Memories: The Ratrie Lift

In the 1970s, we had a major capital funds drive that included important improvements to our buildings. A list of estimated costs was distributed to all parishioners as potential contributors. The most expensive was the addition of an elevator. Only one location in the parish house allowed an elevator to reach the basement and third floor, as well as floors in between.

It should be noted that rooms 109 and 209 (Virginia Adams Room) were considerably larger prior to the elevator’s addition. In fact, a full bathroom with tub and shower had to be removed on the second floor, making the Molly Warwick Room no longer usable as living quarters.

Then Senior Warden Dan McDonald tells this story. He contacted long-time parishioner Mary Price Ratrie and said he would like to visit her. She sensed his intention and said, “I would love to see you, but I’ve decided I want to pay for the elevator.”

Once digging below the basement had begun, it was determined that the construction would be much more costly than originally expected. So, Dan called Mary Price and explained this, saying, “I’m sorry about this, but I can get you out of it.” Mrs. Ratrie quickly replied, “No, I said I would pay for the new elevator, and I will.”

Though she had intended for her gift to remain anonymous, it had already become known and was dubbed by parishioner the late Stan Forrest as “the Ratrie Lift.”