“Citing monetary issues, demographic shifts, and maintenance costs, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston is in the process of closing more than 80 of its 357 parishes.  Amid the sometimes litigious and rancorous shutdowns, preservationists, community groups, and planning officials are scrambling to advance appropriate uses for the parish holdings.  The archdiocese encompasses 144 towns in eastern Massachusetts.  In addition to church buildings, many parishes also own rectories, convents, schools, and parish halls.”

-Bowen, Ted. “Officials Discuss New Uses For Boston Churches.”

Architectural Record November 2004, Vol. 192, No. 11, p42.

What exactly is an acceptable reuse option for a religious building (particularly in Boston, a Roman Catholic stronghold)?  The archdiocese has expressed the desire to sell the buildings to other religious institutions, which would in turn continue using the structures for use as houses of worship.  Obviously, the archdiocese will never be capable of accomplishing this with all 80 of its churches. 

According to the article, a design charrette was held during the 2004 Statewide Historic Preservation Conference in Salem, Massachusetts.  It was felt that converting the buildings to residential condominiums would be the most likely option for reuse.  Regardless of the reuse decision, which architectural elements do you strive to preserve when deconsecrating a sacred institution? 

Visit the Partners for Sacred Places (National Center for the Stewardship and Preservation of Historic Religious Properties). 

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