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Published on 08/28/1995 All articles from this issue

St. Simon Parish breaks ground for new center

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On a day when the thermometer exceeded 100 degrees, St. Simon Parish broke ground for its new parish center.

The Rev. Ludwig Andre, pastor, used the same shovel June 24 that was used April 22, 1956 to break ground for the church.

Rev. Andre then put on his hard hat, and, using a large back hoe, moved several chunks of earth while onlookers cheered.

Guests who wanted to take a scoop of history used gold shovels to further the excavation.

Cub Scouts presented the colors. Bob Geise, chairman of the building steering committee, introduced special guests including Los Altos Mayor Bob Gray; the Rev. Michael Mitchell, Vicar General of the Diocese of San Jose; architect John Miller; and Tony Mirand from Toeniskoetter and Breeding, Inc. construction company.

Rev. Andre thanked all parishioners involved in the parish building improvement program for their work and dedication throughout the planning process and ongoing fund raising.

The ground breaking for a new parish center was one of several events which celebrated the 40th anniversary of St. Simon Parish.

Guests enjoyed champagne in commemorative glasses, hors d'oeuvres and lots of ice water.

The new parish center will include two new kindergarten classrooms, meeting spaces and a hall. Excavation to prepare the site for construction will be completed by the end of August. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 1996.