On May 26, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced its annual list of Washington State’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The list dates back to 1992, and aims to raise awareness of historic properties that face demolition by redevelopment or neglect. Over the past 17 years, according to the Trust, more than 100 have been nominated by concerned citizens and organizations across the state. The organization also assists historic preservation advocates in developing strategies aimed at removing these threats. This year’s list includes Curran House (University Place); Alki Homestead Restaurant (Seattle); BF Tabbott House (Bainbridge Island); Bush House (Index); George Carmack House (Seattle); Day Block (Dayton); Old Ellensburg Hospital (Ellensburg); Libbey House (Coupeville); Post-Intelligencer Globe (Seattle); Sand Point Naval Station (Seattle); St. Edward’s Catholic Church (Shelton); Surrey Downs (Bellevue); Vashon Elementary Gymnasium (Vashon Island). Last week, the Index began publishing a profile of each endangered property, as compiled by the Trust. Here is what the Trust has to say about St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Shelton.
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In recent years, congregations across the state have grappled with a troubling dilemma: balancing the religious and ecumenical missions of the congregation against costly capital needs required to properly maintain the structures in which those congregations worship. Compounding the issue, in some instances, is a decreasing number of churchgoers, resulting in diminished resources with which to provide building stewardship. For historic houses of worship, this combination too often results in demolition.
St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Shelton is poised to be the next historically significant church in Washington to face the wrecking ball. Organized by Rev. Father McReavy in 1890, the St. Edward’s congregation completed the construction of a wood frame church in 1892. In 1930, the congregation planned to move to its current centrally located site near downtown and hired architect Paul Thiry to design the new church. Thiry is widely regarded as the “Father of Northwest Modernism” and is noted for his residential, civic and religious buildings, along with his role as the lead architect and planner for the Century 21 World’s Fair held in Seattle. St. Edward’s features several gothic-inspired elements and generally takes the form of a French country church. Completed in 1931, it is significant as an example of Thiry’s early work prior to the architect’s emergence as the region’s leading modernist. The church is also significantly associated with Shelton’s religious history.
Facing structural deficiencies identified through an engineers evaluation, the congregation opted to sell the parcel rather than pay for expensive stabilization work. Interested in the land for the purpose of expanding its adjacent county campus facilities, Mason County purchased the parcel, stipulating that the congregation be responsible for removal of the church building. In April of 2009, the congregation applied to the City of Shelton for a permit to demolish the sanctuary. Acknowledging the historic significance of the building, the city has called for a 90-day waiting period before issuing a demolition permit with the hope that local advocates can work with the county and the congregation on a strategy for preserving the resource. The waiting period will expire in August.
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For more information on the Trust, visit http://www.wa-trust.org .
For earlier Index coverage of the Trust, click on the following links:
1. In an old hilltop mansion, a strong voice for preservation (04/14/09) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1528102&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_wa_trust.pdf .
2. Long list of concerns for Washington State preservationists (05/29/08) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1228444&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_jennifer_meisner_qa.pdf .
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The Index has a blog. Visit us at http://i.feedtacoma.com/TDI-Reporters-Notebook/
