Please Help Our HISTORIC Rectory From Demolition

Comments

#604

These historic buildings, especially "firsts" and especially first religious buildings in PA, where religious tolerance was the early policy, need to be preserved.

Lee Nell (Gulfport, FL, 2023-01-28)

#605

The catholic archdiocese needs change to bring more people who want to worship …. Stop shutting doeen all the history !

Monica Mcgee (Kennett square , 2023-01-28)

#606

There is insufficient reasoning to demolish the rectory. The 1874 rectory should be preserved as if serves as a historic and vital gathering space for numerous functions. Its destruction would be a great loss to the St. Thomas community.

Andrew Scott (River Forest, 2023-01-28)

#607

I believe in Joe and Merikay Dragon.

Steve Frainey (Elmhurst, 2023-01-28)

#608

This is an historic site to which my family has connections to. St Thomas is an anchor in the local community.

Allan Tiro (Scottsdale, AZ, 2023-01-28)

#609

Historic preservation of places of worship is important and it is not fair to the people who funded the restoration of this beautiful building to tear it down. Please save this lovely building and part of the history of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Thank you

Fred Lutcher (West Chester , 2023-01-28)

#610

That was my parish for years and there is a HISTORICAL element this priest is overlooking

Connie Cenatiempo (Glen Mills, 2023-01-28)

#612

We need to preserve historical buildings in the Pennsylvania area. It shouldn’t all be about money

Janes Millard (Bensalem, 2023-01-29)

#614

It’s historic and a part of STA history.

Aimee Leraris (Glen Mills , 2023-01-30)

#615

History needs to be preserved

Stephen DiMarino (Chadds Ford, 2023-01-30)

#616

There is very little history left in todays world , tearing something down is always the easy way out. It’s a beautiful piece of history that should remain. There is no reason not to put money into fixing it . So much money is wasted put it to good use by fixing history !!!!

Nicole Costa (Thornton , 2023-01-30)

#617

The rectory holds sentimental and possible historical value for a good portion of the STA parish community. Visiting priests and bishops were welcomed after masses and confirmations in the rectory. Young couples had Pre-Cana meetings in the offices, families registered their babies for baptisms there. I myself spent several years in my late teens and early twenties working at the rectory. I assisted in counting the Sunday collection, answered phones cooked meals did laundry and ran errands for the pastor and priests. It was a wonderful experience. If the building is structurally sound it could be used for community meetings or an outreach building for community members in need.

Michele Jackson (Wilmington , 2023-01-30)

#620

I think that history should be respected, recognized and preserved. There is significant history about St Thomas that should be recognized.

I’m sure all options are being considered but possibly repurposing might work.

Brian Layton (Chester Heights, 2023-01-30)

#622

We were parishioners there in the 1990s.

Joseph Schorr (Largo, 2023-01-31)

#625

A historical landmark shouldn’t be destroyed for any reason. Let alone a nonexistent one.

Connell Boyce (Glen Mills, 2023-02-02)

#626

I was a student here at St. Thomas & would always LOVE to walk by this building. It was always kept in such great shape and just makes the property a more beautiful place than it already is. This building is not disturbing anyone or anything, so why now would we tear it down? Father has only been here since 2020 and why now does he feel that it needs to be torn down? None of our other Pastors ever had an issue with it and kept it as is. Again, why now is it becoming such an issue? Why is this newer Pastor refusing to show us any documentation or proof of all the other who supposedly agree with his decision?

Megan Kaczenski (Garnet Valley, 2023-02-02)

#630

This was my church from birthday, My entire family was married in this church including my mom and aunt. This is the resting place of 75% of my family. I'm sadden to hear this news

Christine Miller (Wilmington, 2023-02-03)

#634

History shouldn’t be demolished

Lori Taylor (West Chester, 2023-02-03)

#636

This is my parish when I was younger. I had my sacraments and my wedding at this church. Many found memories.

Tammy Scarpato (Chadds Ford, 2023-02-03)

#637

This is a beautiful historical building. Why take it down, FOST will continue to support this beautiful place of great history.
Please reconsider your decision.

Mariann Smith (Chadds Ford , 2023-02-03)

#638

I’m sick and tired of these beautiful historic and religious building being sacrificed… for what!?!?

Melissa Capone (Sea isle city , 2023-02-03)

#639

I do no want the Rectory torn down.

Judy Ginieczki (Chester Heights , 2023-02-03)

#640

I have lived on Ivy Mills Rd which is the street directly across from old St Thomas. I am not catholic, but this whole building should be cherished and not a part of it torn down. Why is St Thomas the Apostle not on the list of Historic sites in PA? It certainly deserves to be there and this comes from a member of the Quaker church. Get rid of FatherShort, not the rectory!

Connie Walge (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#641

I’m a long time parishioner and would like to see the integrity of the historical buildings stay intact.

Mary Ann Waldt (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#644

I believe in preserving the history of our Catholic faith.

Joe Chiponis (Brookhaven , 2023-02-03)

#645

I would like to save the old rectory

Claire Sitley (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#650

Tearing down old buildings for the sake of removal is wrong. Give your parishioners a reason why, open the decision up to a vote. The “Church” is not one man but the PARISHIONERS and they will be there long after Father is moved on.

Kevin Capone (Sea Isle City, 2023-02-03)

#652

As a child I went to St Thomas I was married at the same beautiful small church. My daughter later was married there. It is still beautiful and I still stop occasionally to pray n remember all the beautiful times there. Please do not destroy all the memories so many people have there’s enough sorrow in this world.

Sandra Plummer (Wilmington, 2023-02-03)

#653

This was my church !

David Bytheway (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#657

I was married in the chapel, my parents were married in the chapel. My mom went to school there. We would be devastated if anything happened to that beautiful church. We visit often and just take it in. It’s very special to many people in the community.

Traci Sorokanych (Garnet Valley, 2023-02-03)

#659

I don't think the church should be demolished.

Deborah K Capuano (Aston , 2023-02-03)

#660

It is a very important part of the local history. My parents were married there.

Jennifer Newsome (Garnet Valley, 2023-02-03)

#661

This Church is important to me as I grew up here and it is part of history.

Dawn Freney (West Chester, 2023-02-03)

#662

My family has been a part of this parish for over 80 years. The rectory should be preserved!

Leslie Katona (Philadelphia, 2023-02-03)

#663

Sounds like another Father Williams.

Chris Mccloskey (Chadds Ford, 2023-02-03)

#664

Why in God’s name would someone destroy this beautiful piece of history? It is full of peace and love. You can feel God’s presence. It’s a wonderful safe haven. People have donated to restore this beauty especially the windows. What is wrong with this man?

Sylvia Brauler (Aston, 2023-02-03)

#666

This is a historic building and needs to be preserved.

DANIEL SOULAS (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#668

My husband and I were married in the chapel. We value the beauty of the history St Thomas holds. It would be a shame to demolish history.

Nicole Perotti (19311, 2023-02-03)

#670

"Old places have soul"

Christine Broderick (Glen Mills, 2023-02-03)

#671

Residents in PA want to preserve historic homes, buildings and churches. Please consider preserving this church.

Thank you.

Doug Marshall (West Chester, 2023-02-04)

#673

This is a historical, and religious church to destroy it would be an insane! How do we teach our children to respect our history, when so easily someone can come in and insist it be torn down. Something so rare and important., to the community.

Rhonda Foreacre (Media, 2023-02-04)

#674

I don’t like our historic architecture demolished. It’s part of our history!

Douglas Linton (Thornton , 2023-02-05)

#678

My uncle, Fr. Charles McDevitt, lived in that rectory when he was the pastor of the parish. It is a beautiful little building with a lot of history. The first Mass in Delaware County was said nearby at the Willcox family ancestral home. It is worth preserving for future generations.

William McDevitt (Havertown , 2023-02-05)

#680

There has been no rational about why it should be torn down. I want a tour and I want to see the numbers. We have a ton of volunteers who are willing to put in a new roof and do whatever it takes to get the old rectory back to its former glory.

Why does every new pastor need to feel like they need to flex his muscle, and make some major change to the parish? Let’s not talk about moving the Blessed Mother statue away from the altar!

Maria Trautman (Glen Mills, 2023-02-05)

#682

This is a historic building.

Carolyn Croney (Wilmington , 2023-02-05)

#683

This is a historic build. We need to stop taking down these buildings

Nicole Vitale (Garnet Valley , 2023-02-05)

#684

My best friend!

Mary Ellen Powell (West Chester, 2023-02-05)

#685

There no reason for the demolition of this historic building based on the decision of the current pastor. My family attended church, school and we’re actively involved in church activities since the 1960. My family’s final resting space is at St. Thomas cemetery. Please do not destroyed this historic foundation.

Maryanne Branson Hilbeck (Newark , 2023-02-05)

#686

Im signing because I want to see this saved from demolition.

Stephanie Lewis (Garnet Valley, 2023-02-05)

#687

We must be good stewards of our history. It is for us to pass on to the future, not destroy it.

John Crossan (Chadds Ford, 2023-02-05)

#688

This is important to my family and friends.

Amy Quinn (West chester , 2023-02-05)

#689

I am a parishioner of St. Thomas and my mother has prepaid her burial right next to the 1874 building. Don’t ruin our local history, Many of us have celebrated weddings, funerals and history there.
Thank you,
Scott Owens

Scott Owens (Glen Mills , 2023-02-05)

#693

As the former principal of STA, I spent 9 years on the campus and know of the historical background of the rectory. There were many events such as weddings, gatherings held at the rectory that gave all the feeling of being part of an important past, a feeling of comfort and peace. St. Thomas the Apostle parish is a cornerstone of Catholic faith in the state of Pennsylvania and the historic rectory needs to be kept as a strong reminder of where we were as Catholics, where we are.

John Keeley (Newark, 2023-02-09)

#694

I am just SO disgusted at everyone's ability to wipe out history, destroy something beautiful and built better than anything that will replace it, and bulldoze their choice through with NO input from the community. Let things come back from Covid which is just beginning to happen and give things a chance. THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE!!

Jacqueline Tillman (Broomall, 2023-02-12)

#695

There is ABSOLUTELY NO NEED to be demolished!!! MY FAMILYS PARISH & MY PARENTS & MANY FRIENDS ARE BURRIED HERE & BELONG TO THIS PARISH!!! THIS IS ST.THOMAS BOTTOM LINE!!! SHOULD GET A REAL PASTOR INSTEAD!!!!!!

Taralee Gorman (Bethel, 2023-02-17)

#696

This was my parish for many years. When I was growing up that building was the rectory. I was married 45 years ago in that church and had my pre Cana in that building. I have so many good memories about St. Thomas’s. I attended school there for 8 years and graduated in 1968 Please save the building. Thank you!

Mary Ellen (McClaskey)Flasinski (Lincoln University , 2023-02-20)

#697

I am signing as I grew up in that parish and was married there. Can't we just leave that beautiful historic rectory standing for all of the parishioners who have so many memories. Always trying to erase the older stuff which is just beyond sad.

Patricia Oxenford (Bel Air, 2023-02-21)

#698

The loss of our history is a terrible thing. We have become a throw away society. This is a part of St Thomas’ history as well as the local community.

Margaret Forbes (Boothwyn, 2023-02-22)

#700

St. Thomas is one of the oldest Parishes in Pennsylvania. The original Chapel is gorgeous and it would be a shame to destroy the rectory - it's part of the history of both St. Thomas and Chester Heights

Raymond Thompson (Glen Mills, 2023-02-24)

#701

I believe in the importance of historic preservation

BW Miller (Glen Mills, 2023-02-26)

#703

I’m signing this petition because the old rectory building is a historical building that can still be used for parish business.

Marianne Delano (Chester Heights, 2023-02-27)

#704

I have fond memories of going to the cemetery with family to visit deceased family members buried at St. Thomas. Now, at age 71 it where I attend Mass.
Patricia

Patricia Arentsen (Garnet valley , 2023-02-27)

#706

I believe the Catholic Church has a moral obligation to preserve historic houses such as this.

Stephen McDonald (Havertown, 2023-05-25)

#709

I’m signing because it’s a piece of history of Chester heights

Chris Mariani (Chester heights , 2023-05-29)

#714

We need to preserve our Historic Heritage.

Steve Manos (Garnet Valley, 2023-06-04)

#715

I believe these buildings should be preserved as part of the historic value they represent to the catholic church

Linda Suters (Glen Mills , 2023-06-05)

#717

I am in favor of preserving historical buildings in this parish and community!

Nicole Anderson (Thornton, 2023-06-05)

#722

There is NO need to tear down the rectory. Put the money toward preserving it for the future generations. I’m 100% sure you can find a way

Ric Miller (Glen Mills, 2023-06-11)

#724

DY8A

Regina Klauder (Garnet Valley, 2023-06-16)

#726

History is important and if the building is sound it should be saved

MaryBeth Gourdier (Glen Mills, 2023-06-16)

#727

I’m signing this petition because “history” should be preserved and NOT torn down. After following this for some time, I think there needs to be a better solution. Please consider not demolishing the rectory and let’s pray on it.

Max Struble (Egg Harbor Township, 2023-06-16)

#728

I am a resident of Chester Heights who respects the history of this building.

Victoria adey (Glen Mills, 2023-06-16)

#729

The old rectory is a historical, integral part of Old St. Thomas. Any major decisions affecting the campus and historical significance should be left to the faithful long time supporters of the Parrish of St.Thomas, not a temporary resident. Once this disastrous decision has been executed, the building will be lost forever. God save this building…

George Moore (Garnet Valley , 2023-06-16)

#731

I question the true intentions of those who are trying to summarily erase the vestiges of history in this place especially when there appears to be so much more ground to utilize instead AND because FOST has made the maintenance of these buildings negligible to the church.

And to say the buildings are old but not historic... My grandmother was born in 1900. She was married and raised a family of five girls on her own when her husband died while she was pregnant with her last child. She and her girls used to walk from their home in Glen Mills to the St Thomas chapel on Sundays when their car did not run. They also had a public library in their living room during the depression. They were members of a well-known and respected family in the area. They had marriages and funerals at the St Thomas chapel. Perhaps we should scour the rolls and determine who over these many years has attended, been baptized, married, blessed on the day of their first holy communion or their funerals in this chapel. Do we need to namedrop people who may have had the opportunity to be passing through who may have been as yet to be known as "historical" figures or simply lean on those in our immediate or surrounding communities who mean just as much. Both are relevant. The features of the Rectory support the chapel and vice versa. St Thomas is the patron saint of architects. Surely, he would appreciate the structures and the reverence these two buildings have housed over these many years.

Janice Granauro (Glen Mills(Concord Twsp), 2023-06-17)

#732

Plain and simple - it's historic - we need to preserve any and all historic structures now more than ever. They are our history.

Angela Morgera (Media, 2023-06-17)

#733

I want to save the rectory. It is an important piece of our history as a Parrish.

Jackie Ferry (Glen Mills , 2023-06-18)

#734

I have been a member of St Thomas for 38 years and have supported the parish financially and by volunteering. If the pastor goes through with this against the wishes of the parishioners,I am DONE with the parish.

Bill Ferry (Glen Mills, 2023-06-18)

#735

The rectory is a historic site. It reflects the growth of our Catholic missionary roots in our Diocese and the history in our County. It is important to our parish. Efforts should be made to preserve the building. I support the work of FOST.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Stewart Barbera Jr.

L.Stewart Barbera Jr. (Glen Mills, 2023-06-19)

#736

Please stop the demolition of the 1874 rectory

Tanya McKnight (Aston, 2023-06-20)

#739

It is historic.

Stephen McKenzie (Exton, 2023-06-21)

#740

History needs to be preserved!!!

Caitlyn Freels (Watauga, 2023-06-22)

#742

I would like to see this building remain as it is useful and beautiful.

Bethann Salemi (Claymont, 2023-06-22)

#743

I believe strongly in the value, both intrinsic and extrinsic, in the preservation of old buildings, the centers of our shared community history.

Kathleen Hall-Ditchfield (Glen Mills, 2023-07-01)

#744

I believe that history is worth preservation. Also, on a personal note, I received my first communion there in that church before the new one was built. I hope to see it saved.

Jonathan Tropea (Glen Mills, 2023-07-02)

#745

Simply the rectory is a part of the history of our parish and must be preserved.

Raymond Drago (Glen Mills, 2023-07-18)

#746

The old rectory is designated as an historical building. It is part of our history & should not be demolished.

Angela D'Orazio (Glen Mills, 2023-07-19)

#747

What is happening is atrocious and this sort of behavior from the Catholic Church is unwarranted

Annette Miele Moffitt (Glen Mills, 2023-07-19)

#748

The historic rectory is a part of the history of the church and should be preserved.

James Vershinski (Glen Mills, 2023-07-19)



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