St. James of Jerusalem Church in Long Beach was recently featured in an article in Newsday highlighting their planned installation of a new $114,000, three-stop ADA-accessible hydraulic elevator. The project ensures all parishioners and community members can safely navigate the historic building. Funded primarily through a Nassau County grant alongside generous donations from church members and local residents, construction began on August 4 and is scheduled for completion by August 30 without interrupting worship services.
The initiative grew out of a clear need to remove physical barriers for parishioners with mobility challenges, who previously struggled with the steep exterior steps leading to the sanctuary and basement. The Rev. Michael Delaney, Vicar of St. James of Jerusalem, shared, "This is really about showing hospitality, keeping the front door open, but at the same time having the lift available for people who otherwise haven't been here in years."
Looking ahead, church leaders plan to build on this momentum by utilizing additional funds raised to install fully accessible restrooms, completing total facility access for every visitor.
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