Spring 2009
Masons at Montfort!
Activity at Montfort Retreat slowed to a halt this fall as the leaves fell and the wind blew and a blanket of snow and ice covered Lake Ashuelot, officially closing King Street for the winter. But that didn’t last long. As soon as they were able, workers traversed the road in four wheel vehicles and began to work on the unfinished sections of the lodge, cafeteria and the chapel.
The stone work on all three buildings was finally completed. The lodge now has a stone-faced fireplace as well as the outer wall on the lower level facing the lake. The dining hall buffet wall, where the food is served, was also faced with stone on the bottom half. But the most magnificent of all are the stone pillars in the Morning Star Chapel. This open structure was closed in first with logs and arched screen windows, and now the inside and outside stone work of the pillars is completed. All it needs now is the finishing touches and installation of pews.
As the snow began to melt, and the bears came out of hibernation, activity also resumed there for spiritual reasons. The Sisters spent a day of peaceful retreat in April and during Easter break the Brothers took 30 altar servers there for a camp-out in appreciation for the beautiful job they did during Holy Week. Although it was a little chilly, the fresh pine and crystal lake invigorated the attendees who filled the day with activities.
There is still work to be done, now mostly landscaping, but we are gearing up to a full summer of activities, including the Montfort Camp for Boys and Morning Star Camp for Girls, which is already filled.
On Memorial Day even the Band headed to the Retreat for the day, after which they played a patriotic concert for the Town of Washington. All for Jesus through Mary!