Interested in saving an old church?



This is a request for small donations from individuals for the purpose of keeping a church building maintained during rough financial times. The 250 family congregartion of retirees and working people can afford to heat the structure and do some maintenance work, but the church needs expensive, necessary repairs amounting to about One half million dollars. They have raised almost $100,000. However, because of lost jobs, lost population and the dire economy of this automotive manufacturing city, there is a need to find other resources for the remaining $400,000.

This posting is an experiment in the internet and the human spirit. The experiment is being attempted without fanfare, to see if a small part of the well known generostity of the American people can be used to overcome one more challenge.

Parishoners believe that the local economy will stabilize following its transition from an automobile manufacturing center to whatever it is destined to become.

"Change" and its challenges are not new to these people nor the American spirit. A similar transition occurred locally over 100 years ago. Lumbering eliminated the old growth forests and a way of life for local citizens. Not knowing what the future held, but determined to survive; over a brief period of time, community leaders enticed new jobs to the area to manufacture horseless carriages. It was about 1900 when this community and people of this state decided to rebuild following a new direction. Successful they were.

In its heyday during the 20th century, Michigan was known as the "arsenal of democracy. It's manufacturing might built tanks and airplanes and weapons of all sorts to defend this great country. Its people, joined the thousand upon thousands who sacrificed in the defense of democracy. New manufacturing jobs opened doors for families across the U.S. Families migrated from the hills of Appalachia; from the south; from the west and from the east. All seeking a secure future for their families. Some sending money back "home" from their new employment. For almost 100 years, the community grew and the dreams of those families were realized.

Now in the 21st century, jobs left and change is required again.

The city of Saginaw, Michigan lost almost fifty percent of its population (55,000 today; 100,000 at its peak). Some census tracts have poverty levels as high as sixty-five percent. Employment in manufacturing at GM owned facilities, once over 26,000, dropped to about 7,000 before the latest problems arose. Of course, jobs at local suppiers to GM and other manufacturers have been devestated.

In the true sense of America's "can do" attitude, community leaders are working hard to make changes necessary for the future. But, this place of worship needs your help to survive the transition.

Therefore, donations in the order of $1 to $5 are being requested of readers of this web page. Money received will be placed into a fund for payment of identified repair and maintenance costs. The reader should be aware that the author of this page is a member of the church and is conducting this experiment as part of his service to the church. This is an honest, simple congregation struggling to do what it can to raise $400,000.

I am making this attempt because I believe "others" will help. If individuals donate thousands of dollars in response to an internet plea for cash to have breast enhancements and other goofy things, certainly there may be a few folks out there who'd donate literally, a dollar or two to save a piece of history. Time will tell. Checks should be made out to St. Andrew Catholic Church and designated for its building fund. Do not make out any checks to Michigan Property Consultants. The reader will also note there is no commercial enterprise associated with this solicitation. No credit card nor other electronic fund transfer. Those wishing to send paper currency instead of a check are certainly encouraged to do so, but be sure and wrap the bill in a sheet of paper or some similar material before placing it into the envelop for mailing. Make sure the currency is identified as a donation to the building fund, otherwise it may be allocated for general operating purposes. As of this writing, the proper mailing address for St. Andrew Catholic Church is:

St. Andrew Catholic Church
MPC Building Fund Solicitation
612 N. Michigan Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48602

Thank you for reading this message. If you feel this cause is worthwhile, please share the request with others. I'm really curious to see if it will get noticed and get results. After all, these web pages are located at a rather obscure site.

Best regards,

Joe Turner, Parishoner
St. Andrew Catholic Church


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