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Golden Pond Unearths Statue of Virgin Mary

By Michelle Murdock, Freelance Writer
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While excavating for the expansion project at Golden Pond Assisted Living, work crews unearthed a fully intact, four foot statue of the Virgin Mary.

“People are amazed,” said Executive Director William Marr. “Some people were close to tears when they saw it.”

Marr says he can’t believe that the statue did not get damaged. It is just about the full size of the scoop on the back hoe and it came up all in one piece. The workers discarded it and went on with their excavating, but Marr sent someone to pick up the statue and store it in a safe place.

Found on Wednesday, the statue is currently under lock and key in Marr’s office, until it can be restored. Marr says he plans to contact someone at St. John’s parish for advice about the best way to clean up the statue and once restored, to place the statue in Golden Pond’s chapel which is currently undergoing renovations as well.

“Timing wise, it’s fortunate that the chapel is being redone,” said Marr. “It’s a multi-denominational chapel and we are planning to put the statue there.”

Marr says that once the rush of the holiday season is over, he would also like to look further into the historical background of the two lots that are being excavated to try to determine where the statue came from. But that will have to wait until January, as December is a busy time at Golden Pond with many community groups visiting and lots of activities planned for the holidays.

“We would not have found it,’ said Marr, “if we hadn’t had to dig in that exact spot. It makes you wonder what else might be out there.”

For now, Marr is viewing the find as a sign that Golden Pond’s long awaited expansion project is going to be a good thing. While one person has already offered to buy the statue, it is not for sale.

“The statue will be a part of Golden Pond for as long as we are here,” said Marr.

NOTE: If you know anything about the statue, its history or where it came from, contact Bill Marr at wmarr@assistedlivingatgoldenpond.com or at 508-435- 1250.