Save the church

To the editor: 

As dismayed as I was to read the very beautiful and historic Church of the Mediator in Kingsbridge is threatened with demolition, I am also heartened to know through your paper there is opportunity to save it. This comes from the church's designation by the Preservation League of New York State as one of 'Seven to Save.' The church and its supporters can use the designation to seek funding for incremental restoration over time, starting with a diagnostic report to repair or replace the leaking roof which is still the original one. 

The church owns enough property to develop a portion for income-producing housing or something else, as has done very well for St. James Church in Fordham on Jerome Avenue. It's also possible the Church of the Mediator can rent some of the existing building to another local institution. May the building's designation bring awareness to all its neighbors in the Bronx and an appetite to preserve a special landmark.  All who are interested or curious should attend a Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. in English with a Spanish service at noon.

Sam Roche

The author is an architect experienced in restoring historic NYC buildings