TACOMA, Wash. — A message from the new Archbishop of Seattle is bringing about fresh hope to save Tacoma’s Holy Rosary church.
"It was built by the Tacoma community. It was built by the German Catholic immigrants in the early 20th century for their own use,” said Jonathan Carp.
Carp's a Board Member for Save Tacoma's Landmark Church.
He's one of many fighting to keep the building from being torn down. Even Tacoma's mayor told KIRO 7 she doesn't want to see the century-old icon go.
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“This steeple has been a part of my life,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. "We're going to work with the church to explore every opportunity we have."
Last November, the former Archbishop barred church members from worshipping inside Holy Rosary after the ceiling collapsed in two places. In August, he issued a decree to demolish the building and said the cost to bring it up to code would be close to $18 million.
Now, there's a glimmer of hope from Seattle's new Archbishop.
After receiving petitions, Archbishop Paul Etienne sent parishioners a letter, which said, in part: "I am neither denying nor granting recourse against my predecessor's decree… I need time to speak with your leadership team, review the issues, and make an informed, thoughtful, and prayerful response."
"It was good news. It wasn't the best news. You know, the best news would've been him saying, ‘Yeah, I agree, we shouldn't tear down the church.’ The fact he's listening and engaged in the process is good news. It means he's listening,” said Carp.
Carp said reopening the church costs closer to $2 million, which is money they believe they can raise in a year.
They've drafted a proposal to give the new archbishop and they're not backing down.
"It's going to be a big, long fight, but this was a good development,” he said.
Board members plan to send a letter this week requesting a meeting with Archbishop Etienne.
They are hosting several fundraisers to raise money to save the church, including a spaghetti dinner at Christ Episcopal Church Oct. 26.
Cox Media Group
