St. George In The News 8.27.20

A quote from P F Gallagher, builder of St. George Church, shared by Kathy Gallagher: “...the history of civilization has been written by the Builder. The truest evidence of the greatness of people of the past is found in the remains of their buildings.” Thursday, August 27, 2020 on the steps of St. George Church NEWS CONFERENCE ON THE STEPS OF ST. GEORGE CHURCH ON AUGUST 27, 2020 On Thursday morning, parishioners and supporters of the St. George Church Preservation Society gathered on the steps of St. George Church to hold a news conference. The event was well attended by people from the neighborhood, parishioners, alumni and the media. SGCPS had masks and hand-sanitizer available and everyone practiced social distancing. The event was covered by the South Pittsburgh Reporter, the Post-Gazette, KDKA & WTAE television. Bob Kress, Class of 66, summarized the status of the proposals that have been made to Bishop Zubik regarding the offers to care for and restore the beloved church at no cost to the Diocese. Bishop Zubik has declined these offers. Bob also described the volunteer care for the church over the past years in cleaning up around the church and preventing the weeds from taking over the parking lot and sidewalks. There was also an update on the Vatican appeal process. Usually, the respect for this process and the parishioners prevents the demolition, sale or dismantling of the church until there is a final decision. Unfortunately, Bob had to describe the recent events where Bishop Zubik betrayed the trust and respect of parishioners and the Vatican court process when he sent his workers to prepare for the removal of the stained-glass windows and to dismantle the church. His workers actually removed the Tabernacle, altar candles, furnishings and statues while trying to hide their activities with tarps. More recently, the sacristy casework was dismantled and removed on a Saturday morning starting at the break of dawn. They also dismantled the sound system in the church. Parishioners, past & present who have contributed to the patrimony of this church share in its ownership and the sacred contents. This is why Bishop Zubik has used padlocks & chains to keep parishioners out of their church. Now there is a renewed resolve, especially with the local parishioners and neighbors who will remain vigilant and watch for any further dismantling of St. George Church. After the remarks, there were questions from the attendees.

This is what has been done to the baptismal font. By the grace of God, the doors of the church were found to be open! Parishioners were able to enter their beloved church again after four years of being locked out by Bishop Zubik. It was an emotional time as everyone took the opportunity to look around and take plenty of photos inside. It was a bittersweet day at St. George Church. As was stated at the news conference: Parishioners, SGCPS, and all those who support the mission to save this church, intend to do whatever it takes to prevent Bishop Zubik's workers from sneaking in and hiding behind tarps or early in the morning to further dismantle our church or remove anything else. If you are in the neighborhood and see any trucks or other questionable activity, please call us at 412-502-5062 and we'll respond ASAP. Our church is an irreplaceable structure, a beloved landmark that defines the skyline of Allentown and the surrounding neighborhoods. For over 100 years, the generous donations of time, talent and dollars by generations of parishioners of modest means were entrusted to construct and maintain this magnificent sacred edifice. We pray that God will not allow this beautiful church to be cannibalized and discarded by Bishop Zubik. Our beloved generations of the faithful St. George Family who have gone before us are now watching over us. We are confident that they will intercede with God to protect us as we will do whatever it takes to preserve their precious legacy, St. George Church. If you destroy our history, you destroy our achievements. It's as if we never existed. “IN GOD WE TRUST, NOT MEN WHO THINK THEY'RE GOD”