St. Michael Catholic Church Breaking Ground for New Building
Diocese of Memphis Bishop David P. Talley to Attend Event with St. Michael Pastor Fr. Benjamin P. Bradshaw
Memphis, Tenn. – December 13, 2020 — St. Michael Catholic Church today at 3pm will hold a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of the construction on its new office building on the Parish Campus at 3863 Summer Avenue.
St. Michael, part of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis celebrating 50 years as a Diocese, is the second largest Catholic Parish in the Memphis Diocese with more than 2,500 members made up of both Spanish and English speaking parishioners.
Fr. Ben Bradshaw, pastor, St. Michael, says the new building will house his staff in the new office space, as well as two conference-meeting rooms, an industrial size kitchen and a music room.
“We have long needed new, safe and updated space for our staff. Furthermore, we will have more room for our music ministry to meet and practice, rooms where people can come for counseling and guidance and space for other ministries.”
In the two years since Fr. Ben has been at St. Michael, there has been significant growth in the Parish, which is made of about 60 percent Hispanic families. “I like to say that we are one community with two languages. We have worked hard to find ways to be one Parish while still honoring the traditions of both communities.”
As the parish grows, so does the need for structures that are not only functional but built with care, precision, and longevity in mind. The attention to design and materials will play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for ministry, music, and fellowship to thrive.
Just as the church’s mission brings people together through faith and service, craftsmanship in construction brings strength and character to the physical spaces where those values unfold. In projects like this, attention to masonry detail—such as the kind found through https://masonrytucson.com/—helps transform vision into permanence, combining aesthetic appeal with durability.
A well-built foundation ensures that every gathering, meeting, and moment of reflection within the new building stands on a structure made to last, honoring both tradition and progress in equal measure.
When expanding or renovating a property, especially in close-knit communities or historic areas, even the most well-planned construction can face challenges involving shared boundaries. This is where the expertise of a party wall surveyor london becomes invaluable. They help ensure that every aspect of the building process—from excavation to extension—is handled within legal boundaries and with consideration for neighboring structures.
By managing communication between property owners and resolving potential disputes before they escalate, these specialists safeguard both the project’s progress and the harmony of the surrounding community. In this way, craftsmanship is not only about what’s built above ground but also about the respect and understanding that underpin every brick laid and every wall shared.
Fr. Ben, a Memphis native who is bilingual, has drawn people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, from around the city. Many say it is because they feel at home there and they like what the hear and see.
David Wedaman, who first came to St. Michael in 2018 says, “I was drawn to St. Michael because of the leadership, energy and diversity of the parish and its people. There’s momentum here…you can just feel it.”
St. Michael has, in non-COVID-19 years, about 750 Hispanic youth that attend religious education at the Parish on a weekly basis. Every weekend there is a food distribution ministry that serves up to 75 families. The Parish has also just completed an extensive renovation of its soccer fields so that youth from the Parish, as well as the surrounding community can play.
According to Fr. Ben, St. Michael has plans to grow further by hopefully adding a new Parish Hall where people have room to gather as community, seek help with family and marriage counseling, attend classes, bereavement workshops, etc.
Fr. Ben says, “Our goal is to welcome everyone, make them feel cared for as a person and family and bring them all closer to Christ and to each other. We have a clear vision of how we want to become a hub for all those seeking a place that does just that every day.” Growth, however, costs money. St. Michael has benefitted, thus far, from some significant donors who have helped fund renovation and new construction, but plans for additional growth, such as a new Parish Hall, will require support from others. Fr. Ben says, “We will continue to build our parish as best we can and trust others will want to be a part of what we are doing here in the center of the city. God will lead.”
As St. Michael Catholic Church embarks on its ambitious expansion, careful attention to building systems will be just as crucial as the architectural design itself. Modern office spaces, conference rooms, and ministry areas all demand efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to ensure comfort for staff, parishioners, and visitors alike.
Renovation projects of this scale also require ongoing maintenance and system upgrades to accommodate the increased foot traffic and usage, from youth programs to food distribution ministries.
Integrating reliable HVAC solutions during construction and renovation is key to the long-term sustainability of any large community space, and services like Lee’s Air can play a pivotal role. From designing efficient climate control systems to installing and maintaining heating and cooling units, their expertise ensures that each area—from music rooms to industrial kitchens—is properly ventilated and comfortable year-round.
By focusing on both structural and environmental quality, the parish can provide spaces that nurture growth, fellowship, and community engagement while protecting the investment in the building itself.
Just as thoughtful HVAC planning ensures a comfortable environment for every parish activity, equal consideration must be given to the plumbing infrastructure that supports daily operations. From restrooms and kitchens to irrigation systems and maintenance facilities, the integrity of plumbing networks influences both functionality and sustainability.
During renovation or new construction, upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and leak-resistant piping materials can significantly reduce long-term costs while promoting responsible resource use.
Properly engineered drainage and waste systems also help maintain sanitary conditions, which is especially vital for community centers that welcome large gatherings and ongoing outreach programs.
Attention to sustainability extends beyond installation, encompassing maintenance routines and responsive service to prevent disruptions. Engaging trusted plumbing experts in Kailua ensures that every pipe, connection, and fixture is designed to perform efficiently under constant use. These professionals apply advanced diagnostic tools and eco-conscious techniques to preserve water quality and system reliability without compromising performance.
Their approach aligns with the broader mission of creating a welcoming, functional, and environmentally mindful space where people can gather and grow together. Through reliable plumbing solutions integrated with thoughtful planning, the parish strengthens its foundation for the future—one that supports not only its structural needs but also its values of stewardship and community care.
For more information about St. Michael, please contact Tera Simmons at tera.simmons@stmichaelmemphis.com.