St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

On September 17, 1989 Hurricane Hugo struck the island of St. Croix at Category 5 with 170 MPH sustained winds and gusts of up to 238+.

For locals it was .  .  . "The Longest Night"

This small church was a National Park Service restoration project that I was the Lead Carpenter on for our crew from Hutch’s Maintenance And Repair. The original belfry was completely severed by wind. A new cold-moulded shell was constructed on a timber-frame bell-cage w/ traditional mortice & tennon joinery. We also put on a new metal roof, interior floors and new hurricane shutters.

Sometimes the small projects receive the most care.