When I go into downtown New London, it is often to the area of Masonic Street. The City Hall, U.S. Post Office, the former New England Saving Bank building, makes for a cluster of stately buildings along this street. The building that I admired most out of all of them was First Congregational Church. The men who toiled with 1850s tools and built that inspiriting spire seen from everywhere in the city, must have been a sight to see, at that time. How many generations of people entered those doors with hopes and dreams for a better day. Those doors that opened onto many changes that 175 years can bring to a city.

Every time that I had business at the Post Office, City Hall, or to do some banking, I'd often take some time to admire the architecture of the First Congregational Church and be in awe of the amazing spire reaching for the heavens. Unfortunately, the collapse of the First Congregational Church tore away an anchor on Masonic Street. My eyes were in disbelief as I watched mighty granite blocks fall onto a pile of debris that once was a magnificent church. I truly felt like I was witnessing the death of an old friend.

Charles Patenaude

New London