MercySide | summer 2007

Topping Off Ceremony Held for Mercy at the Fore

Mercy donors, board members, employees, friends and others signed the last steel beam for the Fore River Project before it was placed.

Under spectacular blue skies and a steady spring breeze, Mercy held a “topping off” ceremony for its Fore River project on Thursday, May 3. The event marked a major point in construction of the new 137,000 square foot facility, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008.

“Topping off” is a traditional event undertaken when a building project’s major structural steel has been completed on time and without injury. A large group of Mercy donors, board members, administrators, employees, providers, friends and tradesmen signed the last steel beam, which was then placed on the building structure.

The final beam is hoisted to the top of the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.

A tree and the American flag were placed on the highest point of the structure, and the final beam was lowered onto the building. The tree celebrates the fact that no one on the construction project has been hurt and stands as a symbol of luck to those who will occupy the building.

The new hospital will ensure that the healing legacy of the Sisters of Mercy will continue. “Our real reward is seeing the faces of the Sisters of Mercy,” said Eileen Skinner, Mercy’s CEO. “I just can’t tell you how pleased they are that someone is carrying on their mission.”