The Bayonne Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously last night to recommend that the city adopt an ordinance to preserve St. Andrew’s Church, which closed last month due to financial challenges.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The resolution cited the history of St. Andrew’s Church, located at West 4th St., and its architectural features, including its stained-glass windows, reddish-brown dress brick, and limestone trim. The church was constructed in 1922-1923.
A crowd of approximately 200 attended the meeting in the City Council Chambers and under Bayonne’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, the façade of a historically designated building is preserved.
If the city council approves the recommended ordinance on first, it will head to the planning board before second and final reading.
Of note, Council President Gary La Pelusa and 1st Ward Councilman Neil Carroll spoke in favor of preserving the church.
Two of Bayonne’s churches are covered by historic preservation ordinances: St. Vincent DePaul Roman Catholic Church, and First Federated Church, a combined Reformed and Presbyterian house of worship, which is Bayonne’s oldest religious congregation.
Both St. Vincent’s and First Federated are also on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
“It is a difficult decision and personally painful to parishioners, to those serving our Church, and to the community whenever an announcement such as this becomes necessary,” said Archdiocese of Newark spokesperson Maria Margiotta said back in July.
“Yet, with declining Mass attendance and continuing fiscal challenges, this is the responsible and necessary move to maintain a vibrant and sustainable parish in this community.”
Indoor pickleball courts ?