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From: "Edward H. Furey" Date: Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:28:29 PM US/Eastern To: Carolyn Ratcliffe Subject: Re: St. Brigid's RC Church Dear Carolyn, Indeed I do know of this fabulous church by Patrick C. Keely. It is one of the few suviving early churches by Keely in 1848. His first structure was Sts Peter & Paul in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, demolished in error in 1957, as a new replacement church had to be built 5 years later. St. Brigid's church is most important because it is the last of Keely's churches left, that has, I believe, with a great reredos, which St. Brigid's is now, the only church surviving with a carved piece that Keely carved himself. His only other two carved reredos are destroyed. It is a treasure of New York History! St.Brigid's has been a featured part of the large, exhibit size photos. at the annual Keely Congress at Keely/s most monumental structure, Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, MA. Last held this past June! St. Brigid is a, "Glory of the Catholic church" which surpasses monetary value. It is a cultural treasure of New York. It must be preserved. It was an oasis of calm and peace during 9-11. It was a treasure that lost it's two great spires, as the Twin Towers are lost. It is a monument to droves of immigrants, and a refuge of the unwanted. It is a treasure Donald Trump could not replace. It's organ, with its resplendabt angels, and stenciled organ pipes is outstanding in the churches existing in New York City. It's a treasure of early immigrant history, in that it was an, "Irish Immigrant Church!", which means it was a welcoming parish , and literally safe haven to the Irish immigrants off the boat to America, to the great land of opportunity. St Brigid's was not a rich parish because it served the ,"poorest of the poor Irish." Let this structure die, shame on the Irish who march down 5th Avenue! It is time now time for people to step up to the plate, including Irish heritage, Cardinal Egan, to keep this structure, "in todo", if not as a viable parish, or worship space, as a historIcal monument to the development of the Irish race into the success of New York City. that made the city what it is today. $500,000 is a paultry sum in the scheme of things for a New York Treasure, that could never be replaced in history or architecture. Is there not 500 people in New York that would not like their family name emblassoned on a bronze plaque for $1,000 or $500 to save a unique structure? Starting is always difficult, but to not try, is a crime. I am away this weekend, but will do all I can to help you save this Manhattan Treasure. I'm in the middle of a beach weekend event! Look for Penn Station! Don't let anyone stop you from preserving this treasure. Chicago parishoners needed $ 1. 4 Million to save Our of the Angels in the 1980's. They did it with Strawberry festivals and dinners!. It is your treasure, not the Archdiocese of New York! Don't let anyone rob you of your memories! They move forward because they think no one cares or will challange them. Show them you care, and will not stand bye, and let your treasure die! Write newspapers, call reporters, and let your voice be heard! Best regards, Ted Furey President Keely Society Carolyn Ratcliffe nymagnolia@mindspring.comady of thre wrote: Dear Sirs- Am writing to let you know that one of Keely's churches is in dire straights and in need of help. St. Brigid's Church at 119 Ave. B, completed in 1849 developed a crack in 2000 and has been closed by the Archdiocese of New York City. However there is a NYC Building permit to convert the church into apartments that was renewed this May. There are several articles in The Villager newspaper about the church, the most recent was this week. You can go to www.thevillager.com for articles. Several of us would like the building land-marked as we feel that this church has served as a beacon of faith for this neighborhood and is an important historic and architectural site . The faces of the Irish boatwrights who built the church adorn the pilasters supporting the Gothic arches in the church. It is a beautiful church and needs to be preserved. The congregation of 470 was told this past Sunday that the Parish is being closed and that they should go to one of the other Catholic churches in the neighborhood. The estimate to repair the cracked wall is listed $500,000.00 in the Villager article. Do you have any suggestions? Sincerely Carolyn Ratcliffe |
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