Carol Wagner, Leader Correspondent
The Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano to celebrate the renovation at the church that began in May and was completed in September.
“We’re excited to invite everybody from the community to see our beautifully renovated church,” said the Rev. Luke Ferris, pastor at Sacred Heart.
Following the ceremony the community was invited to tour the church.
“It’s a community celebration,” said Autumn Gee, Sacred Heart development director.
Nancy Smith, the chamber’s executive director, praised the results of the project.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “We appreciate the use of local contractors and business people.”
The renovation involved adding stained windows, a cross and a heart mosaic to The Gathering Space. In the church, all the wood was stained a darker cherry, a new front and back altar were constructed, statues and stations of the cross were renewed, and new flooring was installed.
Parish council member Randy Mallmann was pleased with the renovation, noting the money was well spent.
“It turned out absolutely beautiful,” Mallmann said. “More than what I expected. It’s nice that we went back to a traditional look.”