It’s not just Catholics who hate to see the Frank Lloyd Wright-based St. Mary’s Church torn down in Alma, non church members are almost as upset.
St. Mary’s Church (Nativity of the Lord Parish) designed by William Wesley Peters, a Frank Lloyd Wright associate, is unique in the city.
And, it’s not even 60 years old.
RELATED: St. Mary’s Parish in Alma may face demolition
Church members and others want to see the building restored and saved, and point to other buildings of the era – also designed by Peters – as still in good shape.
But extensive and costly repairs, neglected in the past, are needed now. And with a dwindling number of parishioners and little money, the parish is at a crossroads.
The church may have to be torn down.
Reverand Nate Harburg, priest for the parish that includes both Alma and St. Louis, was asked just how much it would cost to fully repair and restore the church.
“It is estimated that it will cost at least $689,200 for repairing/replacing the roof, tuckpointing/sealing the exterior, replacing carpet in church, repairing pews, and repairing slope in floors,” he said in a written statement.
“However, this is scratching the surface. This estimate doesn’t include repainting/replastering damaged church ceiling, fixing concrete arch damage, fixing rectory roof, fixing leak in basement and damaged basement ceiling, mold abatement in rectory, and possible costs associated with upgrading to current code requirements.
“Also,” he continued, “if asbestos is present in the falling plaster in the church, abatement would be a significant cost.”
Harburg said that the church must not only consider those costs but the cost of long term maintenance as well, and for the other buildings, including the school and Mount St. Joseph in St. Louis.
The emotions that surround a building where residents were baptized, married and buried can’t be underestimated.
But there’s also the fact that Alma, a city of about 9,000 people would be left without a Catholic Church.
Harburg was asked which was most important, the building itself or the presence of a Catholic Church.
“Parishioners are concerned about both, the future of the St. Mary church building, and the presence of a Catholic church in Alma,” he said.
“It is difficult to say which is the greater concern. My sense is that the greater concern is the loss of the presence of a Catholic Church within the city of Alma, especially considering that we have a Catholic School, St. Mary, and Alma College is nearby. Currently Mass is being offered weekly at both our school and the college.”
He was also asked if the church could buy another building in Alma.
“At this point we are looking at all possibilities, which is why parish leadership has considered the possibility of buying another church,” he said.
“However, for our purposes right now at this point, we do not believe this is necessary. Our additional parish church, Mt. St. Joseph church, is very close, is in good shape and meets our needs.”
Emotions however continue to be an important aspect of the church’s problem. It almost goes without saying that no church can disappear quietly with no one to mourn its loss or raise a ruckus.
Harburg was asked about the parishioners feelings.
“In our three listening sessions held recently, which were opportunities for people to express questions and concerns to our parish pastoral and finance council members, people were passionate but polite,” he said.
“Overall the sessions were peaceful, allowing leaders to listen and take note of parish family member questions and concerns. Council members are considering this feedback for a possible feasibility study for future use of our buildings,” he said.
And, Harburg was asked, what is his ideal vision for the the church and its parishioners.
“My vision is for a unified parish, unified around the vision of being and becoming a shining example of unity for Gratiot County,” he said.
“As each individual church in our area, Catholic and non-Catholic, grows in unity, we can together inspire and create greater unity and community between ALL residents of our area, whether church-going or not. Jesus wants and brings unity; the evil one sows seeds of disunity.
“My vision is that Gratiot County residents would hear, see and experience that the Nativity of the Lord parish family is a warm and welcoming community of intentional disciples, intentionally seeking to see Jesus in others, and to be Jesus for others.
“I firmly believe God has been leading, and will continue to lead, parish leaders in our decision about the future use of all our parish buildings including St. Mary church. “We are preparing to conduct a feasibility study to ask parish family members about their willingness and ability to pledge towards options for future use of buildings.”
