Residents feel loss of cathedral

Tourists flock to the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris annually because it is an iconic piece of history.

On Monday, the church was nearly destroyed by a fire that tore through the structure, toppling the main spire and roof of the nearly 900-year-old building.

Some local residents who visited Notre Dame spoke out about their memories and feelings on the fire.

Michael Feifel of Walnutport, a teacher at Lehighton Area High School, wrote: “My wife, Stacy, and I made our first trip to Europe last summer, stopping in London and Paris. We visited the cathedral on July 18 and were amazed at its size and beauty. I was particularly drawn to the statue of Joan of Arc and the intricate 14th-century wood carvings of the life of Jesus inside of the cathedral.

“Yesterday in class, a student came into my room to tell me that it was on fire. I could not grasp the magnitude of what she said. It was not until the end of school that I saw the video and images of the massive fire. The historical loss is incalculable.

“I sat mesmerized and stunned. I am returning to Paris in June and I was hoping to visit it again. I feel sickened by what happened but I feel even worse for those I know that wanted to go see Notre Dame Cathedral, but will never get the chance.”

Kathleen O’Donnell, who is a writer and editor at The American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., and a former Jim Thorpe resident, visited the church recently.

“I visited Paris just four weeks ago in March of 2019,” she said. “Notre Dame was one of the first places I went to upon arriving in the city. I recall being extremely jet-lagged while walking through the massive sanctuary, lighting candles for loved ones and taking in the grandeur of the space. I’ve always loved architecture and history, so it felt like I had been waiting for most of my life to see this incredible structure.

“To finally visit Notre Dame was the opportunity of a lifetime, and as it turns out now, may have been my only chance to see it as it has stood for hundreds of years. When I saw footage of the fire, I was speechless and devastated. The history of Notre Dame reflects the rich and storied past of Western Europe unlike any other building, and I’m truly sad to see so much of it destroyed.”

Diana Bruch of Allentown, formerly of Nesquehoning, said: “After hearing about the devastating fire overtaking Notre Dame, I was reminded of my trip to Paris with my friend last year. A city that has such brilliant architecture as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc. wows your eyes but Notre Dame captures your spirit and amazement of all the history it has gone through.

“Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a walk along the river, eating gelato and taking in the breathtaking Gothic structure. I hope that they can salvage this beautiful church so others may enjoy what I experienced in their own special ways.”

Larry O’Donnell of Hellertown, and formerly of Jim Thorpe, said: “My wife and I are both history buffs. I studied French in high school and college and she studied abroad in France. We planned our Paris honeymoon specifically to be close to the cathedral.

“It was one of my favorite places to visit in the entire city, especially the museum underneath the courtyard. It’s very sad to see so much devastation brought to any historical place, but this one had special significance as it was our first stop as a married couple. I’m glad we got to see it, but heartbroken it will be forever changed for the future.”

Malcolm McKinsey and his wife, Joan, of Polk Township, have been to the cathedral twice, the first time was 18 years ago when his daughter Paige was 7.

“We toured the interior (on our own, not part of a group) and I was struck by the grandeur, the enormous scale of it. I had been a sometime student of architecture so knew a lot about how it was built, but to see the rose windows, the enormous towers, the overwhelming apse in person — absolutely stirring, ethereal!

“We were also there for a magical late night Dec. 31, 2016, from roughly 12:30 a.m. (yes, very early New Year’s Eve) to around 3 a.m. We had Diane, our younger daughter with us. Of course the cathedral was closed at that hour, but Diane stood in front of it, stood up and balanced on one of the short steel posts in front, and stared up at it.

“At night it was imposing, ominous yet beautiful. I am heartbroken at the world’s loss. I am not Catholic but it was a monument to the best aspirations of humanity.”

He said people don’t realize the so-called stone church is not fireproof.

“Parisian limestone, quarried right there beneath the streets of Paris, is a soft stone. The fire will have ruined the stone surface, increased its brittleness, and probably cause fracturing. It will all have to be replaced. The wood roof is of course a total loss. So much work done, so much now to do!”

His wife, Joan, added, “The cathedral was not only beautiful and spiritual, it has so much world history throughout. I feel blessed that I have seen one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is such a loss to everyone.”

Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert released a comment Monday, “As Notre Dame Cathedral burns, it is difficult to comprehend this tragic loss to the cultural patrimony of the world. I pray for everyone in Paris, and around the globe, who will grieve this terrible event. May Our Lady watch over all those battling the blaze.”

Amy Miller and Marta Gouger compiled this report.