Brattle Street Elegy: Part of Our Family

The chapel on Longfellow Park held so many, many family memoies and history that I feel as though a part of our family is gone. My grandparents were some of the people who were instrumental in getting the building built and helping the Church grow in the Boston area. Grandpa went to the neighbors in the area and ex￾plained what the Church wanted to do by removing two homes to put the chapel up. My grandparents were thrilled about the chance to have a chapel that belonged to them in this area and for people to feel welcomed.

It was from this building that my mother, Ann Hinckley, gave her farewell address before leaving on her mission and her homecoming talk afterwards. It was there that she met my father, after his talk on the symbolism in architecture in the building. It was the place they were married prior to driving to Salt Lake City to be sealed. All five of us children were blessed in the Longfellow Park chapel and three of us were baptized there—one against her will, due to a bad experience in the basement. My father was a branch president and bishop there. My brother received his Eagle Scout award there on one of those really hot summer evenings. Oh the memories of this building for the Romish family run deep! It makes the loss of this building so heartbreaking.

I remember the “Sing Your Own Messiah” and wreath-making during the holidays. I remember Primary and swinging from the trees out front. I remember the cry room, nursery, and balconies as places to hang out. I remember wonderful friends who became like family to us since all of our relatives were in the West. I re￾member lots of happiness, love, and strong spirits.

I hope that it is rebuilt in the same style and that more people can share the memories of such a historic place.