As many of you return to St. Bart’s to worship with us in person, you may notice that our facilities team has taken the opportunity to do a great deal of work on our buildings while you were away.
Over the last fourteen months, the facilities staff could tackle maintenance projects on a much larger scale than we could have done in a typical year when the building was in constant use. We acid-washed and re-grouted the swimming pool on the lower level, upgraded and repaired the pool filtration systems and pipes, and repainted the peeling ceiling. We stripped and re-waxed all the stone floors throughout the entire church and Community House. To improve airflow in the building, we cleaned and restored all the return vents and upgraded air filtration systems to a level above recommended standards for COVID-19. The facilities staff worked throughout the entire summer in preparation for the reopening of the Preschool last September—cleaning, painting, installing new air-conditioners and new HEPA filtration units.
When parish programs moved online, and most staff members began working from home, the facilities team continued to travel to St. Bart’s every day to ensure the building was accessible to serve Crossroads Community Services, St. Bartholomew’s Preschool, and Sunday morning live stream worship. When winter storms dumped heavy snow on our sidewalks, the facilities team worked through the night to make sure our sidewalks were clear by morning. In the past year, this team has really stepped up. Nothing deters them from their work.
We also made our building accessible for ongoing restoration projects, which allowed us to finish the restoration of our community house last fall, and begin a new project restoring the north facade and stained-glass windows this spring.
Under the oversight of our parish medical committee, our facilities staff helped create a culture of safety at St. Bart’s—serving as our “front line workers” through the height of the pandemic, providing security and screening, and meticulously following strict cleaning protocols throughout the day. We are very proud of our record, with not a single case of community transmission of COVID-19 in the building for the last year.
Our facilities team has made the most out of a very challenging year, and as the pandemic subsides, we look forward to seeing our buildings come to life again with people and activities in the months ahead.
Corey Durney
Director of Facilities
11 Comments
Corey....
Many thanks to you and your entire team for your amazing dedication to St. Bart's, especially during this very trying time. Of course, we all know that St. Bart's is part of your DNA...and for that we are most grateful. Thanks for everything you guys do. You're the BEST !! th
There are many hidden heroes. You and the staff have proven that there are Angels everywhere, and that you are Heroes. I congratulate you all for your courage, determination and love for our beautiful St. Bart’s. Blessings to all of you.
Corey - you and your team repeatedly demonstrate that, even in the worst of times, the best is always achievable. While we like to believe in miracles, it’s usually hard work and dedication that carry the day. Cant wait to see the results! Thank you -
Corey, you and your staff make me and, I’m sure, your dad proud. St. Bart’s is both a physical and spiritual gem in our city, and you have stepped up during one of the biggest crises in our lifetimes to ensure that we can all soon come back to our beloved and enhanced sanctuary in safety and health. Many thanks and blessings.
Corey, what a wonderful description of your staff’s fine achievements under your leadership during this crisis - you and the rest of your team have always been a treasure and we are blessed beyond measure to have your accomplishments continue during COVID - without a single illness is amazing! Heartfelt THANKS seems like a token compared with your accomplished projects - i speak for many (am sure!) when i say how much we appreciate and miss you. CONGRATS on many jobs WELL DONE! Can hardly wait to see them and give you all a hug again when returning this fall.
We always appreciate your hard work and that of the facilities team, but especially during this extraordinary time. Thanks for sharing with us all that was accomplished during the past 15 months. Congratulations on the team's health record!
Corey, the entire parish is in your debt, and that of your crew, for keeping the church and community house open, clean, and in good repair during this difficult time. I salute you!
Corey, the entire parish is in your debt, and that of your excellent crew, for the way you have kept the church and community house open, clean and secure during this difficult time. I salute you!
Corey and St Bart's Front Line Workers, thank you for making such good use of this pandemic time. Here is a heartening story of loving commitment and much hard work. We appreciate all you have done. I look forward to seeing you in our gleaming Church and facilities vey soon.
Corey What amazing things you and your team have accomplished. I am so looking to sit at SBC again and seeing all of you again .I miss you all
Thank you so much. We both very much appreciate all you and you staff have done during this difficult time.
You and your staff have always done an excellent job under all circumstances even before the shut-down.