Earlier this month, workers from a Georgia religious artifacts company removed sacred objects and artifacts from St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. And it is well within the rights of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to disburse its unwanted and unneeded treasures.
For 120 years, the artwork and architectural embellishments of St. Patrick's served a noble purpose. They inspired and were the focus of reflection and contemplation. They lent peace, culture, dignity and continuity to the ceremonies and passages of lives.
It is regrettable the custodians of these artifacts chose to sacrifice them. But that is business and a lesson learned from the sale of St. Patrick's. It is business for Price Chopper, which wants to build a new store there; local developer Nigro Cos., which will demolish the church and construct the grocery; and the diocese.
But the parishioners had emotional, spiritual and personal attachments to these beloved objects. This lack of sensitivity is just another example of disregard for those who faithfully supported the church for more than a century.
All that said, the greatest treasure at stake remains the church itself. Even stripped of embellishment, this amazing structure, these beautifully designed bones, reflect a ghostly beauty.
It is art in the purest form. The stark interior allows the observer to focus on design that uplifts visually and spiritually. The absence of imagery and embellishment allows you to experience the power of the space and appreciate the intentions of those who built this sanctuary so many years ago.
This space is a celebration of all that is good in humankind. St. Patrick's has uplifted and inspired generations. St. Patrick's deserved a worthy custodian but has been abandoned.
CHRISTINE BULMER
Citizens for St. Patrick's
Watervliet