A Letter From Jay and a Look at Thomas Memorial
Dear Friends,
Do you wonder how the League uses your generous donations, and why your gifts are so vital? I want to share an example of how your contributions are making a difference, and how your continued support will propel even more projects like it.
There are times when we simply fall in love with a building – not necessarily because of its magnificence, but because of the stories it holds. That’s what happened when we first learned about the Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church in Watertown and why it was included on our 2022-23 Seven to Save list of endangered historic sites.
Shameika Ingram of Preservation in Color addresses a group outside the Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church.
This modest building is a testament to the struggles and achievements of Watertown’s African American community. Its founding congregation, many of whom were railroad workers, was established in 1878. Some were formerly enslaved, and many were active abolitionists. In 1909, under the leadership of Frank Thomas for whom the church is named, members of the church came together to build a home for their congregation.
Brick by brick – literally building each of the cast concrete blocks by hand.
For more than 90 years the church served as an anchor for the African American community of Jefferson County. Yet over time, the congregation dwindled. By 2017, the church was without a caretaker and had become a neighborhood eyesore.
Unstable, deteriorating, and without much hope of a future, it seemed destined for demolition.
But if the building was lost, so too would the stories it holds. An important part of Watertown's history would be erased.
Recognizing this, a coalition of grassroots preservationists rallied to save the church. The League joined them.
We declared the church a Seven to Save. We secured funding for an intern to gather oral histories from family and community members who can tell the stories of its early parishioners.
You enabled the League to put boots on the ground and provide invaluable technical and financial support. And while the church’s future is still to be determined, we’re confident that it can be brought back to life to serve the community today and for generations to come.
We were able to help this long-overlooked landmark thanks to you.
That’s why I’m turning to you today to ask for your continued support. There are many more places across New York State that will benefit from the League’s unique brand of involvement, and we’ll be there – with your help.
Will you make a gift today so we can continue this important work?
Photo of League President Jay DiLorenzo (credit: John Schlia)
Your gift means that this little church, and other places like it, will find a new life and purpose. Yours is a gift that matters. Please send your donation today.
With gratitude,
Jay DiLorenzo
President