October 30, 2009
St. Clement to build new church
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Groundbreaking ceremonies are planned for a new St. Clement Church in Boonville on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m., with a potluck supper to follow. Father Lowell Will is pastor of the Boonville parish and also of St. Rupert Church in Red Brush.
“This long worked-for vision is coming to reality,” Father Will said. “It has been the work of many people.”
The contract for $1.67 million was awarded to Peyronnin Construction of Evansville. The new building will seat nearly 600 people, according to Father Will. It will be located behind the present church, which ultimately will be razed and a plaza will be constructed in its place.
The new church is to be basically a square. It will have a brick exterior limed with limestone.
The stained glass windows, the Stations of the Cross and the statues from the present church will be utilized in the new church. The new church will have a tabernacle shrine, incorporating the altar from the current church. The plans also call for keeping the present bell tower if possible.