Please Help Our HISTORIC Rectory From Demolition

Comments

#402

History should not be forgotten! This is a Historic building don't demolish this Beautiful building.

Michele Rhine (Folsom , 2023-01-07)

#406

Get it registered on the national registry if you can. I’m a historic preservationist who specializes in restoring historic wood windows and there is no reason to demo and perfectly stable standing structure. Reach out to me if you need help.

Kelly Cardwell (Media, 2023-01-07)

#409

I want to preserve history.

Donna Fedullo (Chester heights, 2023-01-07)

#414

Please keep this vital part of Pennsylvania and American history alive.

Mike Cancel (Woodland Park, 2023-01-07)

#416

It’s unnecessary to demolish

Mary Gillen (Aston, 2023-01-07)

#425

This building should be save, the congregation should have voice in decision. Why every time new pastor come to the parish ,they start construction. changes in buildings, why they don't talk with people?

Maria Folcik (Linden, 2023-01-07)

#428

1- FOST has done an excellent job in maintaining the integrity of these historic buildings and preserving our deep Catholic roots in our community. 2- The building in question is not in disrepair or a safety hazard. 3- Destruction of this building is very expensive and a waste of parish funds. 4- A decision of this magnitude should be well supported by documentation and provided to the parishioners. Destruction of any historic building should never be based on the decision of one person. 5- The old rectory was built by our past parishioners and it’s legacy should be continued by present parishioners.

Barbara Brooks (Aston, PA, 2023-01-07)

#437

This house is beautiful and needs to be preserved and loved.

Emma Madeline Erickson (Omaha, 2023-01-07)

#449

I am signing because it is my understanding that the church and rectory are historic and volunteers of the parish have volunteered their time to keep these buildings updated.

Catherine Murphy (Glen Mills, 2023-01-07)

#453

Podpisuje ta petycje poniewaz jest to obiekt historyczny wazny dla mieszkancow Pennsylvani jako nie tylko obiekt ale takze wartosc emocjonalna dla parafian.

Eliza Androsiuk (Westland , 2023-01-07)

#454

I would like to protect valuble and preccious monuments

Marta Sokolowski (Maspeth, 2023-01-07)

#461

I'm signing because I believe it is critically important to preserve and celebrate our past. There is no better way to do this than to allow the structures that document it to endure.

Chris Rizzo (Wilmington, 2023-01-08)

#463

In view of all of the concerns about the planned demolition of the historic 1874 St. Thomas the Apostle rectory in early 2023 - after it was not even announced to the parish until December 11, 2022 - our first reaction is: why is demolition, all of a sudden, so urgent? Why can't the parish take more time in order to review the concerns cited not only in the petition itself but also in the large number of comments? For example, in our own comment, we wish to say that the 1874 rectory overlooks the burial plot and headstone reserved for ourselves. (We also learned from another comment that a previous pastor, Fr. Francis X. Griffin, is buried in front of the old rectory!) There are so many comments relating to personal involvement with the old rectory, including remarks by someone whose duties included cooking dinner in the old rectory for Fr. Griffin. There are also many comments by those with a general interest in preserving historic buildings. There are remarks made by people with pertinent expertise (e.g. an architect, a building inspector, a historian, just to name a few). Finally, here is a short list of those whose comments REALLY made the strongest impression upon us (listed by comment number):

18. Fr. Francis P. Groark: the previous pastor
24. Michael Squyres: coordinator of FOST (Friends of Old St. Thomas) for many years and active in the restoration and maintenance of the Historic District for almost 50 years
44. Marianne Squyres: with Michael, active with FOST in the restoration and maintenance of the Historic District
70. Mark Willcox: a living representative of the historic Willcox family, to whom St. Thomas the Apostle Parish traces its origin to 1729!

These are just a handful of the responses that show many valid reasons for reconsideration of the proposed demolition. Hopefully, reading these viewpoints will be useful to the Archbishop and to the Pastor in finalizing a decision. If financing is a problem, we are sure that something could be worked out, perhaps another fund-raiser?

James & Patricia Fabrey (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-08)

#467

Against demolition .

Malgorzata Mosejczuk (Mahwah, 2023-01-08)

#471

I was a parishioner for over 30 years and appreciate the history of these parish buildings. It is so sad to tear things down!

Catherine Koncir (Nottingham , 2023-01-08)

#478

In Europę we take care about all churches, especially old . They are part of our tradition and history. Is ridiculous that in US people buying or building new and don’t care about old . Is a shame.

Irena Magdalena (Lakewood , 2023-01-09)

#482

That is the church I grew up in. My sister sang in that church. That is a place an entire close community grew up. And you absolutely can not find a church like that anymore. It must be preserved.

Deanna Altschuler (West Chester, 2023-01-10)

#484

I have close family that are parish members and have been for generations.

Bob Nolfi (Wilmington , 2023-01-10)

#486

I went to St Thomas school and I thing its wrong to tear down this historic landmark. It needs to be preserved.

Jenna Rahner (Reno, 2023-01-10)

#487

I was an original FOST member and believe we need to maintain the historical buildings

Kathleen McNichol (Glen Mills, 2023-01-10)

#492

To save the structure and history/memories attached to it

Carolynn Roe (Morton, 2023-01-10)

#494

I don’t want this very Old rectory demolish.

Maria Zielinska (Howard Beach, 2023-01-10)

#500

Why should 1man have all thAt power ? . Does he really have a vested interest in this church ?

Bonnie Gane (Aston, 2023-01-10)

#504

I have always admired this beautiful chapel. It is very important to maintain historical structures. So many historical building r being distroyed.

Barbara Clark (Garner Valley, 2023-01-10)

#509

Agnieszka sulima

Agnieszka Sulima (Saddle brook , 2023-01-10)

#516

I went to St.Thomas in early 80. This beautiful church AND rectory mean so much. I think it's selfish of Father Shott to propose to demolish the rectory. I can't help but wonder why so many people these days want to demolish history.

Tracy Bower (Brookhaven, 2023-01-11)

#518

The building is very special to our family

Rebecca Grant (Folsom, 2023-01-11)

#519

The proposed demolition of the old rectory is unjustified for the following reasons:
1. It forms a part of an architectural and historically significant grouping of buildings.
2. Great loss of historical and cultural resources, including those of the parish, Delaware County, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
3. Demolition operations pose danger of irreparable damage to the adjacent chapel.
4. The building is structurally sound and has functional spaces and toilet facilities accessible to chapel users. To demolish the building a pave over reduces amount of usable space and is senseless.
5. FOST maintains the historical buildings.
6. Potential backlash and negative publicity by the community and pariahoners and decline in giving and financial support for the parish, and finally,
7. It's simply not the right thing to do! I encourage ceasing the strong handed approach in favor of reaching consensus with the community at large.

Steven Lawrey (Havertown , 2023-01-11)

#520

I am not a current parishioner but my spouse and I were for many years. We raised our three daughters there and all three attended the school. We were personnel friend with Father Griffin and Father Williams, were on the fund raising group for the current church, were at the annual fair, etc, etc. Our oldest daughter was married in the old church.
Too often we tear down our history in this country.
Don't let this happen to the St Thomas buildings. Find another way
Joe & Dolly Cook

Joseph Cook (Venice, 2023-01-11)

#523

I believe there were 60 people ready to help fix minor issues in the old rectory and it would not cost the parish anything ! I am a member of FOST❤️

Kathy Schlenk (Glen Mills, 2023-01-12)

#524

I’m signing because this is a historic structure that should be saved. My mother cooked for the priest in that kitchen 30 years ago and was also a collection of counter at that location. Save the rectory!

Mary Conlin (Manahawkin, 2023-01-12)

#527

I’m signing not only because I have such good memories of the church from when I went there, but also because it is a part of of local, state and even national history!

Tara Bohner (Lewes, 2023-01-13)

#528

The 1874 Rectory has been a welcoming gathering place for many ministry meetings, fellowship meals, gathering space for brides. Would be an utter shame to lose it. Thank you

Nicoletta DiTrolio (Aston, 2023-01-13)

#529

I'm signing to prevent an historic site from being needlessly destroyed.

Jeanne Doucette (GLEN MILLS, 2023-01-13)

#530

I disagree with a pernicious decision to demolish St Thomas's historical rectory. I respectfully request that appropriate leaders within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Oblates of Saint Francis take these actions: 1) direct the pastor to halt all demolition activities at this time, 2) investigate and address serious parishioners' concerns with the pastor's decision process, and 3) review and reiterate the boundaries for future parish decisions. Having supported my parish for over 60 years, I am appalled by the process used to reach a demolition decision. I seek that future parish decisions be openly discussed and vetted with parishioners, relevant committees, and a truly independent parish council. Each contribute knowledge, talents, diversity, and resources which foster and enhance our parish community.

Wendy Winner (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-13)

#531

The risk to the old St Thomas Chapel with its gorgeous German stained glass windows is destroying a piece of history, especially Catholic history, in Delaware County. Demolishing a building that is structurally sound, can be used for multiple purposes by the active church community and is funded by a different volunteer organization makes no sense. Father Shott should provide his reasons for wanting to demolish the old rectory as well as proof that no harm will come to the St Thomas Chapel.

Cora Pinhak (Havertown, 2023-01-13)

#532

As a parishioner for 65 years, I am opposed to the demolition of the historic 1874 rectory. St. Thomas the Apostle Church and rectory was the first parish in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and should be perserved. Volunteers have donated funds and time to restore and maintain the rectory. The parish parishioners have not been consulted concerning the Pastor's decision to demolish the rectory and were informed of his decision with little notice. The Pastor provided incorrect and misleading information concerning the condition and use of the rectory to Archbishop Perez for project approval. The Pastor’s decision to demolish the Rectory has antagonized the active parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle and may have unfavorable results in the future. What other demolition plans does our Pastor have for destroying significant historical buildings and property at St. Thomas The Apostle?

Richard Winner (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-13)

#533

As a lifelong parishioner (for nearly 60 years), I am opposed to the destruction of the 1874 rectory. It is a historical building and local history should be saved when reasonable to do so, especially when people have offered to donate their time, effort and sufficient resources to maintain, restore and beneficially use the building. The decision on the rectory should be respectful of thoughts of the parishioners of St. Thomas, and not be overly influenced or determined by one individual recently and currently assigned to the parish who doesn’t value our history. A couple of questions to consider: Would the Oblates of St. Francis think it’s a good idea to have parishioners of St. Thomas unilaterally determine what infrastructure of theirs should be maintained or eliminated? Would Archbishop Perez think that parishioners of St. Thomas should unilaterally decide which parish owned buildings in, for example, Philadelphia should be demolished? Do the “leaders” of the Catholic church really need to antagonize active parishioners (what’s become worldwide a small minority of Catholics) with an essentially non-religious issue? I think the answers to each of these questions is obvious.

Stephen Winner (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-13)

#534

Project doesn’t seem well thought out. Like many decisions in the Catholic Church, it seems to be made by one individual. I believe that a building that has survived for almost 150 years should be preserved unless there is a compelling reason otherwise. I don’t believe that case has been made.

Michael Melia (Garnet Valley , 2023-01-13)

#535

beautiful historic architecture

jim oconnor (Glen Mills, 2023-01-13)

#536

I’m signing because I grew up attending mass at old St Thomas Church, went all through the school (2nd grade-8th)
Received my first holy communion there. I see no reason for the rectory to be demolished especially if it still useable!! We need to preserve as much as history as we can, so our children can see and learn!

Jennifer Montgomery (Folsom , 2023-01-13)

#538

The rectory is a beautiful part of the Saint Thomas the apostle Parish

James Bower (Brookhaven, 2023-01-13)

#539

I’m signing because I went to school at St Thomas and was a parish member for years, demolishing the building is unnecessary.

Kathy Francis (West Chester, 2023-01-13)

#540

I strongly oppose the demolition of the historic Saint Thomas the Apostle rectory and chapel. I received my sacraments of first holy communion and confirmation there. The chapel is beautiful and I firmly believe that it can continue to be utilized as a site for special occasions. I also seem to recall that Saint John Neumann laid the cornerstone of the church. How can something be destroyed that was consecrated by such a great Saint?!

Joseph Pinhak (Havertown, 2023-01-13)

#544

The threatened property is historically significant and has many years of useful life/contributions to make for the community.

Mary DeNadai (West Chester, 2023-01-15)

#547

I have MANY fond memories of this historic place. These beautiful buildings are just steeped in history and it would be such travesty to demolish a building that holds so many memories for so many people.

Marianne Krug (Glenmoore, 2023-01-21)

#548

Rec is historical...... The rec belongs to the members of St Thomas , they do not want it destroyed!!!

Tom Milowicki (Glen Mills pa, 2023-01-22)

#551

This is a historical and important site.

Lisa Pajak (Media, 2023-01-22)

#552

It’s the church that I was christened in and raised in.

Douglas Winner (Chestertown , 2023-01-22)

#554

I am a St Thomas parishioner and have been appreciative of the history of the parish and the concern, efforts and financial assistance of those involved with the Friends of St Thomas to preserve history by collaborative means.

Joseph E Lastowka Jr (Glen Mills, 2023-01-23)

#555

I care about the history of or Parrish.

Paula Fitz (Thornton, 2023-01-23)

#556

I loved going to mass in the old church. I attend the rosary there & would like to see the old church & rectory used more often

Theresa May (Glen mills, 2023-01-23)

#558

I’m am signing because St Thomas is historical. Whatever happened to preserving historical sites. That’s the problem with this society. First it’s the Concordville Inn, now the church. You are destroying this community. I have so many memories of the church and how quaint and homey it is and a feeling like we were all family. I got married in the old church and have sentimental memories. It meant a lot to get married in a historical church. Maybe I should have chose St Hedwigs in Chester instead. There is always someone who will come along and destroy a part of a historical community.

Lorean Koscinski (Glen Mills, 2023-01-23)

#559

The rectory has historical significance and should not be destroyed.

Raymond Carabello (Glen Mills, 2023-01-23)

#561

All historic buildings should be saved unless they are in need of major repairs.
Use the property for church or non-church related functions.

Barb Villare (Glen Mills, 2023-01-23)

#562

I believe the history of the St. Thomas parish needs to be preserved and this includes saving historical buildings.

Jodi Park (Thornton, 2023-01-23)

#564

It’s an incredible historical building

Debi-Jaye Morgan (Glen Mills, 2023-01-24)

#565

No need to demolish the building

Bill Heist (Glen Mills, 2023-01-24)

#566

I do not want the historic site demolished

Dolores Dallura (glen mills, 2023-01-25)

#567

This is a historical site. This rectory was built 50 years before the birth of our country !!! Much to special to be destroyed!!!

Maureen Hewitt (Chadds Ford, 2023-01-25)

#569

This is a piece of history that must be preserved

Ray Saccomandi (Wilmington, 2023-01-25)

#570

I attended St Thomas and My children have attended the school or are or have gone through the CCD program.

Lorenzo Paolella (Media, 2023-01-25)

#572

Old St. Thomas church NOT be demolished

Tanya Marie (Aston, 2023-01-25)

#574

Went to chuch as a child. It is a piece of history for parrish and community.

Brett Queensberry (Palm harbor , 2023-01-26)

#576

my wife and I were married in that church ! the church has bigger problems to focus on. Destroying such an historic piece is an abomination! Stop hitting the very people who support you !!'

mike katona (philadelphia , 2023-01-26)

#579

I would like to preserve our history here at St. Thomas for future generations.

Mary Maenza (Glen Mills, 2023-01-26)

#581

This is wrong and history needs to be preserved not destroyed. I grew up in Glen Mills and remember St Thomas very well and am appalled by the decision to tear down our history.

Barry Maxwell (Chuluota, 2023-01-26)

#582

No pastor, either one who just walked in or long term, should have the authority to unequivocally tear down structures that hold value to the parish currently and especially historically in this particular instance. But after witnessing the many priests and especially the Archdiocese behavior shutting down churches, masking students & encouraging vaccines, it's no wonder this behavior continues.

Chuck McGrory (West Chester PA 19382, 2023-01-26)

#583

I am a long term parishioner and have a lot of memories of this rectory

Nancy Houtmann (Glen mills, 2023-01-26)

#584

I value historic properties

John Kantzes (WILMINGTON, 2023-01-26)

#585

I am a parishioner and my daughter graduated from St Thomas in 2020.

Eileen Harhut (West Chester, 2023-01-26)

#586

This historic building should be preserved. I’m appalled that anyone would consider demolishing it.

Amanda Giampietro (Glen mills, 2023-01-26)

#589

I’m signing because there is no sound reason to demolish this historic building. The Catholics have screwed up enough over the years, how about preserving a historic building and use it for something good.

John Brientnall (Daniel Island, 2023-01-26)

#590

I want to save this historic building. The craftsmanship and beauty of these old stone structures stand as a testament to the generations that established and maintained this parish. I will pray that Father Shott will see God's Plan when He planned it in 1729 as a special place for all to gather and grow as a blessed community.

Jack Cassidy (Cheyney, 2023-01-26)

#591

Save history

Bill Dempsey (Landenberg, 2023-01-26)

#592

History should be preserved

Bonnie Blango (Chadds Ford, 2023-01-27)

#594

This is a great piece of history and a useful structure to have in the parish. If the parishioners can raise the money to maintain the building, they should let them do it. This same situation occurred in our summer parish in Sea Isle City (St Joseph's). We fought hard, placed signs in town, raised money, and appealed all the way to the Vatican; and we won! We can do this!

He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind with all.

St Thomas The Apostle

Tony Ieradi (Glen Mills, 2023-01-27)

#596

I have family in the parish and I appreciate Delaware County history.

Jaime Trapp Haughton (Media, 2023-01-27)

#597

I attended CCD at St. Thoms. I think it's a beautiful building that should be preserved.

Melissa Tinley (Garnet Valley, 2023-01-27)

#598

My husband's funeral mass was in the original church in 1991 and I was a parishioner for 19 years.

Elaine Modica (Upper Chichester, 2023-01-27)

#599

I believe this building should be preserved for future generations.

Ed News (Glen Mills, 2023-01-27)

#600

I'm signing because of of the rectory's historical significance and I appreciated the use of it while teaching at the school.

Cynthia Holland (Kirkwood, 2023-01-27)



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