St. Laurentius Church has a pending sale of a $1 to a developer with no affiliations to the parish. The buyer wants to gut the beautiful 4800 s.f. interior and convert it into twenty-three one bedroom rentals, destroying the gorgeous open floor plan and interior decor of Edwin Forrest Durang. This space inspired generations of Fishtowners and Polish Philadelphians well beyond our neighborhood borders. It was lovingly maintained by its faithful stewards, the parishioners of St. Laurentius. Updates to the lighting, electrical and HVAC systems were done with such thoughtfulness and care that one easily forgets that this space predates mainstream electricity in America. This was not by chance; it is the direct result of generations of parishioners who were keenly aware of their responsibility to remain true to their architect and founders’ original vision. What we have today is a testament to their careful consideration, one of the most spectacular, well-preserved, and intact E.F. Durang designs in the city of Philadelphia and the historic value of this building lies in its wholeness, not its parts. Like those who came before us, our goal is to create the bridge to connect those from all over that believe in preserving history. The exterior’s beautiful masonry, stained glass and commanding steeples are now protected by the Philadelphia Historic Commission. While the interior is not yet designated and does not have the same protections, we are working to do what we can to save the magnificent work of art within the brownstone walls. We fear that all of these efforts could be for naught if the rightful stewards of this building - the parishioners - are prevented from having a hand in its future. The original 1885 deed from Schmitt and Gartner to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia reads that the land and all the buildings upon are held "Forever in trust for the Roman Catholic Congregation of St. Laurentius." This language is unique as it relates to other deeds held by the Archdiocese and we believe that the language is significant. We, the parishioners, are the rightful stewards of St. Laurentius, its architecture, commanding beauty, its craftsmanship, its history and its future. Our ancestors built this church with their hard earned nickels and dimes. Their children and grandchildren inherited the task of caring for it and their commitment to the task is evident in the gorgeous, well maintained interior that has been permanently shuttered from our view and could potentially be lost forever if current development plans prevail. The Archdiocese has viewed this building as a liability from the start. We do not share that opinion. To us this building represents our lineage, our history and heritage. It is not a liability and it is irreplaceable once lost. We, the parishioners, have repeatedly reached out to the Archdiocese to try to save our church, offers were even made to purchase the church. On every occasion, the Archdiocese has replied to us as if we are sentimental fools who only write to pester. This building as a whole can be saved, furthermore, it should be saved. To gut the interior for the sake of apartments would be a gross travesty under the guise of preservation. The existing interior ABSOLUTELY can be incorporated into a viable, successful and sustainable business concept which would allow the building to support itself and its maintenance. We, the parishioners, would like the opportunity to give this landmark a better future.  Attorney General Bruce Beemer as our Commonwealth's great defender of Charitable Trusts, we humbly implore and ask for your help in seeking protection for what has been effectively cast aside by the Archdiocese and Holy Name. St. Laurentius’s legacy and its future belongs to the faithful Laurentians according to the laws of Pennsylvania.