By Allison Musante, Staff Writer
PLAINSBORO Parishioners of the Queenship of Mary have relocated masses and other activities after the rook of the church nearly caved in on the morning of Jan. 19.
According to the congregation’s pastor, the Rev. Robert Medley, the church maintenance man heard a deafening bang at about 7:30 a.m. What he heard was the sound of a steel plate snapping. The plate supported the main wood beams that hold up a high, semi-circle roof.
”The piece just broke in half and the whole roof fell back a few inches onto the back wall, which was still able to hold up the roof somehow,” said Father Medley. “We’re not sure how.”
Thankfully, he said, no one else was inside the church when the roof slid.
Town officials have declared the building unsafe and closed it for the duration of repairs, which are expected to take several months.
Father Medley said the church is holding mass and confessions at the Miraculous Medal Chapel at St. Joseph Seminary on Mapleton Road in the township. But they can only use the space until the end of February.
”After that, I’m not sure what we’ll do,” he said.
All other meetings, social events, choir rehearsals and other activities are being held at parishioners’ homes and the Town Center School on Wyndhurst Drive, just down the street from the church on Dey Road.
”Wherever we can find the space for now,” he said.
He said the church hired a project manager and engineer on Thursday to assess a price for repair, with the hopes of beginning work as soon as possible. The cause of the damage hasn’t been determined yet. So far, workers have shored up the roof with scaffolding and beams.
The church has served the Roman Catholic community of Plainsboro for 20 years. The last time the building underwent major repairs was in 2003.
