By Arlene Helmbrecht, Victor
The rebuilding or renovation of St. Francis church has been divisive and contentious. Soon the Zoning Board will make their decision. We will move after all legal matters are settled.
The church was built in 1896 long before the neighborhood houses were built. It was erected by our forefathers with foresight to look to the future of the church and the growing community. Now it’s time to again look to the future and thing of our children and grandchildren and the future parishioners and the ever-growing community. The issue at hand is one of parking, construction and building.
Words matter and are sometimes disturbing. To bring in such statements at this time about Satanist, Wiccan beliefs or mosque building borders on fear mongering. Those organizations can have their own day in court and deal with the Zoning Board. They too can endure years of delays and stall tactics.
Sooner or later there will be major construction at the corner of 4th and Ravalli. It will be for an improved and safe place for the Roman Catholic worshipers to gather. We have always been good neighbors to Hamilton and the local residents. We will continue to be a good neighbor.
We are a faith based and law abiding community that follow the Roman Catholic doctrine. We have always been taught to love one another. We should strive for peace and harmony in our lives and our community.