The resistance to the historic First Church in Waterville needing expanded parking to accommodate the wonderful growth of the congregation over the past three years is dizzying (“Waterville church faces backlash over plan to raze adjacent apartment buildings,” Nov. 10). Over the decades the church building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, became landlocked by “community progress” developing new businesses and amenities. It is how vibrant communities grow and change over time.
In 1990 I walked into the Levine’s store (est. 1904) walking out with my first sport coat since arriving in town to begin my new pastorate on the Rice Rips Road. My humorous memory is that I went in to buy just a pair of gloves, but Pacy or Ludy threw a coat on me and said, “Now THAT’s you!” How could I turn them down, they were so stinking cute. Now all that is gone. Colby College demolished it erecting a hotel, restaurant, the Collaborative Arts Center, and high-rise dorms. I don’t recall an outcry when Berry’s Stationery, Larsen’s Jewelers and others were forced to vacate their long established, dare I say, “historic” businesses. Communities change and who can argue with the outcome?
Now three neighbors are encumbering the razing of the long-abandoned funeral home, calling it an “historic building” adding, “… the changes would negatively impact the residential and historic nature of the neighborhood.” They also oppose razing a couple uninhabitable apartments, which should have been condemned. Considering the rule of law and details governing this sale and property their concerns strain credulity.
So now our growing, and vibrant church, in a genuinely historic building, is being upgraded inside and out securing the failing structure of a truly historic building. The church has already established a counseling center, a homeschool support organization currently drawing families from as far away as 30 miles or more, as well as a “scouting-like” program called Trail Blazers which is also drawing kids from far and wide.
But unlike Colby College, all this is being done solely by the sacrificial giving of the faithful attending First Church. It is past time for this to move along unfettered and without additional expense.
William Cripe
Sidney
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