Parishioners protest as historic Boston church goes up for sale
March 16, 2011
The Boston archdiocese has listed a historic church for sale, drawing immediate protests from parishioners who note that the church has not yet been officially deconsecrated.
Holy Trinity Church, opened in 1877 to serve Boston’s growing population of German immigrations, has been offered for sale at a suggested price of $2.3 million. The real-estate broker, Sotheby’s, suggests that the building would be suitable for condo development.
However, former parishioners have protested the attempted sale, pointing out that the process of deconsecration has not yet been completed. A spokesman for the archdiocese acknowledged that the building must be deconsecrated before it is sold.
Holy Trinity parish was suppressed in 2008, as the Boston archdiocese continued its process of church closings. The step was a painful one for Boston Catholics in light of the long history and cultural importance of “the German church.” Holy Trinity played a key role in bringing German Catholic traditions to the US: most notably, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree.
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Further information:
- Parishioners Seek To Block Sale Of South End Church (WBUR)
- Boston church asks Vatican to stop its sale (Boston Herald)
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