WRENTHAM -- Patrick Zeller put in two years building an access ramp for his Eagle Scout project at St. Mary Parish in Wrentham and he saw his work pay off as the parish gathered to dedicate the ramp on Aug. 30. Father William T. Schmidt commended the contribution to the parish and said the new accessibility fulfilled a commitment he made three years ago following the death of his mother.

"My mother is a resident of the nursing home directly across the street from St. Mary Church, but we were unable to wheel her into the church for visits because of the lack of a ramp," he said.

A statement published in the parish bulletin thanked those who had donated to support Zeller's project.

"We are grateful to the major benefactors and patrons who contributed so generously to the $100,000 construction cost of the ramp," the statement said.

Zeller cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony.

"Patrick's project was way beyond the scope of many 'Eagle Projects,' but every Eagle Project requires the Scout to display leadership skills within a group assisting the completion of the project. Patrick assumed leadership of a 'Ramp Committee' that met regularly for two years to consider every aspect of planning for the project," the statement said.