Dear editor,
This letter is in response to a story by Mark Squibb of The Packet published Nov. 1, 2018, who interviewed Mark Clench of Princeton concerning the dismantling of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Princeton, and also, Mr. Clench’s Letter to The Editor, published Nov. 1, 2018.
Mr. Clench and his social media followers cannot seem to understand the reasoning behind the decision. First and foremost, the community in general did not need to be consulted on this matter. It was a decision made by the members of St. Peter’s congregation, or should I say those who were interested enough to attend our meetings.
Low attendance and financial contributions, deterioration beyond repair and cost of maintenance resulted in the decision to close and deconsecrate St. Peter’s. There was a stipulation in the sale that as a congregation we didn’t want to see this church repurposed because of the fact that it’s located in our cemetery. There was no lack of transparency as Mr. Clench stated. How do you restore a building and not have water and sewer and no land to include it?
In spite of the comments, including insults, on social media, maybe those people responsible can put their energy into supporting the community building we already have, namely the fire hall, where events already take place and is more than adequate for such things.
St. Peter’s is now dismantled in the manner outlined by Bishop John Watton. A superb job was done by the buyer. The land is now part of our cemetery. Many of the contents were repurposed for other churches. Those who choose to do so can worship at another church and would be welcomed. The main thing is that the wishes of the Anglican people were granted.
Harold Yetman,
Former church warden
Princeton
