(1-3-25) Sunesis Environmental, working through FIRST ONSITE, began controlled demolition of St. John Church on Friday, January 2nd. A large excavator was used to demolish the West and North walls, including the Northwest work sacristy and storage area above. They were able to preserve the original marker from the 1849 & 1889 churches.

They will return Saturday 7 AM to demolish the East wall and Northeast priest sacristy and storage area above. While demolishing the walls, Sunesis is using the brick and debris to build a platform within the church to support a much larger excavator with a boom and claw that reaches 120’.

They will use the claw to remove the tower from the top down, while striving to preserve the limestone façade. We hope masons can remove the limestone façade at a later date for possible use in a future church.

Sunesis is currently seeking ODOT permit approval to transport the larger excavator which requires excess load and height limits. Permitting approval will dictate when the larger excavator arrives, hopefully by Saturday. The tower demolition will begin on Saturday if possible, but may be pushed back to as late as Monday.

St. John Bricks:

FIRST ONSITE has been asked to preserve a large pile of bricks on the West parking lot that can be used in the future as a memorial, given to parishioners and perhaps used for fundraising. Bricks will be stored in the restricted area until they can be safely cleaned for use/distribution.

Please note: Parking lots and areas surrounding St. John Church are being blocked off for safety. Do not enter any restricted areas.