Shirt Tales

Photos Sandamara Images L to R: detail of pilasters and cornice lines, two-storey columns, and window arches that are characteristic of the Italian Rensaissance per Angelino Cianfrone, Architect for the restoration of the St. Jerome's 1907 building Kitchener. Record photo of the prankster-painted deconsecrated controversial cross.

This particular building was designated in 1993 under Part IV OHA for its heritage value to this community. "St. Jerome's is more than just a designated heritage property. It is a landmark building within the Region of Waterloo. Landmark buildings ...are fixed points in a changing world. They are sources of visual and historic reference."

More from the architect's report:

"The heritage value of a building is defined by the form and detailing of materials and by the historical and cultural uses and associations. The heritage designation of St. Jerome's is base on its architectural and historic significance. .. Its historic significance is related in part to its association with Catholic education in Waterloo County and beyond. "

What are character definining elements? ..."the materials, forms, location, spatial configurations, uses and cultural associations or meaning that contribute to the heritage value of a historic place."

Was the cross on the peak of the pediment such a character-defining element? Likely as even WLU argued for its removal on grounds that the University is non-denominational and that leaving the cross would continue an inappropriate socio-cultural association given its current use --the Lyle S. Hallman School of Social Work.

Was the cross the one remaining feature on the property "symbolic of the belief and faith that was a large part of the property's history?" Was the cross original to this building? For starters, the Catholic church had already deconsecrated the cross and had moved Catholic education elsewhere. The building had stood empty since 1990 and that its removal had been part of the deal between WLU and City of Kitchener who contributed $6,500,000 to locate the School of Social Work in that building.

Turns out this particular cross was not the one originally installed on the building and had undergone some changes -- including a 1960's style paint job. Apparently in 1964, six faithful Catholic students crawled out a fourth-floor window, incehd along the roofline, maksed out the stripes, and painted the green-and-gold striping on the cross to proclaim St. Jerome's school colours to the local citizenry. Did the Fathers of Resurrection ever find out who pulled off the prank? According to one who lived to tell the tale, "the perpetrators got away unscathed" -- Christian Aagard's column in The Record 11 Apr 05

Labels: Berlin/Kitchener history, built heritage

# posted by ramblingrose @ 9:03 AM