The effort to have Auburn’s first Catholic church designated as a local historic landmark is progressing.
On Tuesday, Auburn’s Historic Resources Review Board received a presentation from Andrew Roblee of Roblee Historic Preservation on why Holy Family Church is worthy of designation as a local historic landmark.
Dr Karen Odrzywolski is with the Holy Family Organization to Preserve and Endure (HOPE), a group created by former parishioners with the goal of preserving the structure. Speaking with Finger Lakes News Radio, she said the next action will take place on December 10 when a public hearing will be held by the board at 7:00p to give community members time to weigh in on the subject.
Following the hearing, the Historic Resources Review Board will decide on whether or not to recommend City Council designate the church as a historic landmark. If the board makes the recommendation, the council will then vote on the designation.
Dr Odrzywolski added that, while the group hopes to preserve the structure so it can remain available for Catholic worship, HOPE believes saving the building from deterioration or deconstruction is beneficial to the whole community.
“We want to stress to people that this is about the community; it’s not just about Holy Family parishioners or Auburn Catholics, but about the community as a whole.”
Dr Odrzywolski said that the designation promotes social and cultural awareness by acknowledging the history of the church and its role in the larger history of the city. Additionally, the historic building could draw people to the city to see the site, not just for its history but also for its architectural value.
“I’m very optimistic that this project can bring people together, not just Catholics but the whole community.”
The church at 85 North Street was erected in the 1860s, replacing the first Holy Family Church, a former Methodist Society building on Chapel Street dedicated as a Catholic church in 1830.
In June, the Diocese of Rochester decided to close the church due to structural issues. The last mass at the church was celebrated on June 16.
HOPE will provide updates on the preservation process on its Facebook page.
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