levinson - Support of ODG application for CPA funding for Saint John Cantius Church.pdf7/12/22, 12:45 PM City of Northampton Mail - Support of ODG application for CPA funding for Saint John Cantius Church
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fec0f72d97&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1734199801246922484%7Cmsg-f%3A17341998012469…1/1
Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Support of ODG application for CPA funding for Saint John Cantius Church
1 message
Arnold Levinson <toarnie41@gmail.com>Sun, May 29, 2022 at 6:03 PM
To: slavalley@northamptonma.gov, mhl@marthalyon.com, Deb Henson <debhenson.law@gmail.com>, Frederick Zimnoch
<zimnoch@crocker.com>, Terence Masterson <terrymasterson10@gmail.com>, Tris Metcalfe <twm3@rcn.com>, Jim Nash
<jimnashcitycouncil@gmail.com>, ELAINE JANDU <emjandu@yahoo.com>, John Dunne <john.dunne@csh.org>, Bill Kraus
<cwkraus1@yahoo.com>, Maria Tymoczko <tymoczko@complit.umass.edu>, "Marvin J. Ward" <marvin.j.ward@gmail.com>
Dear friends, I was born over 100 years ago. But after my birthday and living in St Mary's church and then the Blodgett
property on Prospect street, I outgrew my home. Now I live on the corner of Hawley and Phillips street. People came from
across the Atlantic ocean to see me and marvel at my building. Many, though poor, helped pay for my construction with
nickels and dimes or with whatever they could afford.They dressed me with golden brown tapestry brick which was
trimmed with mat glazed terra cotta. My roof was covered with light red slate and the bell tower to compliment the slate
was finished with red tile. What a joy to behold for all who came to pray, to celebrate the birth of a newborn,and to enjoy
nuptials. I wonder how many of you have ever visited the church to gaze at its architecture and to witness the paintings
on my ceiling. They are unique and a wonder to behold. I don't know of any art like this in western Mass. It's sad that
more people have not been able to treasure them as I have these many years.
Every Sunday and on special occasions my bell tower would sing and be heard throughout Northampton until 12
years ago. But even though the bells have not played, the tower has stood proudly through good times and sad moments
for all of Northampton to see.
A few years ago I lost my siblings; the rectory and parish hall. It happened so suddenly and without any warning.
So now I stand alone hoping that Joni Mitchell's warning of they "paved paradise and put up a parking lot " won't come
true.
I am writing this because you see I need some help. The clothing is tired and my brick needs repair. Also some
roof tiles need to be replaced. By restoring the exterior my home will be protected for decades and my bell tower can
continue to be a Northampton landmark.
Thank you most sincerely,
Saint John Cantius