Dear Editor:

It has recently become evident to me that there is a distinct similarity between the leaders of our area — specifically the Allentown Diocese and the leaders of Carbon County. The similarity that exists is their inability to respect the history, culture and traditions that once made our county one of the most productive and beautiful in the state.

Another similarity, as I see it, is this: Even though our area is not now the thriving valley it once was, there are still diamonds on every street and around every corner. There was a diamond on West Bertsch Street in Lansford called St. Ann’s Church — one on Abbott Street called St. Peter and Paul’s Church. Those two have been replaced by empty lots — totally contributing to the “ghetto” factor referred to in another publication. Another diamond is St. Michael’s Church on East Abbott Street in Lansford. It is on the list of buildings to be destroyed, and sold, piece by piece, to interested buyers. It is currently under appeal in Rome to remain open. That church has stood as a beacon for the Catholics in the community for decades. The towering steeple welcomed all who descended the Summit Hill Road.

It is not seen as a diamond by the hierarchy of the church. It is seen as a means to an end — make enough money on the sale of the church and religious articles to pay for the current legal cases brought against the members of the clergy — and there are many. The bishop has said a fund will be set up to compensate those victims — by selling assets belonging to the diocese. For example, a diocese in Connecticut gained $29.2 million by using that method in order to fund the legal fees of offending clergy.

A comparable method is being employed by the leaders of Carbon County relative to St. Mark’s Church in Jim Thorpe! I am not a member of that church; however, my heart cries out when I see the beauty, history and culture that building incorporates. It was built to honor God, our creator! The best of materials were used to make the building a place of glory and worship for the community!

And now, because there is a perceived need for more office and parking space, the leaders of the county are willing to place that building at risk for that accommodation? Does Jim Thorpe not have enough space within the borough lines to place the buildings elsewhere?

I have reviewed the role of Vibra-Tech in this project, and to my nonscientific mind, that company certainly may be able to monitor any vibrations that occur during the excavation process; however, once the vibrations occur, does destruction not follow?

Then, what happens to the fragile Tiffany windows, and the already fragile foundation?

Has anyone realized the value of that building to the worshippers, visitors and the general community? What would be the impact on the row businesses as well? I hope that, with all the studies being done, a cost analysis of the historical value of this building would not be able to have a cost affixed to it. Once lost, it can NEVER be replaced.

Finally, how is this project going to affect the taxes due for the population? The entire county suffers from lack of tax revenue from businesses and is maintained by a population that consists mostly of elderly and transients. What impact will this have on families?

To the decision-makers involved in this project, I ask simply that you study all the implications in a prayerful way, and save our precious resources.

Respectfully,

Rita Klekamp

President, Lansford Concerned Citizens