SIGN & PRAY
Bx. locals oppose church-to-shelter plans
THEY’RE putting their hopes into prayers and petitions.
Nearly 1,000 people have signed an online campaign calling on city officials to save a crumbling century-old Bronx church, which is slated to be razed and turned into a homeless shelter.
“I’ve always had a draw to the building,” said Anthony Nacerino, who started the petition to preserve the Pilgrim United Church of Christ.
“I’ve never seen a building quite like that one,” he added. “It would be a sin to see it demolished.”
For decades, the 105-year-old structure on the corner of the Grand Concourse and 175th St. has been left in a state of disrepair by a series of neglectful pastors.
Scaffolding has surrounded the brick beauty since at least 2008, neighbors say.
And now the building is beyond repair, according to the church’s lawyer, Mark Weinstein.
The church board, which oversees the property, plans to tear it down and partner with nonprofit Bronx Parent Housing Network to build a homeless shelter and a new place of worship for the church’s few remaining congregants, Weinstein said.
But others say the historic space — in an area al- ready ripe with shelters — would better serve the community as a shared art space, dubbed the Mount Hope Center of the Arts.
“We need something in this part of the Bronx to create a sense of community,” Nacerino said.
The city has issued a slew of violations against the rotted building, where mold has eaten away at the once-grand main room.
But the derelict conditions can’t keep the faithful away.
A small but dedicated group of worshipers still use a room next to the debris-strewn main sanctuary for weekly services.
On a recent Sun- day, three people huddled in the small side room to stay warm while they prayed.
“It’s a beautiful place,” said longtime churchgoer Bernice, 80, who did not want to give her last name. “I’ve been coming here since I was a child.”
There isn’t much city officials can do because the plot is privately owned. Any plans must get approval from the state before moving forward.
“The church has a rich tradition and, while it may have a dwindling congregation, it’s a dedicated congregation,” Weinstein said.
“They’ve chosen a good partner. And they’ll continue to use the site.”