Demolition of the former convent, most recently used for parish offices, is completed at Nativity of our Lord parish in Rhinelander as another phase of scale renovations to the parish and school structures. (Facebook photo, Nativity of our Lord Parish and School)

Extensive renovations to Nativity of our Lord Church in Rhinelander were completed in February 2018. Another phase of the building project began at the end of June.

After almost 70 years of service to the parish community, the former convent/parish office building was demolished.

According the Nativity’s business manager, Michael DeBay, the convent was “beyond its usable life.”

Earlier this year the former St. Mary’s rectory was converted to parish offices. Once the demolition is finished, repairs will be done to the north wall of the school, where the two buildings were connected.

Looking to the future, a proposed playground will be built on the site, along with green space that will result in a smaller footprint for the parish and school structures. At the same time, the parish is reflecting on the past and the many women of faith who lived in the convent and served the parish and school.