On Saturday, August 10, 2024, St. Sahag Church of Minneapolis, MN, hosted a “Gathering of Gratitude” to honor the contributions and commitment of church member Dale Zoerb. Fellow parishioners came together to thank Dale for his efforts to restore and preserve the physical integrity of their beloved church.
With a 40-year career as the owner of a building restoration company, Dale had made a gift to the church of his expertise and labor. He and his team undertook the work over the course of two years, resulting in a beautified and structurally-sound exterior for the historic stone building.
“Dale’s efforts are a testament to his deep love and dedication—not only to St. Sahag Church, but to the Armenian community that it serves,” said parish council chair Michèle Byfield Angell. “His generous heart and skillful hands have ensured that our sanctuary will continue to be a spiritual home for generations to come. His restoration of our khatchkar is particularly meaningful, connecting us to the memory of our martyrs, and to the enduring legacy of our ancestors.”
Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan (currently the pastor of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA) returned to the church he led for many years to share the occasion alongside St. Sahag’s faithful. Fr. Barseghyan blessed a new plaque installed into the wall of the church, commemorating Dale Zoerb’s generosity. The honoree himself, members of his family, and many talented craftsmen who worked on the building were present for the ceremony.
At a celebratory reception afterwards, parish leaders and well-wishers expressed thanks to Dale. A letter of gratitude from Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was read to the crowd.
“Our churches are places where the divine and the human meet,” wrote the Primate; “where prayers are lifted, and where the light of Christ shines brightly. Your work, Dale, has not only restored the physical structure but has also renewed the spirit within these walls. Your efforts have made this church a beacon of faith, hope, and love for all who enter. On behalf of the entire Armenian community and the generations who will worship here, I extend to you my deepest thanks and prayers.”
In his own gracious remarks, Dale said that he was deeply moved by the plaque unveiling. He added that he was proud that in his long career, St. Sahag Church is the only structure to have honored his name and his Armenian heritage.