Workers inscribe names in undercroft of Baltimore's historic basilica

Published: 2006-10-12

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Nearly 150 years ago, father and son bricklayers Francis and David Gildea carefully etched their names in cement in the undercroft of the nation's first cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Oct. 3, in a small ceremony on the portico of the Baltimore basilica, that 19th-century act was replicated by two Henry H. Lewis workers, Vincent P. Rubera and George E. Wilk II. "I am honored," said Rubera, 73, a second-generation carpenter who was chosen to leave his mark because he is the longest tenured employee of Henry H. Lewis Contractors, the firm responsible for the basilica's $32 million restoration. "This means a lot to me." Rubera was hired by Lewis along with his father, Paul Rubera, in 1966. Also signing his name was Wilk, a 33-year-old journeyman carpenter who has been employed by Lewis for nine years. As lead foreman, he was thoroughly involved in each detail of the project.

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