Letter to the Editor
So, last year a local supermarket knocked down a church to put up a new supermarket a few blocks away from their old one. There was a big to-do about it because the church had been there for a hundred years, was the tallest structure in town, and was unique in its architecture. I was annoyed about it all too, and now that the new supermarket just opened, I started writing a sarcastic letter to the editor of the Times Union. But figured it came out a little too mean-spirited and maybe offensive in a way I didn’t intend… so I’ll just post it here instead.
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On July 11, the new Watervliet Price Chopper opened at the site of the old St. Patricks church. I, for one, would like to welcome them to the area. Or, I guess to be more accurate, I would like to welcome them to their new street since they apparently moved about four blocks away from their last location.
And to the people who opposed the demolition of St. Patrick’s I say, “Cheer up! When life hands you lemons, you sometimes have to make lemonade.” So why not make the best of it? Who’s to say that the spirit that was found in the old church can’t be found on the same site?
The aisles are your pews. Take a knee before grabbing at an end display. If you wish to take the Eucharist, head to the Crackers and Cookies aisle and pop open a box of Ritz. They look similar to communion wafers, and taste better, too! Wine? Sure, it’s not allowed to be sold in grocery stores by law, but you can find grape juice. Grab a bottle of Welsh’s.
To those who miss the grandiose architecture of the church, I’m sure you can find something to appreciate in the efficient design of the modern supermarket. Isn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder anyway? Do you find god in nature? Bask in the glorious front lawn of Price Chopper. In all that expansive grass where the alter once stood, maybe you can spot Jesus.
No one's stopping you from chanting hymnals inside Price Chopper hallowed halls. Hey, you might even find a copy of the Bible available for purchase!
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On July 11, the new Watervliet Price Chopper opened at the site of the old St. Patricks church. I, for one, would like to welcome them to the area. Or, I guess to be more accurate, I would like to welcome them to their new street since they apparently moved about four blocks away from their last location.
And to the people who opposed the demolition of St. Patrick’s I say, “Cheer up! When life hands you lemons, you sometimes have to make lemonade.” So why not make the best of it? Who’s to say that the spirit that was found in the old church can’t be found on the same site?
The aisles are your pews. Take a knee before grabbing at an end display. If you wish to take the Eucharist, head to the Crackers and Cookies aisle and pop open a box of Ritz. They look similar to communion wafers, and taste better, too! Wine? Sure, it’s not allowed to be sold in grocery stores by law, but you can find grape juice. Grab a bottle of Welsh’s.
To those who miss the grandiose architecture of the church, I’m sure you can find something to appreciate in the efficient design of the modern supermarket. Isn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder anyway? Do you find god in nature? Bask in the glorious front lawn of Price Chopper. In all that expansive grass where the alter once stood, maybe you can spot Jesus.
No one's stopping you from chanting hymnals inside Price Chopper hallowed halls. Hey, you might even find a copy of the Bible available for purchase!