Nonprofit to study Cambria City churches

Local News

Discussion

May 2, 2010

Mike Faher mfaher@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sun May 02, 2010, 11:14 PM EDT

JOHNSTOWN — A Philadelphia-based nonprofit soon will begin a study aimed at preserving three Johnstown churches.

Partners for Sacred Places will spend months examining and soliciting input on the trio of historic churches that closed in July as part of a five-parish merger in the Cambria City neighborhood.

But the study also must be performed relatively quickly, as preservation advocates are well aware that the former houses of worship will not be maintained indefinitely by the neighborhood’s new, consolidated Resurrection Parish.

“Time is of the essence,” said Marie Mock, a member of the volunteer group Save Our Steeples. “We’ve moved as fast as we feasibly could.”

Under a mandate from Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese, Resurrection Parish was formed last summer and based at the former St. Stephen’s church, with the former St. Rochus building also serving the new congregation.

That left three churches that closed: St. Columba, Immaculate Conception; and SS. Casimir and Emerich.

Resurrection leaders have placed some ancillary buildings on the market but have agreed to delay selling the shuttered churches while preservationists try to formulate a plan.

That’s where Save Our Steeples comes in. Since 2008, members have planned and scraped together funding for a study.

The effort got a big boost earlier this year when Greater Johnstown Regional Partnership donated $10,000.

“That brings us up to about $25,000,” Mock said. “That’s enough to get this study going.”

Partners for Sacred Places was founded in 1989 and bills itself as a “national, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to the sound stewardship and active community use of America's older religious properties.”

While preservationists know the urgency of their task, they also say the study cannot be rushed if it is to be effective.

“It’ll be closer to the end of the year before we’re done, because there’s a large public-involvement component,” said Richard Burkert, Johnstown Area Heritage Association executive director.

The volunteer group originally wanted to commission a study of the entire Cambria City area.

But that has been put on hold due to a lack of time and money, Burkert said.

“I’ve not been able to fund that,” he said. “We’re looking at this church study as the first piece of that, but we can’t wait indefinitely. The most pressing issue is those three buildings.”

In the meantime, Save Our Steeples members are pressing ahead with fundraising activities.

A February concert at Immaculate Conception was a success, attracting about 300 people and generating more than $5,000 for the organization, Mock said.

Another concert at that same church is planned for May 23. Details will be announced soon.

“We’re in the process of getting things together,” Mock said.

“Everything’s going to be in a patriotic theme.”

Save Our Steeples T-shirts and DVDs will be available for purchase at the concert.

Also on sale will be a book called “Last Rites,” which includes historical information and photos of six former Roman Catholic parishes in Cambria City.

With financial support from Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the book was published by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

It was compiled and edited by Barb Zaborowski, Penn Highlands’ associate dean for learning resources. The book sells for $15.

“All the proceeds go to Save Our Steeples,” Zaborowski said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Local events commemorate Memorial Day
Throughout Greater Johnstown, the military was honored on Memorial Day for its sacrifices with marching bands, military hardware, beauty queens and flag raisings.

May 28, 2012 3 Photos
Digital mammography available in the region
Digital mammography is now available at locations throughout the Conemaugh Health System.

May 28, 2012 1 Photo
State may take over financially distressed school districts
Pennsylvania’s four most financially distressed school districts could be facing a state takeover, and more districts may be on the way.

May 28, 2012
Trial in cross-burning case set for July
The trial of a Centre County man in a cross-burning case – originally slated for this month – now is scheduled for July 23 in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.

May 28, 2012
Pedals for Progress: Rotarians collecting used bikes for third-world countries
The Richland Rotary Club is collecting used bicycles June 16 that will be refurbished for use by the working poor and children in developing countries.

May 28, 2012
PennDOT lauds outstanding workers
PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, the department’s highest recognition.

May 28, 2012
Critical ‘Victim 2’ decision awaits Sandusky judge
A judge will soon decide the most significant pretrial issue in former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual-abuse case: Whether to dismiss charges.

May 28, 2012
In brief: Several hurt in Northern Cambria crash
Several people were injured early Monday in a one-vehicle wreck on Plattsville Hill Road, authorities said.

May 28, 2012
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Nonprofit to study Cambria City churches

Should the speed limit on sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and related highways be raised to 70 mph from 65 mph.

Contact Us