Work of Our Hands - Construction Update
It’s been two months since we broke ground for the new Abbey Woodshop and much has happened in that time. The site has been transformed from a quiet corner of campus to a center of activity. In these two months, two worn out buildings were razed and removed, the site was fenced, utilities were made ready, a large hole (and then a larger hole) were dug, and concrete foundations were laid. Favorable weather has made for a strong start to construction, and we hope to keep on track as there is much to do before winter comes our way.
If you watch the timelapse below, you’ll get a good sense for the progress that has been made.
Caleb Thompson captured the demolition of the old lumber shed and kiln for archival sake and we have made that video available below. Perhaps this footage is too much for those with a weak stomach for destruction, but do know that we spent months trying to salvage what we could from these buildings (roofing, beams, fixtures, etc.). Some things are sure to have a second life in the new Abbey Woodshop.
While construction has certainly disrupted our familiar work patterns, we were able to set up temporary work and storage spaces before demolition that have allowed us to keep production deadlines and dry lumber. During the past three months, we delivered the bedroom furniture for the new upperclassmen housing at the University, installed cabinets for the renovated sacristy in the Abbey and University Church, crafted multiple cabinets and display units for the Saint John’s Bible, coffins/caskets/urns, plateaus, charcuterie boards, and even two giant Adirondack chairs to welcome guests to Saint John’s and Saint Benedict’s.
This past month also brought great sadness to the Abbey Woodworking community as John Grobe died suddenly on September 15 from a stroke. For the past seven years, John was a fixture at Abbey Woodworking. Volunteering daily, John simply loved working with his hands and being in the shop. While his fingerprints were on wide array of projects, John will be remembered as the “chair doctor.” Chairs that needed a little TLC or a total overhaul would find their way to John’s bench, and he’d try to give them a new lease on life. When chairs original to Tommy Hall were being replaced, John took it upon himself to sand down, repair, refinish, and reassemble over 100 of these classic chairs to their original beauty. Shortly before his death, John saw the completion of two giant Adirondacks (a fitting last project). You can find a picture of him lounging in one just before they went into service. John will be greatly missed in the shop and the greater Saint Johhn’s community. His dedication and love for Abbey Woodworking lives on, and we were graced by his time with us. Thank you, John (Dad).
