National Trust Names Historic Catholic Churches of Greater Boston Area Among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Although deferred maintenance and deterioration are major threats, these closed historic churches and their surrounding complexes are directly threatened by sale for redevelopment, which might involve total or partial demolition of significant historic buildings, new construction that might be out of character with remaining buildings on the site or neighboring buildings, or rehabilitation of existing structures that will destroy or alter significant character-defining features.

WASHINGTON (NTHP Communications) — Dating back to the 1800s, Historic Catholic Churches of Greater Boston embodies the spiritual and artistic achievements of generations of the faithful. These noble houses of worship are intertwined with the development of many historic and ethnic neighborhoods across Boston and eastern Massachusetts.

Last year, the Boston Archdiocese began closing, consolidating and disposing of properties in more than 80 of its 357 parishes — a process leading to the sale, redevelopment and possible demolition of an unprecedented number of historically and architecturally significant churches, rectories and convents.

To avoid the loss of these treasures, local governments, community leaders, preservationists, developers, architects, realtors and the Archdiocese are working together to find viable, appropriate new uses for these buildings.

“They offer major opportunities to serve their communities in new ways while retaining their historic roles as neighborhood anchors,” says Erin Angell, communications coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “But without strong action on their behalf, these beloved landmarks won’t have a prayer.”

In June, to highlight the threat to this vital piece of American heritage, the National Trust named the Historic Catholic Churches of Greater Boston to its 2005 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

“Because of the many roles they play in community life — as centers of faith, neighborhood anchors and, in many cases, artistic and architectural treasures — historic churches deserve exemplary stewardship,” says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. “As these landmarks face a new future, community leaders and the Archdiocese must work together to ensure that they’re placed in the hands of owners who will treat them with sensitivity and convert them to appropriate new uses.”

Since June 2, The History Channel has been airing public-service announcements (PSAs) that feature the 2005 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. These PSAs will continue to run at various times during the programming schedule throughout the summer.

Since 1988, America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has identified 168 threatened one-of-a-kind historic treasures. While a listing doesn’t ensure the protection of a site or guarantee funding, the designation has been a powerful tool for raising awareness and rallying resources to save endangered sites in every region of the country. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.