Donation saves chapel, Belgian heritage in area

	ROADSIDE CHAPEL: Troy Thiry outside the Belgian roadside chapel he donated to the Shrine at Robinsonville, sparing it from destruction. (Rick Evans photo)

When the State of Wisconsin decided to widen Hwy. 57 in Door County, the future of a 115-year-old roadside chapel appeared uncertain.

The chapel stood on Troy Thiry's land just east of Dyckesville on the corner of Cty. S and Bader Road. That meant it would have to be razed or removed to allow for reconstruction of the highway.

So Thiry, who wanted to preserve the chapel as part of his heritage and 150 years of Belgian heritage in northeast Wisconsin offered to donate the chapel to Our Lady of Good Help Shrine in New Franken. The Green Bay Diocese, which owns and operates the shrine, approved the chapel's relocation, and the state paid moving expenses.

Steve Tipps, caretaker of the Shrine, said, "Troy Thiry wanted the chapel to find a proper home, and the state wanted it on a religious site. Now it's located in the northeast corner of the property in the back processional area. By next spring, people can visit and use it as a prayer chapel."

Thiry is restoring the chapel to its original condition. The exterior is complete, and the interior is under construction. Tipps' wife is restoring the statuary, and a plaque will be posted to tell the chapel's history.   Full story ...

	Mass Times 2003 Fall / Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 5 issue)

 • Bishop Banks' Corner --
    So much we share in common

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    October 5, 2003: Presence, sacrifice and communion

 • Editorial -- Why run that?
    Front page story raises concerns that deserve an answer on why it was there

 • Editorial -- Happy Birthday to us!
    The Compass celebrates its 25th birthday

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Nature can remind us of God's supernatural gift

 • Saint of the Day --
    Making a hunting widower

 • Calendar of Events