Elevator Approved

Spirit willing but knees weak: Sea Isle OKs church elevator

By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Wednesday, November 15, 2006

SEA ISLE CITY — For years, pallbearers have navigated the steep steps at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with particular care. But as Americans have grown heavier, the short trip down 12 concrete steps has grown even more precarious.

The quick drop from the church to the sidewalk on Landis Avenue means pallbearers must hold the weight of caskets above their heads, and it has become more difficult as caskets have gotten heavier, the Rev. Stephen Carey said.

Because of that, and because the congregation is growing older — with knee replacements and sore backs unable to climb those stairs — the church sought and received site plan approval at a city Planning Board meeting Monday night to construct an elevator at the quaint 104-year-old church.

“I dread to see the day when a casket goes down the front of that church, because they're very steep and caskets are getting heavier,” resident John Henry said, speaking before the Planning Board and asking the elevator be approved.
Entering or leaving the church means walking up the steps. With a heavy casket, that walk can be difficult.

Carey said even young, strong pallbearers have trouble carrying the casket up the stairs and to the back of the church.

An estimated 65 percent of adults 20 years old or older are either obese or overweight, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the size of caskets has not increased “Once in a while we have to order an oversized casket,” Radzieta Funeral Home Director John Radzieta said Tuesday.

The church's plans call for the elevator to be 8 feet 5 inches by 5 feet 8 inches — deep and rectangular in order to accommodate coffins and those carrying them.
The elevator had the support of parishioners who attended the Planning Board meeting.

Many were concerned that the steep stairway was keeping the elderly from attending daily Mass.

The church's parishioners include 1,050 families — “good, bad and indifferent” — and includes year-round and seasonal populations, Carey said. More than half are senior citizens.

“I hope I'll have plenty of chances to come to church and use it (the elevator). And not necessarily in a casket, but that is a good feature,” said Jack Gibson, a parishioner and former state assemblyman.

“It's for a necessity. I'm becoming older, and I look forward to riding that elevator,” Ernie Marcacci said.

Michael McHale, a former Sea Isle City mayor who serves on the parish council, said the church hopes to have the elevator built and in use by May