Chapel inside of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ
Here is another unique scaffolding job. It just goes to show you that when you think you’ve seen it all – think again. Here is a chapel inside of a hospital, and not just any hospital, mind you. This is in the heart of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, New Jersey.
And what makes this even cooler is that the altar literally sits directly below the statue of the
blessed Mother. It’s 6 floors beneath the giant statue but it’s very close to being directly beneath
her; pretty darn cool if you ask me. And you remember the Superior blog about
saving Our Lady of Lourdes? Well, this is the same place.
Except this time, it wasn’t quite a pressing emergency as after the earthquake.
But the earthquake certainly might have exacerbated the damage.
Superior Scaffold was called to erect a scaffold around the altar so repair crews
(Brandywine Historic Services) could get to the crumbling plaster on the ceiling.
The challenge here was that the church had to remain open for daily services.
So, Superior Scaffold master, Pat McAndrew devised a way to use 10’ horizontal trusses
to span the altar so the good father could conduct mass. They also used foam insulation
under the jacks to protect the vintage marble floor.
After starting work the repair crews discovered more damage and called Superior back to
enlarge the scaffold to reach the affected areas.
The chapel gets to remain open (business as usual) and the repair crews get access to the ceiling.
It’s a win win for everyone involved.
From the Lady of Lourdes Hospital web site:
The Chapel is always open for patients, visitors and associates. Visible upon entrance to the main lobby, the hospital Chapel is at the very heart of the Medical Center. It is a place of scripture, worship and prayer from which comfort, grace and blessing flow into the halls and rooms of Lourdes. Mass is held daily at Noon. Special schedules for holidays are posted outside the chapel.