Supplemental Materials.pdf
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 1
10-18-21
Sarah LaValley
Conservation, Preservation, and Land Use Planner
Planning & Sustainability
210 Main St., Room 11
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Continuation of Application Discussion
Proposed Refurbishment
354 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Ms. LaValley,
The interval of time granted to the project team has afforded an opportunity to research more thoroughly the origins
of the subject property and its most recent past prior to ownership transfer to the current congregation. This office
has engaged church members, municipal officials, and pier professionals in reviewing the property and addressing
the paths being considered in moving the intended project forward. With the greatest respect to the Board Members
and the daunting task of retaining historical structures we make the following presentation for consideration and
comment pertaining to appropriateness of intended work and material usage at the subject structure.
I am submitting the attached materials electronically and intend to bring ‘hard’ copy to the office on Tuesday. This
should include a physical sample of the proposed roofing material (sample is currently on the premises of the
church).
Sincerely,
Lawrence Tuttle, AIA
BUILT UP w/ MASONRYSIM. HEIGHT TO PRE-EXIST'G SASHNEW FIXED WINDOWEXIST'G WINDOW WELLSIGHT LINEBASEMENTGRADENEW FIXED WINDOWNEW FILLEXIST'G WINDOW WELLSIGHT LINEBASEMENTGRADEEXISTING DOUBLE-HUNGWINDOWEXISTINGPROPOSEDWATER POOLS UP ANDLEAKS INTO BASEMENTWINDOW LOOKS THE SAME AS BEFOREPRE-EXISTING BOTTOM SASH ALREADYCONCEALED WITHIN WINDOW WELL(BELOW SIGHT LINE)MODIFIED BASEMENT WINDOW OPENING - IN-PROGRESS
DEMO EXTERIORCHAPEL / CRECHE(NOT ORIGINAL TO CHURCH) CHAPEL / CRECHE(NOT PRESENT)ENTRY
NEW GLAZEDSTOREFRONTDOORSGLAZED?NOT TO SCALE1PROPOSED DOOR ELEVATIONEXISTING ENTRY DOORS- NOT ORIGINAL TO THE STRUCTURE- STOREFRONT w/ ALUMINUM INFILL- STAINED GLASS NOT ORIGINAL
NEW STORMWINDOW INSERT(DOUBLE PANE - INSULATED)VERIFY IN FIELDSTAINED GLASSNEW STORMWINDOW INSERTS(DOUBLE PANE- INSULATED)VIFVIFVIFVIFVIFSTAINED GLASS+ FRAMEBUILD OUT DIVIDERMULLION AS STORMWINDOW NAILER(3) INSULATED STORM WINDOWINSERT - EXTERIOR123BUILD OUT DIVIDER MULLIONAS STORM WINDOW NAILERTYPICAL EXTERIOR WINDOW UNITEXISTINGPROPOSEDWOOD FRAME DETERIORATIONUNDER FLASHINGSTORM WINDOW SECTIONSTORM WINDOW DETAIL PLAN
UPSTORAGESTORAGECOLUMNUPWOMEN'STOILETMEN'STOILETLIFT36" x 60"FUTURE FELLOWSHIPSEATING AREANEW WALLCATERING KITCHENOPEN'G w/COUNTERFUTURE ELEV. MACH.ROOMBAPTISTRY SUPPORTPLATFORMPITRAMPAAAAAAAUNISEXACCESS.TOILET----AAAA : REPLACEDOUBLE HUNGWINDOWSw/ FIXED WINDOWS(HATCHED INGREEN)A : REPLACEDOUBLE HUNGWINDOWSw/ FIXED WINDOWS(HATCHED INGREEN)A : REPLACE DOUBLEHUNG WINDOWSw/ FIXED WINDOWS(HATCHED IN GREEN)A : REPLACEDOUBLE HUNGWINDOWSw/ FIXED WINDOWS(HATCHED INGREEN)A7025DNUPROOFALTARNEWACCESSIBLETOILETUPUPUPEXISTINGRAMPSEXIST'G CONC. WALKEXIS T'G C O NC. W ALKNEW STAIRNEW STAIR RISERSUPUPNEW COATCLOSET2 LEVELS OF HANGERSRAMPNEW WALLNEW WALL72" x 80"DOUBLE DOOREXISTING PEWEXISTING PEWEXISTING PEWEXISTING PEWEXISTING PEWEXISTING PEW36"x80"CLR.40"CLR.40"NURSINGROOMLIFT36" x 60"INFILLOPEN'GEXIST'GOPEN'G4' - 4"CIRCULATIONNEW WEATHERSTRIP ON ALL EXT.DOORS-REFER TO CUT SHEETCLEAR3' - 0"CONFERENCEROOM(REPAIR + REPLACE ASNECESSARY)B : INSERT STORM WINDOWSOVER EXISTING STAINED GLASS(HATCHED IN ORANGE)BBDEMO EXTERIORCHAPEL / CRECHE(NOT ORIGINAL TO CHURCH)PIANOAVCABINETBBBBBBBB : INSERT STORM WINDOWSOVER EXISTING STAINED GLASS(HATCHED IN ORANGE)B : INSERT STORM WINDOWSOVER EXISTING STAINED GLASS(HATCHED IN ORANGE)2A702A7023NEW GLAZEDSTOREFRONTDOORSNEW WEATHERSTRIP ON ALL EXT.DOORSNEW GLAZEDSTOREFRONTDOORSNOT TO SCALE1LOWER LEVEL4'08'16'FOR HISTORICAL REVIEW :A.) BASEMENT WINDOW REPLACEMENTB.) REFURBISH EXTERIOR DOORSC.) REROOF - ELIMINATE 'EYE BROW' CLERESTORYD.) REPLACE / REPAIR EXTERIOR WALKS + RAILSE.) REMOVE EXTERIOR CHAPEL / CrècheF.) REMOVE STAINED GLASSNOT TO SCALE2FIRST FLOOR PLAN4'08'16'
ROOF DORMERS TO REMAININSTALL NEW METAL ROOFDEMO ROOF DORMERSALT : REPLACE WITH IMITATION DORMERUNITS w/ EXISTING STAINED GLASSGABLE ATTACHED(RESTS ON CONTINUOUS ROOF)S2ALT : REPLACE WITH IMITATION DORMERUNITS w/ EXISTING STAINED GLASSGABLE ATTACHED(RESTS ON CONTINUOUS ROOF)NEW 2X10 RAFTERSPREFAB DORMER ATTACHMENT(OVER ORIGINAL DORMER LOCATION)NEW METAL ROOF(RUNS CONTINUOUS UNDER DORMER)5/8" CDX PLYWOOD SHEATHING3/8" SHEETROCKSKIMCOAT TO BLEND EDGESw/ EXIST'G CEILINGSHEETROCK LENGTH8' - 0"EXIST'G RAFTERS2X NAILER 24" O.C .NEW GUTTERw/ DOWNSPOUTATTACH ORIGINALGABLE w/ STAINED GLASSATTACHMENT CLIPSTO ROOF SEAMSANCTUARYOPTION 02 :NOT TO SCALEP2ROOF PLAN - OPTION 02NOT TO SCALES2ADDED ROOF DORMER DETAIL
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 9
Historical Context
Blessed Sacrament Parish
To establish a more convenient site for the Catholic population of Bay State, property on Elm St.
was acquired in 1899 for $5,000. The site was one of the best in the center of a section without
a church. The lot was large and was the site of two (2) small houses. Blessed Sacrament Parish,
with a church of Swiss design, measuring 100 x 45 feet was established in 1899. Today, it is the
only one of Swiss design and of its type in the diocese. The copper box, deposited in the corner
stone, included the names of all 800 parishioners. Rev. Thomas P. Lucey, the curate of St. Mary
of the Assumption Parish was chosen as the first pastor.
Hampshire Gazette: 1-22-72.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE (explain the role owners played i n local or state
history
and how the building relates to the development of the community)
Blessed Sacrament Church b u i l t i n 1900 i s a f i n e example of Gothic
R e v i v a l a r c h i t e c t u r e . The e x t e r i o r of red b r i c k has stone t r im i n i t s buttresses and
s i l l s .
The facade i s dominated by the strong centered tower whose hose contains the wooden Gothic
entrv door w i t h compound pointed arched p o r t a l . The one small Gothic window on the tower
accentuates the massive ness of the facade, while the upper tower has gothic t r i m , d e n t i l e,
b r a c k e t i n g and a t a l l , conical tower. The steeply pitched wooden shingled roof has four
cusped gothic dormers i n each s i d e . The East side has four gothic windows w i t h t r e f o il
t r a c e r y , bounded by a small gabled side entry way and a gabled s a c r i s t y wing o f f the
transcept area. The West side contains s i x gothic windows w i t h t r e f o i l tracery.
Page 2 of 9
Page 3 of 9
2010
Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System
Inventory No: NTH.280
Historic Name: Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church
Common Name:
Address: 354 Elm St
City/Town: Northampton
Village/Neighborhood: Northampton
Local No:
Year Constructed: 1900
Architect(s): Maginnis, Walsh and Sullivan
Architectural Style(s): Neo Gothic Revival
Use(s): Church
Significance: Architecture; Art; Religion
Page 4 of 9
Area(s): NTH.P: Elm Street Historic District
Designation(s): Local Historic District (06/02/1994)
Building Materials(s):
Roof: Asphalt Shingle
Wall: Brick; Glass; Limestone; Plaster; Stone, Cut
Foundation: Brick
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Massachusetts Historical Commission
220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125
www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc
FORM B BUILDING
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING
220MORRISSEY BOULEVARD
BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Page 5 of 9
Topographic or Assessor's Map
Recorded by: Bonnie Parsons
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): March, 2010
Assessor’s Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number
24C-43 Easthampton P NTH.280
Town: Northampton
Place: (neighborhood or village)
Address: 354 Elm Street
Historic Name: Blessed Sacrament Church
Uses: Present: Roman Catholic Church
Original: Roman Catholic Church
Date of Construction: 1900
Source: Hampshire Gazette
Style/Form: Gothic Revival
Architect/Builder: Maginnis, Walsh, and Sullivan
Exterior Material:
Foundation: brick
Wall/Trim: brick, limestone
Roof: asphalt shingles
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures:
Devotional niche
Major Alterations (with dates):
Condition: good
Moved: no | x | yes | | Date
Acreage: 1.08 acres
Setting: Church faces north at the intersection of two
streets.
RECEIVED
AUG 19 2011
MASS. HIST. COMM.
Page 6 of 9
INVENTORY FORM B CONTINUATION SHEET
NORTHAMPTON 354 ELM STREET
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No.
220MORRISSEY BOULEVARD, BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Continuation sheet 1
P NTH.280
___ Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
If checked, you must attach a completed National Register Criteria Statement form.
Use as much space as necessary to complete the following entries, allowing text to flow onto additional
continuation sheets.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of this building in terms of other buildings within
the community.
The Church of the Blessed Sacrament is a front-gabled, Gothic Revival style building with a four-
story tower centered on its north façade. The sanctuary of the church, under a steeply-pitched roof
has low parapet walls trimmed in limestone on north and south. It is three bays wide and five bays
long. The tower contains the entry to the church through a pointed arch opening trimmed in
limestone. Engaged buttresses support the four corners of the tower whose second story is blind –
ornamental brickwork panel marks the north side – third story has a single lancet window, and fourth
story contains a belfry with a triple louvered opening. An octagonal spire rises between parapet walls
on east and west above the third story.
The six-bay nave consists of a projecting portico with a pointed arch opening and four bays of triple
windows with Gothic tracery, followed by a sixth bay to which is attached a wing. The window bays
are separated by engaged buttresses. Above the window bays on the lower slope of the roof are four
triangular dormers with single, trefoil-shaped openings. The wing is one-story under a hipped roof
and has a centered cross-gable projecting hood on consoles. The hood has Gothic barge boards
that rise to a pinnacle. Segmentally arched windows in the wing have a trefoil tracery. Eaves of the
church roofs have exposed rafters putting this version of the Gothic Revival squarely at the outset of
the 20th century.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Discuss the history of the building. Explain its associations with local (or state) history. Include uses of the
building, and the role(s) the
owners/occupants played within the community.
From Form B of 1980: “Blessed Sacrament Church, built in 1900, is a fine example of Gothic Revival
architecture.”
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Beers, F. W. County Atlas of Hampshire Massachusetts, New York, 1873.
Hales, John G. Plan of the Town or Northampton in the County of Hampshire, 1831.
Miller, D. L. Atlas of the City of Northampton and Town of Easthampton, Hampshire County,
Massachusetts, Philadelphia, 1895.
Walker, George H. and Company. Atlas of Northampton City, Massachusetts, Boston, 1884.
Walling, Henry F. Map of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, New York, 1860.
Page 7 of 9
Page 8 of 9
Updated: Jan. 07, 2019, 11:41 a.m. | Published: Nov. 28, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
By Anne-Gerard Flynn | Special to The Republican
NORTHAMPTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield said plans to sell the former
rectory of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at 3 Elm St., as well as the parking lot between
that rectory, and St. Mary church, are "under review" and that those properties "could be on
the market within a short time."
The diocese has other Hampshire County properties up for sale, including those of the
former St. John Cantius Parish, in Northampton, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, in
Leeds.
The diocese has closed "until further notice" Blessed Sacrament Church due to
environmental issues, redirecting Mass attendance to other sites within St. Elizabeth Seton
Parish, diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont said.
He attributed Blessed Sacrament's closure to an "abundance of caution" from the recent
detection of "an odor" within the church, that an early review indicates may not be from
what was thought a "potential mold problem," but from stale basement air or moisture. He
said a "roof issue was also identified and all of this is under review."
It is to the King Street and Florence locations that Dupont said worshipers at the now closed
Blessed Sacrament have been directed for Mass and other services.
"A few weeks ago an odor was detected, and the concern raised of a potential mold problem.
Out of an abundance of caution, that church was closed and Masses moved to Annunciation
Chapel and the primary St Elizabeth parish worship site on King Street," Dupont said.
"The site has since been tested and inspected, and in comparison with outdoor samples
there was no significantly higher presence of mold inside. The odor is believed to come
from stale air in the basement and some natural New England basement moisture. A roof
issue was also identified and all of this is under review."
Elm Street Historical District
The western terminus of the District is Catholic Church built in 1899 for the Blessed
Sacrament Parish in an unusual "Swiss" design.[16]
Definition of architectural style below as identified by the Elm Street Historic Commission.[4]
Various European influence[edit]
Swiss style example includes 354 Elm Street, the Catholic Church at western end of
Historic District.[4] One unusual Swiss style building includes 354 Elm Street.
The chronological presentation of the subject building description and associated images
present the evolution of the original structure and the modifications executed under the
guise of maintenance or improvement. Regardless of intent, the building’s physical status
was transferred to the current owners and the documented condition observed by building
and “Life Safety” officials prompting remedial efforts for the continued use of the building.
Page 9 of 9
This is largely a rehabilitation project to maintain the historic structure with a ‘like’ use, a
church. This is not a restoration project, but is considered by the owners to be respectful
and contributing to the community with the majority of efforts being proposed to maintain
the structure in a useful form.
The present owners are not accountable for the apparent deterioration of the building and
specific elements and can only assume that the prior owners were in compliance with all
local ordinances and guidance when making decisions regarding the maintenance and
alterations to the property.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Tuttle, AIA
History of Our Parish
The Beginning
The parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish joined in the celebration of
their first Mass as a parish on Monday, January 4, 2010, the feast of St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton. Although our parish is young, it is blessed with the rich history of the
Catholic Community of Northampton. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish was
formed after five (5) former Northampton parishes closed on January 3, 2010.
The five (5) former parishes were:
1. St. Mary of the Assumption, founded in 1866
2. Annunciation, founded in 1878
3. Sacred Heart, founded in 1886
4. Blessed Sacrament, founded in 1899
5. St. John Cantius, founded in 1904
Today, we utilize Sacred Heart at 99 King St. (our main Parish Church),
Annunciation at 87 Beacon St., Florence (our Chapel) and Blessed Sacrament at
336 Elm St. as our places of worship. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Youth Center
is located in the former Annunciation School on Beacon St. Our Parish Hall is
located at 10 Hawley St. and is the former Parish Center for St. John Cantius
Church. Our Parish Office is in the former St. Mary's Rectory at 3 Elm St. The
Rectory is the former Blessed Sacrament Rectory on Elm St.
Blessed Sacrament Parish
To establish a more convenient site for the Catholic population of Bay State,
property on Elm St. was acquired in 1899 for $5,000. The site was one of the
best in the center of a section without a church. The lot was large and was the
site of two (2) small houses. Blessed Sacrament Parish, with a church of Swiss
design, measuring 100 x 45 feet was established in 1899. Today, it is the only
one of Swiss design and of its type in the diocese. The copper box, deposited in
the corner stone, included the names of all 800 parishioners. Rev. Thomas P.
Lucey, the curate of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish was chosen as the first
pastor.
SDA Congregation In Massachusetts Purchases
Catholic Church In Northampton
February 3, 2021 Gerry Wagoner
According to MassLive, a growing Seventh-Day Adventist congregation based in
Florence, MA has purchased the former Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 354
Elm St. in Northampton for $455,000.
The Seventh-Day Adventist congregation had roughly 80 members worshiping
together each week, according to Artur Preuss, senior pastor.
Eighty people was too many for the building the Seventh-Day Adventists used to own
in the Florence section of Northampton. The congregation sold it about two years
ago. The 6,000 ft² church dates back to 1900, according to city records. It’s next to
Northampton High School.
“As a result of a lot of praying and dialogue between parishioners and myself we
decided to find a new home,” Preuss said, after purchasing the Roman Catholic
Church building.
He doesn’t expect to have his congregation worship at the former Blessed Sacrament
until at least summer. There is some work that his church wants to accomplish at the
building.
That includes remediating a mold problem. The Catholic diocese cited mold in the
building as the reason it stopped worshiping there.
“There is also light cosmetic work we want to do to the church,” Preuss said.
The congregation will likely change its name to include Northampton instead of
Florence.
Preuss said a decision has not been made yet on what to do with a shrine on the
property.
Curiously, the diocese sells real estate with a deed restriction prohibiting any use
inconsistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as determined by the
bishop. See deed restriction below:
Elm Street Historic District (Northampton,
Massachusetts)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
Elm Street Historic District Northampton,
Massachusetts
Shown above: commencement of Elm Street Historic District,
Northampton, Massachusetts with St. Mary's Catholic Church in
background.
Location The district includes the north and south sides of one
mile of Elm Street running from St. Mary's Catholic
Church to Woodlawn Avenue and 35 buildings on
the southerly end of Round Hill Road.
Nearest city Northampton, Massachusetts
Coordinates 42°19′13″N 72°38′28″WCoordinates:
42°19′13″N 72°38′28″W
Area 139 buildings on 78 acres along one mile of Elm
Street and Round Hill Road.
Established 1994
Architectural
style(s)
18th century colonial, Second Empire, Queen
Anne, Italianate, Colonial revival, Modern.
The Elm Street/Round Hill Historic District is a local historic district in the city of Northampton,
Massachusetts.[1] Established in 1994 along one mile of Elm Street[2] it was expanded to include
Round Hill Road in 2012.[3]
There are 139 buildings ranging in style from early 18th century colonial to Modern and International
style.[4]
The first lots on what is now Elm Street (from Main Street to Round Hill) were granted between 1659
and 1661.[5]
The founding of Clarke School for the Deaf in 1867[6] and the founding of Smith College in 1871
marked the beginning of a significant number of institutional buildings in a wide range of architectural
styles at the eastern end of the district (Smith College) and Round Hill Road (Clarke Schools). There
was a boom in residential home building from the mid-19th to early 20th century and as a result many
homes are Queen Anne and Colonial Revival style. In 2013 the Clarke Schools sold 12 acres with ten
buildings to a developer who will create luxury condominiums and commercial space.[7]
Catholic Churches punctuate each end of the district.[4]
Elm Street is part of Massachusetts Route 9 which runs East/West between Pittsfield,
Massachusetts and Boston, Massachusetts.
Notable buildings and locations[edit]
The eastern terminus of the Elm Street Historic District is dominated by Smith College's College Hall
on the south side built in 1875 in Gothic Italianate style by Peabody and Stearns[8] and by the former
St. Mary's Catholic Church built on the north side in 1881 in Gothic Revival. The Church and its
Rectory are on the site of the former Mansion House, an important stop at the northern terminus of
the Northampton-New Haven Canal.
Two houses vie for the claim of "oldest house." Smith College's Sessions House at 109 Elm Street is
wood-framed and has a gambrel roof. It is believed to have been built around 1725 by Jonathan Hunt
and would therefore be the oldest building owned by Smith College.[9] The privately owned 197 Elm
Street is believed to have been built around the same time (1730) but given approximations on
construction dates it might be either the oldest or second-oldest, extant building on Elm Street. By
contrast, Smith College's Cutter and Ziskind Houses were designed by Skidmore, Owings &
Merrill and built in 1957[9] in the International style and the Contemporary-style Art Museum and
Campus Center were built in 2003.
Smith College's Haven House at 110 Elm Street (sometimes shown as 96 Elm Street) was the
residence of Sylvia Plath during her first two years at Smith College from 1950 to 1952.[10]
At 137 Elm Street is the 1841 Italianate home of Charles P. Huntington, a noted abolitionist and
namesake for the nearby town of Huntington which he helped create.[11][12] He was a member of the
State House of Representatives in Boston.[13]
At 222 Elm Street is the 1891 Shingle-style Queen Anne home of John C Hammond who took
Amherst College graduate (later US President) Calvin Coolidge on as a legal apprentice in his law
firm Hammond & Field.[14]
Also near the western terminus, just off Elm Street is the former home of President Calvin
Coolidge on Massasoit Street.[15]
The western terminus of the District is Catholic Church built in 1899 for the Blessed Sacrament Parish
in an unusual "Swiss" design.[16]
Definition of architectural style below as identified by the Elm Street Historic Commission.[4]
Various European influence[edit]
Swiss style example includes 354 Elm Street, the Catholic Church at western end of Historic District.[4] One unusual
Swiss style building includes 354 Elm Street.
•
354 Elm Street, Northampton, MA. Built 1900. Swiss style.
File:354 Elm St Northampton MA.png
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Catholic diocese may put Northampton
rectory, parking lot on market
Updated: Jan. 07, 2019, 11:41 a.m. | Published: Nov. 28, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
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By Anne-Gerard Flynn | Special to The Republican
NORTHAMPTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield said plans to sell the former rectory of St.
Mary of the Assumption Parish at 3 Elm St., as well as the parking lot between that rectory, and St.
Mary church, are "under review" and that those properties "could be on the market within a short
time."
The diocese has other Hampshire County properties up for sale, including those of the former St. John
Cantius Parish, in Northampton, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, in Leeds.
The diocese has closed "until further notice" Blessed Sacrament Church due to environmental issues,
redirecting Mass attendance to other sites within St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, diocesan spokesman Mark
Dupont said.
He attributed Blessed Sacrament's closure to an "abundance of caution" from the recent detection of
"an odor" within the church, that an early review indicates may not be from what was thought a
"potential mold problem," but from stale basement air or moisture. He said a "roof issue was also
identified and all of this is under review."
Dupont attributed the diocese's "active consideration" of selling the St. Mary's properties to an
"ongoing evaluation of the needs" of the city's practicing Catholics who have been part of a
collaborative arrangement for church activities, involving five closed parishes and the creation of the
city's only Catholic parish - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - since 2010.
Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary's are part of St. Elizabeth, which also includes St. John Cantius whose
sale to a potential buyer, Dupont noted, has been under discussion for some time. Dupont said
parishioners, who have been utilizing the former parish center at St. John's, may build a new center,
possibly on King Street, where St. Elizabeth's main church is located in what was Sacred Heart.
"As part of the ongoing evaluation of the needs of the St. Elizabeth Parish community it is being
considered to market the former St. Mary rectory and parking lot," Dupont said.
He added the diocese does not act "unilaterally with regard to the sale of properties, but in fact these
are always commenced by a request from the successor parish and done at their behest. They must
approve all sales."
"The process here has been thoughtful and deliberate. There is no rush," Dupont said.
As the diocese's has stated and which Dupont reiterated proceeds from the sale of parish properties,
once all debts are paid, "go for the benefit of the successor Catholic community in the same community
in which the sale occurs."
Blessed Sacrament Church, built in 1899 and located in Northampton's historic district, has been used
for Masses as part of an arrangement, agreed to by the diocese, that closed the parish, along with the
city's remaining parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Mary of the Assumption, Our Lady of the Annunciation,
and St. John Cantius, in January 2010, and created the one parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for
Northampton's practicing Catholics.
The diocese had planned to close several, but not all of Northampton's parishes when then diocesan
Bishop Timothy McDonnell agreed, in November 2009, to the consolidation of church activities under
one parish utilizing the various properties, at the request of the city's practicing Catholics.
The parish's main church is at what was Sacred Heart at 99 King St., with daily Masses at Blessed
Sacrament, whose rectory at 336 Main St. is also home to the parish's priests. The parish also utilizes
the chapel at what was Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, in Florence, for Mass, and space there for
a youth center, as well as renovated space in the former rectory at St. Mary's as parish offices.
It is to the King Street and Florence locations that Dupont said worshipers at the now closed Blessed
Sacrament have been directed for Mass and other services.
"A few weeks ago an odor was detected, and the concern raised of a potential mold problem. Out of an
abundance of caution, that church was closed and Masses moved to Annunciation Chapel and the
primary St Elizabeth parish worship site on King Street," Dupont said.
"The site has since been tested and inspected, and in comparison with outdoor samples there was no
significantly higher presence of mold inside. The odor is believed to come from stale air in the
basement and some natural New England basement moisture. A roof issue was also identified and all
of this is under review."
St. Elizabeth parishioners have been using the former parish center at St. John Cantius, 10 Hawley St.,
as a parish hall, but Dupont said the possible sale of the St. John property has helped continue
discussion by the parish for a new parish center, possibly on the King Street property, where, Dupont
said, there is now space as the result of former youth center and rectory being razed there in recent
years.
In announcing the under review closure of Blessed Sacrament and the possible future sales of
property involving St. Elizabeth, Dupont referenced the agreement, made by now Bishop Emeritus
Timothy McDonnell, to create one Catholic parish that would utilize former parish facilities, and the
evolution of that decision.
He called the consolidation - and the consequences - of converting five churches into one "sweeping,"
even at a time of extraordinary number of parish changes in the diocese, and what led to what was
initially the "temporary re-opening" of Blessed Sacrament.
"The decision to consolidate all Northampton parishes into a single Catholic community was among
the most sweeping changes coming from the pastoral planning process," Dupont said.
"It was always the plan to evaluate the various properties encompassed by the original five parishes
located on numerous sites to meet the needs of the new single larger parish. It was initially planned as
a primary worship site at the former Sacred Heart Church and a second site at Our Lady of the
Annunciation in Florence."
Dupont added that back then "the first challenges faced were a lack of sufficient parking at the
primary worship site on King Street."
"This was especially acute for Saturday Masses which overlapped with busy Saturday evening street
parking demands in downtown Northampton," Dupont said.
"So early on the parish petitioned Bishop McDonnell to allow a temporary re-opening of Blessed
Sacrament to all for a second Saturday late afternoon Mass. Eventually the daily Mass was also moved
there."
The diocese currently has at least eight properties for sale, ranging in price from $189,000 for St.
Thomas Catholic Church, in Huntington, to $1.5 million for the former Blessed Sacrament rectory, on
Union Street in Westfield.
During the last decade, the diocese has closed, merged or linked dozens of parishes in all four counties.
In the summer of 2009, the diocese announced it would close 14 churches, following a four-year
analysis by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee, after closing 10 at the start of that year.
At the time, the diocese said there were some 101 parishes and missions in Western Massachusetts,
with an estimated 220,000 Catholics, a third of what there had been five decades earlier. Today,
the diocese includes 90 parishes and missions.
Some closed churches have been razed by the diocese; others sold to developers and others have had
their closings appealed by parishioners to the Vatican. Northampton's St. John's, which sits on
2.2 acres of central business zoned land, has drawn interest from developers for construction of senior
apartments, with the church being used as a restaurant.
Any plans have to be first approved by the city. The property, like other diocesan church properties,
includes the deed restriction "that in no event shall the Premises ever be put to any use inconsistent
with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as determined in the sole discretion of the Roman
Catholic Bishop of Springfield."
The Rev. Francis Reilly, former pastor of St. Mary's Parish, in Longmeadow, became pastor of St.
Elizabeth's in 2015. Other clerical staff includes the Rev. Christopher Fedoryshyn.
Parish Masses celebrated in English, Polish and Spanish reflect the fact Catholic churches, often built
only city blocks apart, served neighborhoods with different immigrant populations.
Sacred Heart was once the parish of French Catholics; St. John Cantius, Polish Catholics, and for Irish
Catholics, Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary's, which was the city's first Catholic parish and made
permanent 60 years after the hanging in the city of two Irishmen on a charge of murder for which they
were later exonerated.
The consolidated parish is named after the first native-born American canonized, in 1975, by the
Church. Elizabeth Seton, who died in 1821, converted to Catholicism, and founded the Sisters of
Charity, in Maryland in 1809, the first American religious society.
Maginnis, Walsh and Sullivan, an American architecture firm active from its founding in 1898
to its dissolution in 1905.
The principals were Charles Donagh Maginnis (1867-1955), Timothy Walsh (1868-1934),
and Matthew Sullivan (1868-1948). Sullivan left the firm in 1905 for solo practice; the other
two continued as Maginnis & Walsh for decades. [1]
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 2
Roof Replacement
The original roof was described as being of wood shingles and later asphalt shingles with distinctive dormer
elements in each of the renditions. The undisclosed roof issues reported via the attached release may have been
under ‘review’ but there is little apparent evidence that any steps were taken to remedy the situations and certainly
no expenditures to correct the evidence of water infiltration.
Updated: Jan. 07, 2019, 11:41 a.m. | Published: Nov. 28, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
By Anne-Gerard Flynn | Special to The Republican
NORTHAMPTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield said plans to sell the former rectory of
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at 3 Elm St., as well as the parking lot between that rectory, and St.
Mary church, are "under review" and that those properties "could be on the market within a short
time."
The diocese has other Hampshire County properties up for sale, including those of the former St.
John Cantius Parish, in Northampton, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, in Leeds.
The diocese has closed "until further notice" Blessed Sacrament Church due to environmental issues,
redirecting Mass attendance to other sites within St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, diocesan spokesman
Mark Dupont said.
He attributed Blessed Sacrament's closure to an "abundance of caution" from the recent detection of
"an odor" within the church, that an early review indicates may not be from what was thought a
"potential mold problem," but from stale basement air or moisture. He said a "roof issue was al so
identified and all of this is under review."
It is to the King Street and Florence locations that Dupont said worshipers at the now closed Blessed
Sacrament have been directed for Mass and other services.
"A few weeks ago an odor was detected, and the concern raised of a potential mold problem. Out of
an abundance of caution, that church was closed and Masses moved to Annunciation Chapel and the
primary St Elizabeth parish worship site on King Street," Dupont said.
"The site has since been tested and inspected, and in comparison, with outdoor samples there was no
significantly higher presence of mold inside. The odor is believed to come from stale air in the
basement and some natural New England basement moisture. A roof issue was also identified, and
all of this is under review."
The unresolved issues were transferred with the ownership to the current church. A member of the congregation has
indicated a donation of a standing seam metal roof to be installed. The initial presentation indicated that the
selection of the material provided greater longevity to weathering and was being selected with a color and finish to
minimize concerns over reflectivity and provide a compatible color with the building’s pallet. Discussion with the
installer did acknowledge the ability to work with the existing dormers as a integral design feature of the roof. The
plaster finishes which were compromised by the moisture infiltration have been removed where found to be unstable
and resurfaced with a laminate of drywall products for a consistent finish appearance. Additionally, the efforts have
enabled the introduction of insulation within the framed cavities to be more responsive to current building codes and
improvements in mechanical efficiencies.
Material sample and enlarged drawings have been submitted as part of this proposal and application.
Page 2 of 2
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 2
Basement Windows
The original building was designed with a single basement window and associated window well in each of the
prominent bays and centered under the triple windows of the sanctuary above. These openings provided natural
light and ventilation to the originally unfinished basement. Subsequent parishioners finished the basement as a
fellowship space. When providing ADA access the construction of the sloped side walk required the physical infill
of a single window and the windows on the east elevation were largely obscured by the concrete ramping. At
property transfer the basement was determined to be unoccupiable due to the excessive development of mold. This
is in stark contrast with the public statements released by the church prior to closing.
Updated: Jan. 07, 2019, 11:41 a.m. | Published: Nov. 28, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
By Anne-Gerard Flynn | Special to The Republican
NORTHAMPTON - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield said plans to sell the
former rectory of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at 3 Elm St., as well as the
parking lot between that rectory, and St. Mary church, are "under review" and that
those properties "could be on the market within a short time."
The diocese has other Hampshire County properties up for sale, including those of
the former St. John Cantius Parish, in Northampton, and St. Catherine of Alexandria
Church, in Leeds.
The diocese has closed "until further notice" Blessed Sacrament Church due to
environmental issues, redirecting Mass attendance to other sites within St. Elizabeth
Seton Parish, diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont said.
He attributed Blessed Sacrament's closure to an "abundance of caution" from the
recent detection of "an odor" within the church, that an early review indicates may
Page 2 of 2
not be from what was thought a "potential mold problem," but from stale basement
air or moisture. He said a "roof issue was also identified and all of this is under
review."
It is to the King Street and Florence locations that Dupont said worshipers at the
now closed Blessed Sacrament have been directed for Mass and other services.
"A few weeks ago an odor was detected, and the concern raised of a potential mold
problem. Out of an abundance of caution, that church was closed and Masses moved
to Annunciation Chapel and the primary St Elizabeth parish worship site on King
Street," Dupont said.
"The site has since been tested and inspected, and in comparison with outdoor
samples there was no significantly higher presence of mold inside. The odor is
believed to come from stale air in the basement and some natural New England
basement moisture. A roof issue was also identified and all of this is under review."
The deterioration of organic materials required gutting of all said support of mold and harborers of odor. The detail
reviewed was determined that the excessive depth of the window wells and the construction and poor maintenance
of the windows contributed to excessive moisture infiltration. The remedial response was to maintain a visual
similarity to the original by no physical alteration of the window wells and the retention of a fixed window unit
replicating the upper sash of the original double hung unit. The improved mechanical system no longer relieds upon
ventilation from these openings and the elevating of the sill allowed the effective sealing of moisture infiltration into
the occupied basement space(s).
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 2
Sanctuary Fenestration
The distinctive fenestration was repeatedly referenced in each of the periodic recording of the building.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE (explain the role owners played i n local or state
history
and how the building relates to the development of the community)
Blessed Sacrament Church b u i l t i n 1900 i s a f i n e example of Gothic
R e v i v a l a r c h i t e c t u r e . The e x t e r i o r of red b r i c k has stone t r im i n i t s buttresses and
s i l l s .
The facade i s dominated by the strong centered tower whose hose contains the wooden Gothic
entrv door w i t h compound pointed arched p o r t a l . The one small Gothic window on the tower
accentuates the massive ness of the facade, while the upper tower has gothic t r i m , d e n t i l e,
b r a c k e t i n g and a t a l l , conical tower. The steeply pitched wooden shingled roof has four
cusped gothic dormers i n each s i d e . The East side has four gothic windows w i t h t r e f o il
t r a c e r y , bounded by a small gabled side entry way and a gabled s a c r i s t y wing o f f the
transcept area. The West side contains s i x gothic windows w i t h t r e f o i l tracery.
RECEIVED
AUG 19 2011
MASS. HIST. COMM.
INVENTORY FORM B CONTINUATION SHEET
NORTHAMPTON 354 ELM STREET
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No.
220MORRISSEY BOULEVARD, BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Continuation sheet 1
P NTH.280
___ Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
If checked, you must attach a completed National Register Criteria Statement form.
Use as much space as necessary to complete the following entries, allowing text to flow onto additional
continuation sheets.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of this building in terms of other buildings within
the community.
The Church of the Blessed Sacrament is a front-gabled, Gothic Revival style building with a four-
story tower centered on its north façade. The sanctuary of the church, under a steeply-pitched roof
has low parapet walls trimmed in limestone on north and south. It is three bays wide and five bays
long. The tower contains the entry to the church through a pointed arch opening trimmed in
limestone. Engaged buttresses support the four corners of the tower whose second story is blind –
ornamental brickwork panel marks the north side – third story has a single lancet window, and fourth
story contains a belfry with a triple louvered opening. An octagonal spire rises between parapet walls
on east and west above the third story.
The six-bay nave consists of a projecting portico with a pointed arch opening and four bays
of triple windows with Gothic tracery, followed by a sixth bay to which is attached a wing.
The window bays are separated by engaged buttresses. Above the window bays on the lower
slope of the roof are four triangular dormers with single, trefoil-shaped openings. The wing is
one-story under a hipped roof and has a centered cross-gable projecting hood on consoles. The
hood has Gothic barge boards that rise to a pinnacle. Segmentally arched windows in the wing
have a trefoil tracery. Eaves of the church roofs have exposed rafters putting this version of the
Gothic Revival squarely at the outset of the 20th century.
Page 2 of 2
From Form B of 1980: “Blessed Sacrament Church, built in 1900, is a fine example of Gothic Revival
architecture.”
The a i s l e -
l a s s sanctuary has much l i g h t from the c_lored-leaded w a l l windows and c l e r e s t o r y gable
windows.The chancel apse has one l a r g e , four mullioned, gothic windww over the a l t a r which
has a r e t a b l e of carved walnut surrounding the tabernacle. The w a l l s and c e i l i n g are
painted
p l a s t e r . The pews, of dark stained oak, have carved Ifower medallions i n the ends.
The current owners have received the building in a severely altered state and wishes to address the conditions in a
manner to preserve the building’s useful and safe continued existence. The present window bays consist of three
leaded window units that serve as the backdrop to the trefoil tracery that ties the building to the gothic revival style.
The prior owners opted to cover deteriorating sills of this tracery with sheet metal as a cosmetic fix that allowed the
deterioration to continue or even accelerate as an unseen condition. To preserve this detail of the building
substantial replacement of sill and other damaged elements will need to be taken. This will inevitably require the
removal of the leaded windows to perform this work.
The leaded windows themselves have been inadequately maintained over the years and have several instances of
damage and failures in the condition of the caming and applied unit reinforcement. Original ‘hopper’ panels used
for ventilation show wear and became a probable incentive to the prior owners to modify the three-panel
configuration by abandoning the original operable design and inserting a flanking ‘hopper’ unit in an adjacent
window of the trio. This introduced unit is a self-contained aluminum framed window that insensitively alters the
remaining window and obscures or has physically removed portions of the original window.
An immediate approach proposed by the owners is to install an insulated storm panel on the face of the tracery with
muntins that match the leading edge of the rectangular frame for the tracery. This work would be sequenced with
the sill remediation previously mentioned. IT too would require leaded window removal to avoid further damage to
the vulnerable and frail condition of the windows. Additionally, it has been supported by several sources that the
installation of a sealed storm panel may create thermal conditions that would cause further distortions of the leaded
windows and possible failures, This would require that the installation of the storm panel include venting/heat
dissipation from the otherwise sealed opening. Please reference the included sheet of photos, drawings, and details.
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 2
Primary Entrance Doors
The obtained structure has exterior doors consisting of very basic aluminum ‘storefront’ door assemblies inclusive
of the transom elements filling the original masonry openings. Said doors and frames are not thermally broken and
have not been appropriately maintained by the previous owners. The recorded replacement of the original doors is
not known to the current owners but reference to the doors under the building descriptive review is no longer present
in the 1980 depiction. Beyond the attached drawing by the architect and the earlier photos of the building there is no
evidence of the doors on the premises.
Hampshire Gazette: 1-22-72.
Blessed Sacrament Church b u i l t i n 1900 i s a f i n e example of Gothic
R e v i v a l a r c h i t e c t u r e . The e x t e r i o r of red b r i c k has stone t r im i n i t s buttresses and
s i l l s .
The facade i s dominated by the strong centered tower whose hose contains the wooden Gothic
entrv door w i t h compound pointed arched p o r t a l . The one small Gothic window on the tower
accentuates the massive ness of the facade, while the upper tower has gothic t r i m , d e n t i l e,
b r a c k e t i n g and a t a l l , conical tower. The steeply pitched wooden shingled roof has four
cusped gothic dormers i n each s i d e . The East side has four gothic windows w i t h t r e f o il
t r a c e r y , bounded by a small gabled side entry way and a gabled s a c r i s t y wing o f f the
transcept area. The West side contains s i x gothic windows w i t h t r e f o i l tracery.
Source Hampshire, Gazette'
Style Gothic Rev.ival
Archi tect Maginnis , Walsh and Sull i V.8rr
Exterior wall fabric _ ~r~e~d~b~r~l~·c~k ____ ~~
Outbuildings _________________________ _
Major alterations (with dates) ______ __
From Form B of 1980: “Blessed Sacrament Church, built in 1900, is a fine example of Gothic Revival
architecture.”
The six-bay nave consists of a projecting portico with a pointed arch opening and four bays of triple
windows with Gothic tracery,
Page 2 of 2
followed by a sixth bay to which is attached a wing. The window bays are separated by engaged
buttresses. Above the window
bays on the lower slope of the roof are four triangular dormers with single, trefoil-shaped openings.
The wing is one-story under
a hipped roof and has a centered cross-gable projecting hood on consoles. The hood has Gothic
barge boards that rise to a
pinnacle. Segmentally arched windows in the wing have a trefoil tracery. Eaves of the church roofs
have exposed rafters
putting this version of the Gothic Revival squarely at the outset of the 20th century.
Recorded by: Bonnie Parsons
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): March, 2010
The present owners wish to improve the present door assemblies by introducing ‘in kind’ aluminum entries which
are thermally broken and code compliant for energy performance of the exterior envelope. The proposed infill would
retain the paired door leaf configuration and transom but replace the embosed sheet aluminum with tempered and
insulated glazing
Current door and transom units with acrylic accent panels to assimilate ‘stained’ glass. Intended to be
replaced with thermally broken frames and insulated glazing units.
3 Converse Street Suite 201 Palmer, MA 01069 PH 413-283-2553 FX 413-289-8993
Page 1 of 1
Chapel/Creche
The present site includes an out building structure that is not original to the property and has been referenced as a
‘devotional niche’ in the recording of the Form B Historical Logs. The first such recording was found to be 2010
issue but was not referenced in the earlier 1972 property description.
FORM B BUILDING
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING
220MORRISSEY BOULEVARD
BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125
Recorded by: Bonnie Parsons
Organization: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Date (month / year): March, 2010
Assessor’s Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number
24C-43 Easthampton P NTH.280
Town: Northampton
Place: (neighborhood or village)
Address: 354 Elm Street
Historic Name: Blessed Sacrament Church
Uses: Present: Roman Catholic Church
Original: Roman Catholic Church
Date of Construction: 1900
Source: Hampshire Gazette
Style/Form: Gothic Revival
Architect/Builder: Maginnis, Walsh, and Sullivan
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures:
Devotional niche
Hampshire Gazette: 1-22-72. Form B indicated no Outbuilding or secondary structures
The photographic depiction clearly indicates that the structure was proportionally created to house the
focal point statue shown within the photograph and the purpose was to house that particular statue. The
previous owners removed the statue prior to property transfer to the current owners. This has rendered
the descreated structure purposeless and the current owners would like to remove it on three counts:
• The present owners wish to return the exterior to more of its original configuration.
• The current owners wish to incurr no additional maintenance or exposure to liability for a structure
that no longer has any purpose following the removal of the statue or place within their sect.
• The current owners wish to improve pedestrian safety in transitioning from the parking lot to the
building by eliminiating the necessity to share circulation with vehicles.