Noble approach to save historic building

In almost each and every city of the world you will come across the presence of old and historic buildings that speak of their own rich histories and their relations with the city from inception. But even after this, it is found that most of these buildings remain ramshackle and the pertinent authorities fail to pay the necessary attention. Well, I am wrong since I shouldn’t include every city in this inventory. There are some exceptions still and that make us proud. The Texas Historical Commission happens to be one of them and is known for its exploits.

The name of the Texas Historical Commission has once again come to the view thanks to its noble approach to save the historic building of the First Baptist Church. The Commission in its letter, that has already been sent, has emphasized “demolition should not be considered an option” of the 1913 sanctuary when the church moves from downtown Orange. The initiative, in this context, has been taken by the Orange City Councilwoman Theresa Beauchamp who along with her comrades is steadfast to preserve the historic mansion. However the church has enough reasons to shift. The church has not held services in any of its buildings from the time when Hurricane Ike flooded some of them that include the basement of the sanctuary. All these have made the Church members opt for new area.

F. Lawerence Oaks, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission, has also sent a letter about the church building to the Rev. Barry Bradley, pastor of the church. The letter stated, “The First Baptist Church building is an asset to your congregation and the greater community. With its pedimented, Classical revival façade and domed roof, the church is inseparable from the nearby First Presbyterian Church in its presence within downtown and impact on visitors’ perceptions of the city. The rich history of your church has been recognized by our agency with an Official Texas Historical marker, and the building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and Criterion C for Architecture and for designation as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.”

The Commission, it has been learnt, is arranging funds to repair the damages of the building following Hurricane Ike. The entire approach is highly appreciable.