The Monastic Altar
The Altar Builder's Reflections
on the Third Anniversary
of the Trappist Abbey Church Dedication
Mike Grant is a dear friend of our community
and the General Contractor for our Master Plan Renovations.
Thank you all for letting me re-live one of the joys I have been blessed with, that of being able to give back to my dear friends the Trappists. And to have the honor of making the center piece in the entire monastery.
Years ago I was just a happy and humble carpenter out making lovely wood works until my dear friend, Dave Richen, forced me to become a contractor. And that all started right here with the Bethany house back in 1995.
But since I have been sentenced to man the phone and computers, my creative joy has become building occasional Altars for our churches, which is why I am here to celebrate this special altar, and the church my men built.
Not being a person raised in Catholic tradition, I was perhaps a bit slow in recognizing the spirit which can take over a person when working for our Lord. And especially since, as a wood worker, I was not expecting His help or trained in this demanding and unforgiving discipline that never lets you practice or have trial runs, so I needed some unexpected help.
But help I have received each time by, I have to believe, our maker, who must have these things right. He even helped here by allowing my experiment in speed drying to work so we could use the White Oak from the property on short notice. We innovated, and with the monks help, we cut drying time from a year to roughly 4 months which is unheard of. Because of this we were able to have all the lovely pieces ready when the Church was dedicated. If any of you are wood workers you will want to know how this happened. Do call me.
But seriously, I have loved how every liturgical piece I have made over the years has just led me from one unknowing step to the next. I have had solutions come to me in my sleep many times.
I do not consider myself gifted, but I have had the Lord guide my hand many times on these works. But never has he helped me on a piece of steel or concrete, I just don't think he cares about these materials!
But most important to me is that this altar represents the goodness and pure Christian practices of the fine men of this community. You have been a great inspiration and blessing in my life, and I am so pleased to give back such a precious gift to you all.
In Jesus name.
+Michael Grant