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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Letters in Favor of Historical DesignationI Maurice A. Ferre July 11, 2013 Ms. Lisette Ribas Dear Lissie; The Assumption Chapel was designed by a famous Belgian church architect, who also designed the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia, a respected architectural landmark. For those of us who visited and lived in the Miami of the 1940's and 1950's, the Assumption was a place of fond memories. My sister, Mary Ann Ferre Coe was a graduate of the Assumption Academy in 1955. That high school was the Catholic School for South Florida, before Carrollton (Sacred Heart) or Lourdes. The Assumption Chapel is a historical and architectural treasure of Miami and should be designated a historical building. 13 - ince e ly, GCp Maurice A. Ferre Mayor of Miami — 1973-1985 3900 Poinciana Avenue Miami, FL. 33133 E-mail: maferre2002@aol.com Leth—r&fro►-o m' S 7 a —."c Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk RRE_LIGIOUS of the XSSUMPTION July 17, 2013 Dear Mayor Regalado, City Managers and Commissioners, I would like you to be aware that the St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church was once the Chapel of the Academy of the Assumption where Sister Charlotte spent many years teaching during the 1960s and 70s. Mother Teresa of Calcutta came to stay with at the convent several times during those years. The Assumption sisters would prepare what used to be the Science room a few yards away from the beautiful Chapel with beds for her and the other religious sisters of the Missionaries of Charity that accompanied her. Mother Teresa would spend hours praying and writing while in the Church. Some of the nuns wondered why she would be writing in a little notebook off and on while she prayed, instead of just praying. I'm sure some of those divine words served as inspiration for her many works later on in life. The future Nobel Peace Prize winner would sit inthe sisters' choir stalls, usually the one assigned to Sister Beatrice Bannatte. Blessed Mother Teresa wasn't the only historical figure there at the time. Bishop Roman also stayed with at the convent in the early 1960s when he arrived exiled from Cuba. He prayed with the -sisters and celebrated Mass at the Church. His stay coincided with one of Mother Teresa's visits. They would have breakfast together and the sisters wondered how they communicated because he didn't speak English and Mother Theresa didn't speak Spanish! Up until his passing away last year, every time he would see Sister Beatrice, he would say to her smiling, "there was a Saint among us"! Bishop Roman was also a saint, a holy man. Not all the ones appointed in high positions are good. He was real. A Saint, a global icon of peace and a Cuban exiled priest who became Bishop and helped so many both in the community and abroad. How much more historical can one get? Please vote for Historical Designation to preserve our precious Landmark. 31.; e.INL1rlo44t C\oSC. a n a 5 =s+er- cl are, -T". 1 'S-A•cl - c L COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA NOTARIAL SEAL BETTY A YORK, Notary Public City of Philadelphia, Phila. County My Commission Expires March 18, 2017 . ,:,;. t, Wand subscted befall Me this 1%* day 01S 20 3 Thank you, Carmen More, Sisters Charlotte Close R. A.and Clare Teresa Tjader, R.A. Q }p Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk BHA BRICKELL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Safeguarding quality of life for the Brickell community Mailing Address: P.O. Box 45-2403 Miami, FL 33245-2403 brickellhomeowners.com July 12, 2013 Mayor Tomas Regalado City of Miami 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 Dear Mayor Regalado As you know, for 23 years Brickell Homeowners Association has represented the Brickell neighborhood from Miami River to 26th Road, a unique community:unlike anywhere else. We are now comprised of more than 25,000'condominium units in the City's center where so many residents and visitors live, work and play. St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church of Miami is located in the heart of our neighborhood and is one of a very few architectural touchstones to the area's history that we have. It is a gem for its parishioners and the larger surrounding community. It would be shameful to lose it. BHA supports its historic designation and hopes that the City of Miami will do what is needed to ensure its survival for all of the community of Greater Miami. Sincerely, Ernesto Cuesta President cc: City Manager Martinez Commissioner:Spence-Jones Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Carollo Commissioner Suarez Commissioner Gort rSubmitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk July 21, 2013 Miami City Commission Dear Commissioners: I am respectfully submitting to you a brief history of St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church, which, I believe, underlines dramatically its importance, especially in the realm of history and thus satisfies Criteria 1, 2,and 3, Chapter 23-4 of the city's code as it pertains to Designation of Historic Resources. The impressive history of St. Jude and the site it rests upon includes the fact that is was known as Bay Haven from the 1910s.through its Academy of the Assumption years more than a half century later, and that it was owned initially by Dr. James M. Jackson, the city's most prominent early physician, for whom Jackson Memorial Hospital is named. Long after the passing of Dr. Jackson, Arthur Brisbane, a famous American journalist, wintered and worked at Bay Haven for several years in the early to mid-1930s. The beautiful Romanesque -styled chapel (today's St. Jude Catholic Church) arose on the property in 1945-1946. Thechapel was in the thick of the Pedro Pan operation, sheltering many of the girls who came to Miami from Cuba at the end of 1960 for a brief period of time. It also became a spiritual refuge for the Carmelite Nuns from Cuba, expelled at the outset of the 1960s by the government of Fidel Castro. Additionally, two homes across the street from the Chapel housed for a few years in the first half of the 1960s Pedro Pan boys who worshipped and meditated in the Chapel. Many future leaders of our community and elsewhere resided in those homes. Additionally, Father Eddy Alvarez, SJ, presently Pastor of Gesu Catholic Church, has observed that the chapel "was a meeting place for Jesuit students of the Peter Pan Program who, in the early 1960s, visited the LORD in that beautiful SACRED SPACE (sic)." In fact, S.E. 15th Road, which runs in front of St. Jude Church, is co -named for Elly Choval, who was a key figure in assisting many Pedro Pan youths living in the homes across from the church. Coleman F. Carroll, then Bishop of the recently -formed Diocese of Miami invited the Sisters of Charity to come to. Miami to assist the growing community of Cuban exiles from the Castro dictatorship. They were welcomed warmly into the spiritual confines of the Assumption Academy and worshipped in the chapel. Their spiritual confessor was the future Auxiliary Bishop Augustin Roman, who had also fled Cuba at this time and experienced the same wonderful treatment from the Sister of the Assumption. The late, beloved Bishop Roman was, as we know, the guiding light behind the creation of the shrine to Our Lady of Charity. He spent endless hours in prayer and meditation in the Chapel. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, known worldwide for the assistance she and her Sisters of Charity administered to the poor and dispossessed, likewise spent many days and hours in prayer, contemplation, and even writing in the Chapel in the mid-1970s. Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Briefly, in the early 1970s, the Chapel became the temporary home of St. Kieran, a newly -formed parish. When,. in 1977, a portion of the property comprising the then -defunct Academy of the Assumption, including the chapel, was sold, the local Middle Eastern Catholics mission, headed by Msgr. John Haddad, and with the help of many local and out of the state friends, including Michael Tamer, a close friend of famed entertainer, Danny Thomas, purchased the property. Thomas, himself, contributed a hefty sum of money toward its purchase. In 1978, the Chapel was rededicated as St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church, its name inspired by Danny Thomas's internationally recognized St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church is the first Melkite Catholic church in Florida. St. Jude remains a magnet to many groups of people and individuals, including a large Hispanic group, who worship there on a regular basis. Its observance of the feast day of its patron saint, each October, draws thousands to the event. Thousands of others visit the church annually because St. Jude is the saint of lost causes, and they draw sustenance from that experience. Further, because of its unique architecture, beauty, and history, St. Jude has become a "celebrity" venue for Mass and for the dispensation of such sacraments as Matrimony and Baptism, which have drawn the likes of many members of the Bush Presidential family, foreign dignitaries, celebrity athletes like Mike Piazza, and even the entertainer Madonna! Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Paul S. George, Historian Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community. The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: ,&-e_3-4 Name: �reS J Address: //`t LG/-(1 Telephone: Cc 4-k) Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Address: P4081Acz ‘k,ctty. m(L.3 Telephone: (w.i s8-o_za Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Address: 1 3a Sui. Telephone: OS _ Co ��— Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community. The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: Name: Address: f'Nk_hlbui- 1 °tom S 1: Telephone: �J�----1\O--10LN, Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community. The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: Name: CMG, j, // . 4.6ff ii 2TE Address: j1,100 ffo4,0 6(vi Telephone: Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known. Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community. The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: Name: Address: Telephone: 4-e-fre 3.4L L t ZsuP1 d, o,s` L1- � > Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: Name: 5 L iVl e_o A) EL Address: sw ?? 57, Telephone: 3/7 7// Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk Dear Commissioner, I understand that on July 25, 2013 you will be deciding on designating the Chapel located on Brickell Avenue and SE 15th Road historical. St. Jude Church is a jewel in our community that, in my opinion, must be preserved for future generations! The Chapel represents the only known Romanesque Gothic styled architecture in the City of Miami. It's beautiful Indiana Limestone and ornate, stain glass windows comprise some of the materials that make this structure unique and a true treasure in our community. The firm that designed the Chapel, Henry D. Dagit and Sons, were renowned architects that designed historically designated churches and significant structures in other areas of the United States. Historically, the Chapel holds a very special place in the hearts of the Cuban Exile Community! During the Cuban exodus of the 1960s, many of the unaccompanied children to flee Cuba in "Operacion Pedro Pan" lived on the grounds and worshipped at the chapel. From famous American Journalist, Arthur Brisbane to the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Chapel has served as a centerpiece of important and significant visitors to our community. It remains, to this day, an important historical center for our community and must be preserved. If we as a community cast aside the remnants of our recent past, then we are left with nothing. In a transient community such as Miami, we need a sense of permanency and place in order to anchor and bring our community together. A place of historical and architectural significance, such as St. Jude, provides the much needed stability that all successful communities require. It is clear that this Chapel has tremendous historical and architectural significance for our community and deserves to be preserved for future Miamians and visitors to enjoy and cherish! I am strongly IN FAVOR OF HISTORICAL DESIGNATION for St. Jude Church, and I urge you to do the right thing and preserve our city's history and important landmarks by SUPPORTING HISTORICAL DESIGNATION on July 25, 2013. Sincerely, Signature: 1/o Name: A- atl S Address: 3.6z) Telephone: � S19 Submitted into the public record in connection with item PZ.10 on 07/25/13 Todd B. Hannon City Clerk