’s volunteers; and a plaque to remember this
effort of Christian friendship.
Also, for the second time in our relationship with Good Works, a prayer shawl prepared especially for Mrs. Robinson by the St. Peter’s Prayer Shawl ministry was presented by a representative of that ministry.
The next Good Works workday will be Saturday, July 9. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, click here. Regardless of your skill level, if you want to show God’s love by providing tangible help in people’s lives, contact our recruiter Mark Carkhuff or at 610-935-1623. With or without technical skill, you are welcome to join us in this important ministry to our neighbors.