THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503010177
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
The Rev. Jim Griffin of St. Therese's Catholic Church is thankful for many things, including his generous parishioners.
The members of St. Therese's have managed to raise more than $615,000 to finance renovations and build an addition to the church.
St. Therese's building committee launched its fund-raising campaign last summer when Griffin decided it was time to accommodate the congregation's growing needs.
``In August of 1992, we had 508 families. Now we have 750 families,'' said Griffin who has been with the church since 1992. ``Our growth is due partly to the fact that we're located in a bustling part of town. But we also have a great parish here.''
St. Therese's was founded in 1954 and the church's original site was on Oregon Avenue. Now, the church sits on Portsmouth Boulevard across from Chesapeake Square Mall.
Griffin said the renovations include rebuilding the church's worship area and adding classrooms, a social hall and office space. Approximately 10,000 square feet will be added to the existing building.
The cost of the project is estimated at $1.6 million. ``The pledges have greatly reduced the mortgage we'll need for the project,'' Griffin said.
He expects workers to break ground in June or July. W.M. Jordan Inc. of Newport News was hired to do the construction.
If all goes as planned, Griffin hopes to dedicate the new building by Easter of 1996. by CNB