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The following information is available for St. Hedwigs:

Future site of St. Hedwigs Studios

The latest project of The Hands Foundation (see the page for The Hands Foundation here on Facebook) is the preservation of the amazing St. Hedwigs church in Thorp, WI. The project began as a solution to a need for the band Fragile. They were looking for a large building to record parts of their new album in and had seen the old abandoned church from the highway many times. Opened in 1907, after three years of construction, St. Hedwig's held masses and events for over sixty years until it was closed down in 1970. For forty years it sat dormant, set for destruction until it was seen as a possible recording venue for Fragile in 2008. This led Darrell and Chauncey Marrier of Fragile to Father Keith Apfelbeck of St. Bernard's in Thorp, WI. Upon asking of this possibility he said no, quite quickly actually, and that could have been the end of it. However, he was contacted again so the Marriers could explain more about themselves and the band, as well as the foundation and the work that the foundation has done. After some convincing, there was a meeting and eventually the Marriers got in to see the inside of the magnificent structure. Words cannot explain the feeling of walking in to a place such as this. Even with all the dust and debris on the ground, the beauty could not be ignored. Father Keith informed Darrell and Chauncey of the history of the grand building; its construction, use, and eventual closing. The acoustics inside were perfect and it was realized that this was more than could have been hoped. After a couple recording sessions, and the news it was to be torn down at some point, a new plan emerged; to save St. Hedwigs church. Plans were put in place to use the building as a recording studio and as offices for The Hands Foundation. It would also serve to show the history of the area and the building of the church itself. People would be able to tour the building and see for themselves the awe inspiring beauty of this amazing structure. Father Keith proved to be an integral part of the process speaking on the foundation's behalf to anyone who would listen. World-renowned studio designer Michael Cronin was called to gauge his interest. When he was reached by phone, he was mountain climbing but when the building was described to him, he took keen and immediate interest. He informed the Marriers that he had a window of opportunity of only one day to come see the building. He flew in, was driven to the church and he was staggered. He said that of all the buildings he has visited in his career, this was the second most acoustically perfect building that he has ever seen. All he could say was, "You don't realize what you've got here!" He agreed to participate in the exciting project... now made more exciting by the participation of a man such as Michael Cronin. The local papers and press spread the story and people from all over started sending their encouragement and donations for the project. The building was an inspiration to the many people who had either attended the church or its functions and wanted to see it returned to its former glory. An agreement was reached in late 2008 with the catholic dioceses of La Crosse, WI to lease the church to the Hands Foundation so renovations could begin. On Christmas Day, 2008, they officially secured a 50 year lease with the Catholic diocese of La Crosse, starting the official renovation of St. Hedwig's. Work has been going on ever since with so many people volunteering their time. The Hands Foundation continues to need support by way of volunteering or donations. The biggest need for St. Hedwig's was a new roof to stop anymore damage from occurring due to leaks. That part of the project is now complete thanks to generous donations from individuals, families, and businesses. Follow the progress of the Hands Foundation as they renovate the 100 year old catholic church. Upon it's completion, it will become a recording studio and cultural center, as well as offices for the Hands Foundation. We will keep updating you. Donations can be given through the Hands Foundation by calling 715-229-4456. Your donations of time for the many other projects of The Hands Foundation are always welcome. ~ Travis Rogers, Jr. © copyright 2012. Travis Rogers, Jr. All rights reserved.

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