Volunteers gather to paint fence surrounding O.L.P.H. for Easter

A fence symbolized a coming together for parishioners at one local church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Over 150 volunteers gathered outside the church, 526 59th Street, on the morning of April 5 in an attempt to show local pride and beautify the area by painting the surrounding iron fence, which had become an eyesore over the years.

“The fence was in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. It had not been painted in its entirety for many years and after the winter we all experienced, it really needed some care,” said Father John McKenna. “Thanks to all our volunteers, this task took just a day to complete. It would have taken the maintenance crew, three strong and dedicated men, at least a few weeks to complete.”

Participants of all ages spent up to three hours helping the noble cause along. The iron fence surrounds the church, rectory and school, which equals the entire block. “Some committed volunteers worked well into the afternoon, taking only a short break for lunch at noon,” said McKenna.

Local dignitaries were also on board to help improve the church before Easter rolled around. Assemblymember Felix Ortiz and his family were in attendance to help with the painting.

McKenna was proud of the community for its hard work and dedication. “April 5 was a true show of our community’s support and dedication to OLPH. We are truly grateful to our entire community. Thanks to their effort, our church is looking refreshed,” he said. “We also thank those that helped prepped the fence for painting the week before. It was a cold, rainy day but our volunteers persevered and made it possible for us to paint the fence the following week.”

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