Pocono News Section

Judge Denies Injunction to Stop Demolition at Schuylkill Co. Church

Judge Denies Injunction to Stop Demolition at Schuylkill Co. Church - Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 11:41AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Oct 7, 2009 @ 11:41am EDT
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - The days of an historic Schuylkill County Church may be numbered.
Saint George Church has stood at the corner of Jardin and Cherry Streets in Shenandoah for 118-years.
Parishioners asked a judge, today, to stop plans to demolish it.
The judge refused but some parishioners are still holding out hope.

"Save St. George, Make It A Shrine, Anything Less Would Be A Crime."
That was the chant that filled the air Wednesday morning outside the Schuylkill County Courthouse.
But Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin refused an injunction request to stop demolition.

Saint George's is the oldest Lithuanian church in America -- built in 1891 after an agreement between the U. S. and the Republic of Lithuania.
The Diocese of Allentown abruptly closed the church in May 2006 then contracted with an engineering firm to tear it down this fall.

"Out of concern for public safety, it feels necessary to demolish the building," said Diocese Of Allentown Director of Communications Matt Kerr

In a day and age when many churches are going by the wayside, people who gathered for this vigil and hearing say their church is unique and needs to be saved.

They cite the church's historic relevance and their continued financial support of it even after it closed.
The thought of losing the majestic house of worship leaves one lifelong parishioner choked with emotion

"If it can't continue as a church, at least a shrine so people can come there and receive the same comfort that I did," said Bruce Popalis as he fought back tears.

Despite denying the injunction, the judge allowed for a deposition from the Ambassador for Lithuania.
He also ordered both sides to file legal briefs concerning parishioner donations for the church's upkeep before holding a hearing December first.

"I think the judge recognized there are some novel issues involved in the Saint George's case," said Attorney Paul Domalakes who represents the parishioners.

But the judge's ruling leaves some a bit confused.

"It seems like it's a contradiction like they can rip it down," said lifelong St. George Parishioner Charles Vascavage. "If it's half ripped down then why have a thing on December 1st?"

The Diocese of Allentown will hold internal discussions and talk with engineers.
Then the diocese will decide if it will demolish Saint George Church before the court hearing in 2-months.