DANBURY – Old, worn and forgotten pews gathering dust in the basement of St. Peter Parish now have a new life and purpose thanks to the woodworking talents of a parishioner.
“It was a labor of love,” said Patrick Palmieri, about creating several tables and an adjustable height music stand for the church.
“It was a challenge but it has sentimental value because the wood was being reused from the church,” said Palmieri, who became a parishioner of St. Peter’s and a member of the choir after moving to the area about six years ago.
It was while singing in the choir he learned of the old oak pews that were disassembled and sitting in the basement of the church. The pews were originally used in the sacristy where daily Masses were held in the 1970s during the energy crisis because it was more economical to heat the smaller space than the cavernous Neo-Gothic-style church. The pews were relocated to the basement in 1996.
Father Gregg Mecca, St. Peter’s pastor, said Palmieri surprised him with the music stand for the church earlier this year and decided to ask Palmieri if he could possibly make two long vestibule tables to replace the two old worn tables that were there.
“It was quality wood. It was a shame to throw it away,” Palmieri said, adding that he had to recondition, sand, scrape and recut the wood.
Palmieri, who uses his two-car garage as his woodworking shop, said he accomplished his goal to finish the tables before Holy Week this year but after placing them in the vestibule, Father Mecca, fearing they might be scratched, removed them and ordered custom glass tops to protect the tables.
The tables are now in place in addition to a new table for the Gifts which Palmieri made, at the request of Father Mecca to replace the low wobbly table that was previously being used. Now all three tables match.
“We are so grateful to Patrick for these fine, unique pieces which add beauty to our church,” Father Mecca said.
“Patrick is very, very skilled,” Father Mecca said. “The design is beautiful,” he said of the quatrefoil inlay design that Palmieri made himself to match the design in the stained-glass windows throughout the Main Street church.
Decades ago, woodworking became a hobby for Palmieri after a kitchen cabinet making business venture with his brother did not work out. Following a successful career in the computer industry, Palmieri picked up his woodworking tools again in earnest and his hobby is a labor of love.
The retiree keeps busy these days with projects for himself and his family including building a wooden canoe, entertainment center, millwork for windows and other projects.
Although Palmieri no longer sings in the choir, he wanted to continue to contribute his talents to the church.
A couple of years ago he worked with the men’s society to assist in refurbishing the outdoor creche for Christmas.
“I wanted to give to the church in another way, so I started these projects,” said the 87-year-old parishioner. “It’s exciting. They still have the music stand on the altar.”
And Father Mecca and the congregation are very appreciative of his work.
“He’s very creative and wants to contribute to the church,” Fr. Mecca said. “It’s better than anything we could buy, especially when it’s made by a parishioner.”
