Father Michael Matveenko, pastor of Assumption Parish, Galloway, prepares to bless the crosses erected outside the church by Kolby Rundio as his Eagle Scout project.
Kolby Rundio constructed three aluminum crosses at Assumption Parish, Galloway, for his Eagle Scout project.
“I graduated from Assumption School, and I am a member of the parish, so this felt like a good way to give something back to the church community.”
Assumption is the charter organization for Kolby’s Boy Scout Troop 634.
The crosses are set up next to the church, visible from Pitney Road, and illuminated at night. The center cross is 15 feet high, and flanked by two smaller, 12 foot crosses.
Kolby received the go ahead for the project in November 2009 from Assumption’s pastor, Father Michael Matveenko.
Over the next 16 months, Kolby managed his project. “I learned how to communicate and explain the details of what I wanted to do,” Kolby said.
Kolby also learned the importance of asking for and receiving help. Some help came from monetary donations from Assumption parishioners and from friends and family. The rest of the help came in the form of sweat equity and donated or discounted labor.
“There were a lot of people who stepped up and helped, including Mr. Patrick Einwechter who helped with the concrete footings for the crosses and Swenson Welding who fabricated the crosses.” Kolby said.
Also providing assistance were R. W. Brown Landscaping who donated the landscaping labor and materials and Hart Painting who painted the crosses.
Kolby and his volunteers logged in a total of 232 hours on the project.
“My favorite part of the project was bolting them in and seeing that they weren’t going to fall over,” Kolby said, recalling the day the crosses were raised. They were blessed and dedicated by Father Matveenko on Sunday April 3.
Kolby, a junior at Absegami High School and a member of Germania Volunteer Fire Company, will celebrate his new Eagle rank at a Court of Honor in July.
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