In Favor of CPA Funding for SJC 7.13.22.docxTheresa Bimbane
11 Sun Hill Drive
Florence, MA 01062
July 13, 2022
Dear CPC Committee,
It is with great pride as a Polish American that I encourage your committee to award O’Connell Development Group’s request for $500,000 in CPA funding to save St. John Cantius Church
from demolition, ie. restore the exterior of the church to historic preservation standards, and provide the city with a permanent historic preservation easement.
I had grown up and lived on Williams St., Northampton for 50 years before moving to Florence. An opportunity arose that I could live in an apartment of a beautiful mansion whose interior
Mr. Peter Stramese, owner and contractor had renovated. As you are aware, Beacon Street is lined with old well cared for homes that reflect the character of Florence. It was also
close to J.F.Kennedy Middle School where I taught for many years. In 1995 I bought a house built by Mr. Stramese on the land attached to the mansion. I love the area for its historical
character.
I value old buildings restored and reused and for that reason, I request that St. John Cantius Church be preserved for its historical character in the neighborhood and for its unique
beauty. I love that it is set apart from the road and is on higher land so that it stands out in the neighborhood. The church is a grand lady which was seen prominently and appreciated
from the intersection of Market, Bridge, and Main Streets in its splendor. It is still visible with its bell tower majestically pointing toward the sky as the beautiful Northampton
landmark. I love seeing it; I love the brown brick. I love the beautiful entrance and all the work that has gone into the building. Whenever I need to mail anything, I drive farther
to the Northampton Post Office where I can still see my church and bell tower. I then drive toward the church to admire its structure and sadly note the missing beautiful stained glass
windows that have since been removed and all the events which I had attended throughout the years. I dread the thought of not seeing the building there in that space. It’s set in
a little nook of old buildings: those across the street remind me of my youth when I would walk past going up to Main Street. Lower Main Street has many old buildings that are being
reused, such as the Williams St. School for condos. St. John Cantius Church is an integral part of the landscape. In addition, it is part of a triangle of the three downtown churches:
First Churches on Main Street, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on King St. and of course St. John Cantius Church on Hawley St. Let’s not forget the Unitarian Church next to the City
Hall. All these churches remind us of the Northampton of former times.
How can we demolish St. John Cantius Church when we have spent so much money refurbishing the towers of City Hall, the Academy of Music, as well as restoring the former Hawley Grammar,
and D.A. Sullivan Schools for condos, Michaels House (originally St. Michaels High School) on State St. for apartments. Northampton is a city of old historical buildings that are being
reused. Removing St. John Cantius Church would be a huge loss to Northampton and detrimental to the character of lower Northampton. It reminds us of the history and solidarity of previous
generations.
My grandparents helped with the building of the church. My aunt Aniela (Nellie) who died at age 18 during the Spanish Flu had her name etched into one of the stained glass windows.
St. John Cantius had been my home parish where I attended Mass regularly until it closed due to the merger of five churches
in 2010. My two siblings and I were baptized there, and made our First Communion and Confirmation. My sister was married there. My grandparents, my parents, my little sister, and
many aunts and uncles had their funerals in that church. My cousin Michael was the last one to have his funeral at St. John Cantius in December 2009.
I was devastated at the closing of the church and my heart is breaking at the possible demolition of our church. I sincerely ask that your committee approve the O’Connell Development
Group’s request for $500,000 in CPA funding to save St. John Cantius Church. It deserves to have life restored within it and to go forward into the future of historic Northampton.
Respectfully,
Theresa Bimbane