It is really heartbreaking to contemplate the eventual loss of these two spires and what they represent, not only their religious symbolism but the history of Silver Spring.
(L-R) The 1924 and 1956 Silver Spring Baptist Church on Wayne Avenue at Fenton Street. Both structures are slated to be demolished by the congregation in partnership with a developer who will construct a mixed-use project of commercial and housing along with a new church. Photo Copyright 2010 by Jerry A. McCoy.
Additional information on the church's plans may be seen at http://www.gazette.net/stories/01272010/silvnew181333_32555.php
Follows is my Letter to the Editor in response to this article:
Readers of Jason Tomassini's article "Developer offers to build church along with homes" (Gazette 1/27) might have thought it strange that there was no mention of the Silver Spring Historical Society opposing demolition of the church's two landmark structures despite our organization providing a photograph, as requested by the Gazette, which accompanied the article.
Completely dismissed in Tomassini's coverage of the ESSCA meeting were the alternative views presented by three of my colleagues to retain the 1956 and 1924 sanctuaries. The sense of place of this important corner should not be lost as was done in 1998 diagonally across the street when the county-designated historic 1927 Silver Spring Armory was demolished.
The retention of the two historic Silver Spring Baptist Church structures "bookended" with the planned Silver Spring Library directly across Fenton Street would serve as recognizable and symbolic American icons that uniquely provide a gateway into Fenton Village. To lose the prominence and visibility of these important buildings to probably another Starbucks would be a sad commentary on the continued apathy shown by this community to preserving and celebrating its heritage.
