Please Help Our HISTORIC Rectory From Demolition

Comments

#202

It is very important to protect historic building as part of our legacy to future generations.

David Guleke (Chester, 2023-01-06)

#204

This was my childhood church. This is a piece of history.

Lauren Duggan (Bear, 2023-01-06)

#209

I’m a member of the church and this church is a part of history. It belongs in the community.

Mark Papa (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#214

It is history

Vance Fritz Jr. (Media, 2023-01-06)

#217

I was born and raised in Delaware County as a member of the St. Thomas Parish. I was baptized and received my first Confession and Eucharist in the old church, and confirmed in the new church. I attended St. Thomas the Apostle school from kindergarten through eighth grade from about 1987 through 1996. My father's funeral was hosted at St. Thomas and he is buried there, and my mother, still living nearby, remains a parishioner as she has since the early 1980s.

I was always proud of growing up near St. Thomas and being a member of the parish because of the age and historical significance of the parish and the old church/rectory complex. Though I moved out of Pennsylvania in the early 2000s, when I visit, I always drive past the church grounds, comforted knowing that that small piece of history enshrined in the old church, rectory and original graveyard is preserved in what is now a rapidly overdeveloping area.

The idea that part of that history will be erased with no good explanation or even consultation is unreasonable and presents a threat to the preservation of local and Catholic history. The rectory building should NOT be destroyed so that is can be enjoyed and experienced by generations to come, just as it already has for so many generations past.

David Palmowski (Aldie, VA, 2023-01-06)

#218

I am a parishioner and I want this building preserved

Dorothy Olsen (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-06)

#219

Beautiful old building. It needs to be saved.

Jim McCracken (Cape May Court House, 2023-01-06)

#220

Too many historic architecture torn down for no good reason.

Susan Bompadre (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#222

I agree the historic rectory should not be demolished.

Christopher Brown (Downingtown, 2023-01-06)

#225

Desire to preserve our history. Parishioners should have a say in their church.

Heather Mako (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#227

This is an issue for St Thomas and the archdiocese of Phila. No one else’s vote matters.

Aston Resident (Delaware County , 2023-01-06)

#228

Please don’t destroy this magnificent piece of history. Why in the world would you want to destroy another piece of Catholic history ? To many Catholic schools have been emptied because so called lack of funds ! Please don’t don’t destroy this piece of history .

Patricia E Driscoll (Upper Chichester , 2023-01-06)

#229

Concern about potential damage to the historic church and the need to preserve this historic rectory

Suzanne DiGirolamo (Mount Laurel, 2023-01-06)

#230

I appreciate our heritage. Once it's gone. a photo cannot replace it,

Robert Blankley (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#231

As a parishioner from a neighboring Parish of St. Cornelius for 27 years and St. Joseph's for 22 years prior , I have visited St. Thomas on numerous occasions attending mass, funerals, weddings, and many family and friends sacraments. This is an important part not only as the history of the Catholic Church in Delaware County but also to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Why are we going to destroy a treasure in our history when there is a group financially supporting it? What does the Pastor or Archdiocese gain by doing so? Explain your reasoning if you want our support. This is yet another power play move by individuals with in the Clergy that turns numerous Catholics away from the Church. Why? Why...When the church has lost so many members due to the abuse scandals and Covid shutdowns do people in charge of the Archdiocese and parishes feel the need to do petty things to push more people away rather than doing more to welcome people back to Church?

Scott Kirkland (West Chester, 2023-01-06)

#236

Personal

Mario Gaglioti (Glen Mills , 2023-01-06)

#247

Preservation of history is most important

Tom Palmer (Port Charlotte, 2023-01-06)

#248

It’s important to keep historical buildings in place , too much being torn down

Ann Palmer (Media , 2023-01-06)

#250

Pastors come and go but a historic building that is still in use should not be destroyed without solid reason. " Because I said so" is not reason enough.

MELISSA D'Angelo (Glen Mills , 2023-01-06)

#253

The Old St, Thomas Rectory is part of the history of Old St. Thomas Church, instead of tearing down Fr. Steve should be working on how to make the Old Rectory useable, unfortunately he truly is not interested in our History..

Sarah Rahner (Chadds Ford, 2023-01-06)

#256

John Kinka

John Kinka (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#257

This change does not need to happen.

Joanne Caprez (Chester Hgts, 2023-01-06)

#259

Got married in that church

Jeff Simon (West Chester , 2023-01-06)

#265

History is a reminder of where we come from AND are going. Why destroy a perfectly good and useful beautiful building. Listening to people is part of the priest s duty. A decision that affects the parishioners should also be part of their decision.

Linda Delia (Media, 2023-01-06)

#266

That chapel it a historical building and it a constant reminder of the history it St. Thomas. To also note my father in law and many relatives are buried within 100 feet of the chapel.

Danna Smith (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-06)

#268

We have several cemetery plots that face this beautiful chapel and attend the chapel frequently. Make better use of it and people will flock there.

Patricia Travaglini (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#270

History is important

Patricia Hamre (Brookhaven, 2023-01-06)

#271

The chapel means so much to us, please do not demolish!!!!!

Moira Larkin (West Chester, 2023-01-06)

#272

It’s a stupid idea. Enough old homes have been torn down in our area.

Rose Shields (Media, 2023-01-06)

#274

I’m alumni!

Lauren Ross (West Chester, 2023-01-06)

#281

I wholeheartedly believe this important building in not just my early years of my life, but to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, does not need to be demolished.

Zachary Yuen (Apex, 2023-01-06)

#282

This is a historic landmark that should be preserved and kept for all to enjoy. Too much of our history is being torn down. History is important for all. I graduated from St. Thomas the Apostle School in 1988 and our Graduation was held in this historical church. I will alway cherish those memories of the church and school. Please reconsider the decision of tearing down this beautiful landmark.

Debbie Lehane (Wilmy, 2023-01-06)

#284

The rectory is part of the parish history!!!!

Marianne Brooks (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-06)

#285

I believe the Pasteur is wrong in the decision to demolish this extremely historic building . Where is the actual rational thinking here. We would be better off letting homeless people live in it.
And encouraging parishioner gatherings. How much will the demolition cost and isn’t this building protected because of its historic value? Just like other historic building in Garnet Valley and Concordville.

Christine Neugebauer (Glen mills, 2023-01-06)

#290

I’m a STS alumni and support the preservation of the original rectory. It’s also poor leadership on the part of the current pastor to make such a decision with zero input from his stakeholders and having done no change impact analysis. The church and its parishioners and all stakeholders deserve better.

Chrissie DiAngelus (Media, 2023-01-06)

#291

This is our historic church and parish. That it is even being considered is horrible. Parish member of 40 years and a graduate of St. Thomas school.

Lisa Thomas

Lisa Thomas (Garnet Valley , 2023-01-06)

#292

I live this Church and this building
We not to keep history alive

Christine Saunders (Upper Chichester, 2023-01-06)

#294

Went to grade school here 1962-1970received sacraments in this church

Deb Mulholland (Smyrna, 2023-01-06)

#295

I have been a parishioner of St Thomas the Apostle since 1972……I oppose the demolition of the rectory…..so much history. What’s next…..the chapel?

Jacqueline Larkin (Chester Heights, PA, 2023-01-06)

#296

This rectory is part of St. Thomas history. Father Griffin,who is buried right in front of the rectory is turning in his grave. Father Shott you should be ashamed of your self…

constance delucca (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-06)

#299

I was a member of st Thomas for many years and this church has been a source of comfort and solace for me. It has s a beautiful church and is very historic.

Margaret Mccullough (West Chester pa, 2023-01-06)

#300

To maintain historical value for our community.

Donna Rickman (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#303

I’m signing this because this is a historical building and the Parish which I’ve been apart of for 22 years …we’ve had caring and sharing meeting in there in the past … the pastor should stay in that house . It’s a great house much cheater to maintain than that big house they live in now …

Maureen Nihill (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#306

I have family members who attend. It’s bad enough the country is trying to erase history…. This piece of history can be saved.

Sharon Ursone (Boca Raton , 2023-01-06)

#308

My Grandfather and Great Grandparents are buried there. The Rectory is part of the history, and should not be destroyed.
We must preserve our history not destroyed it.

Leslie Wade (Cornelia, 2023-01-06)

#312

We have used the chapel and it is of historic value as one of the first Catholic Churches in the 13 original colonies.

Kathleen K Touhill Touhill (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#314

A number of my ancestors were members of St. Thomas, were baptized there, and are buried in old St. Thomas cemetery. Cannot see what benefit would be gained by demolition of the Rectory

Barry Doohan (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#315

The historic buildings of the Archdiocese need to be preserved and as the first parish in this Archdiocese, that building has to remain.

Dolores Golden (Glen mills, 2023-01-06)

#320

I’m signing because I belong to the parish and see so much fortune in keeping these buildings.

Nicole Dunn (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-06)

#324

We need to save historical places.

Roxanne Hoag (Linwood, 2023-01-06)

#325

This historic Church is a staple of the community. It should be preserved and remain.

Ralph Papa (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#328

I believe that we should preserve our history and this cause is not frivolous but a real concern for is our History and should be preserved. Thank you.

James McNamee (Media, 2023-01-06)

#329

As a parishoner and parent to students at St. Thomas the Apostle, I understand the importance of this historical building and agree that there is no need for it to be demolished. The new pastor, has tried to implement many changes most of which appear to based on his own agenda as opposed to what is best for the parish community.

Patience Egan (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#330

History of the area should be preserved, not demolished.
Far too many historic properties have been taken down over the past 30 years.
There is no reason for the church to tear down this 1874 Rectory.

Stan Horne (Aston, Pa., 2023-01-06)

#331

I am signing because I grew up at St. Thomas. I was baptized there in 1982, was in the first Kindergarten class in 1986, graduated from there in 1996, and was married there in 2015. I have been the godmother to three children baptized at St. Thomas in the last 13 years. I continue to cantor at St Thomas to this day.

Marissa Crozier (Chester Heights, 2023-01-06)

#334

My husband and I were married at this church in 1993 and our first bit was baptized there too. I grew up in GV and it’s nice to see it has withstood the rest of time. The parish my father and I grew up in St. Anthony’s in Chester, PA was closed and sold. It’s sad to see how a loved parish become a ruin.

Lisa Croll (Townsend, 2023-01-06)

#335

History is history!! The Bible is our history! Should we destroy that too? Need to protect and preserve!

teresa Nearey (Aston, 2023-01-06)

#337

Grew up in St. Thomas Parish/School. My mother was an active participant in FOST.

Joan Ward (Boothwyn, 2023-01-06)

#341

I lived in this neighborhood and saw “Rocky and Adrianne” get married here. I also took sewing lessons here when i was young girl

Historic!!! Has meaning!

Linda Held (West Chester , 2023-01-06)

#345

I am signing this because I hate to see these historical buildings destroyed especially for no reason.

Donna Kenish (Lester, 2023-01-06)

#347

I believe this building should be kept and maintained. If it is removed, the chapel, which it truly historic by any measure, would be the next target.

Maureen Wall (Upper Chichester, 2023-01-06)

#348

I signed this petition in an effort to preserve local history and architecture. I also signed in support of the parishioners who do not want to see this gorgeous building (and a crucial piece in their parish’s history) destroyed.

Emma Leuschner (Glen Mills, 2023-01-06)

#350

We can’t keep getting rid of our history especially the history of our Catholic Church!

Kellianne Miley (Havertown , 2023-01-06)

#351

Historically significant properties should be preserved!

Erin Rodichok (Williamstown , 2023-01-07)

#358

I’m signing because I am a St Thomas alumni and this beautiful church should be preserved.

Kristin Cabry (West Chester , 2023-01-07)

#360

Old houses/rectories should be saved!!!

Amanda Van Ness (Quincy, 2023-01-07)

#361

I’m signing this because I am actively involved in the preservation of history in the community & find it sad that the current rector doesn’t see the importance of preserving the history of St Thomas.

Mary Alice Peeling (Concordville, 2023-01-07)

#364

My dad passed away in 2013. This was his favorite church.

Theresa Carroll (Glen Mills, 2023-01-07)

#366

I went to school
at St. Thomas and this was a special part of my childhood

Philip Raymond (Lititz, 2023-01-07)

#367

St. Thomas' parish has been an integral part of Chester Heights and the surrounding community since it was founded by the Willcox family back in the 1700's. When a historic building is demolished - especially, without a reasonable explanation - the community loses part of its own history and its identity. This place MATTERS, and I support the community in their fight to save it!

Pamela Rizzo (Wilmington, 2023-01-07)

#369

Preserve history and be more sustainable!

Sam Bieri (Philadelphia, 2023-01-07)

#370

Those buildings are our history and the state’s history! I remember going to the chapel and to the rectory when I was at St. Thomas. Beloved buildings.

Jessica Jacovini (Chester Heights, 2023-01-07)

#374

I support saving the 1987 rectory from being demolished.

Denise Brooks (Edgmont, 2023-01-07)

#378

I love beautiful buildings.

Marzena Gralak (Austin, 2023-01-07)

#383

I value and appreciate history and historical buildings. There is absolutely no reason why a well maintained, beautiful historical building should be destroyed. BTW… I am not a member of the parish, I just appreciate history and historical buildings and places.

Lin Cardwell (Chester Heights, 2023-01-07)

#389

Historic architecture shouldn’t be destroyed.

Agnieszka Kuzma (Bushkill, 2023-01-07)

#394

I am signing because the building is being used to speak Peace to the community. We have used the instruments of war far too long on the streets of Chester. We need to Support and Protect those groups that are working towards Peace.

William Gordon (Collingdale, 2023-01-07)

#397

History MATTERS!

Elizabeth Quaid (Washington, 2023-01-07)

#398

I am signing because this building could be a HUGE BENEFIT TO THE PARISH. The current Pastor is killing our parish!!!!
This building holds many historical events and should not be destroyed!
What a devastating disgusting disregard for historical relevant structures from a proclaimed teacher in fact. Speechless!!!!

Beth Revenis (media, 2023-01-07)

#399

This a critical piece of our history and is important to members of the Church and the community. St Thomas has always reached out to the community.

Larry Curry (ASTON, 2023-01-07)



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