Anyone who has ever lived near a church knows when a service is about to start. Those wonderful, chiming bells singing their songs of praise, while calling the congregation to worship, tell them. This weekend another set of bells along the shores of the Hudson River will chime for the last time. St. Patrick’s RC Church will celebrate the final mass for their congregation this Sunday, June 27th beginning at 10:30 am. There will be no singing bells in Uptown next weekend.
Hundreds are expected to attend the final mass, many traveling from out of town to do so. The psyche of practical Catholics throughout the Capital District has been jarred and the effect that this latest rash of church closings is having on that community is immeasurable. For many, the world as they knew it has ended. Each must find a new home of worship and a new community to worship with.
The impact of St. Patrick’s glorious doors closing for the final time is yet to be seen. For sure, it’s closing will have on effect on the revitalization of Uptown Troy NY and Troy in general. The greatest architectural structure in Uptown will now be vacant, joining the far too many vacant buildings throughout the city. We didn’t need another one, especially this one. I’m sure gonna miss those bells.
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