Start Elevator Helps Revitalize Historic Church In Brooklyn

Bronx-based Start Elevator restored a 19th century church's elevator for free, after Hurricane Sandy left it out of service for more than two years.

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Start Elevator

Jul 02, 2015, 09:17 ET

BRONX, N.Y., July 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy flooded the basement of Brooklyn's Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. After the disaster, the community and parish members helped the church complete nearly $500,000 in repairs, but they still needed to fix their essential elevator, which transported people and supplies to and from the basement. After more than two years having to operate without the elevator, John O'Shea, owner of Start Elevator restored it for the church, free of charge.

The restoration cost was around $4-5,000, but Start Elevator's contribution signified something more valuable. Four years ago, the church was scheduled to close due to declining conditions and rising crime in the community. During a difficult time, the parish members and community came together to revitalize and save the historic church.

"When John learned of the parish's hardship, he realized he could do a small deed that would have a huge impact. We never asked him to fix the elevator for free, but the fact that he offered to do so shows what a good man he is. Generosity must come from the heart - from the Lord - and John genuinely cared and was very kind," said Father Eamon Murray, the church's Parochial Vicar and Leader of Youth Ministry.

Still a family business, Start Elevator has been in the elevator industry for more than 20 years, and currently employs 85 people. "While making money is obviously an important part of our business, taking care of the communities we live in is how we ensure our neighbors and their children continue to live a happy and prosperous life. The personnel at Start Elevator were delighted to have been able to restore the church's elevator free of charge," said O'Shea.

To learn more about Start Elevator, please visit http://www.startelevator.com/.

About Start Elevator: Start Elevator was founded in 1992 by John O'Shea, and has remained a family business committed to personal service, innovative ideas and earning a reputation of excellence. The goal at Start Elevator is to continually provide customers with the personalized service that has earned them a reputation for outstanding performance in the elevator industry.

SOURCE Start Elevator