DEAR EDITOR:

I have been following the sad story of the Welsh Congregational Church at 220 Elm St., the remaining urban renewal dilemma between Wood Street and Lincoln Avenue. The 1861 prayer house features Greek Revival architecture in American Queen Anne style. It was the center of the Welsh community in Youngstown; the building was designated a historic site on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1986.

Therein lies a problem. Some developers suggest the best remedy is to demolish it. Most citizens disagree with such urges and a sign-off by the protecting authority would be required. The popular alternative is to move the building and preserve for its historic consequence. Most ridiculous was the proposal to move the church to Wick Park. Imagine the engineering nightmare that would entail.

The “wedge” proposal makes most sense. The so-called wedge is the piece of land on Wood Street at North Phelps east corner. Now it is a parking lot, which is the destiny of the lot where the church now sits.

It is nearby with no barriers. Renovated, the artifact would complement the Museum of Labor and Industry creating pillars on the sides of the Phelps Street gateway to downtown. The problem with the wedge is that it’s too small. If they set the church there, there will be room for nothing else, including parking. There is no access to the wedge.

The building is historic. A promotion might be to associate the Welsh church with St. James Episcopal Church at Boardman Park. The Valley offers a location of historic church buildings, which other old churches could join. The facility could function as community center for performance, exhibitions, meetings, weddings and community events.

The sensible solution is to simply leave the historic building where it is. Consider: The original structure measures 35 x 65 feet. It sits on the north half of two conjoined, undeveloped lots, about 70 feet wide together. Let’s move the church 15 feet south to the center of the dual lots and develop an early church campus to meld with the university and St. Columba, the Catholic cathedral across the street, .

The Catholic Diocese, also across the street, is a major player in this drama. The diocese wants to convert the lots for parking. The diocese holds title to the properties. For this reason, preservationists want to move the church to save it.

History-minded Catholics from Valley churches launch discussions with diocesan administrators to promote the ecumenical benefits of preserving examples of America’s spiritual heritage. If it is necessary to move the church, then such committee can be charged with site selection and any necessary negotiations.

Save the Welsh Congregational Church!

JIM VILLANI

Youngstow