Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association: December 2020 Newsletter

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year!

This year has been one of the most challenging years of our lives. It has presented so many challenges on both personal and professional levels for ALL of us. It has taught us that life is hard and we have to live day by day and have faith that in the end, everything is going to be okay. The BBPHA managed to remain positive, stick to our mission and accomplish some of our goals and in many ways, that is because of you! Our valued members and supporters. Thank you!

As we look to 2021, hold on to what is good and let go of what is bad. It really is that simple. This year; break a bad habit ~ learn a new skill ~ do a good deed ~ visit a new place ~ read a difficult book ~ write and send a letter ~ try a new food ~ take a risk ~ and be kind! Our days will be happier when we give people a piece of or heart rather than a piece of our mind.

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New Year!

Holiday Raffle!

The first Holiday Raffle took place live via Facebook on Sunday, November 30th and 3 lucky winners were drawn. Next week 3 more raffles will be called. We have had such generous support from the local community and friends of the BBPHA. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Special thanks go to: Bayport Flower Houses, Lake Liquors, Sayville Inn, The Fish Store, Barre Fitness, Kay Cameron Jewelers, Sayville Running Store, TAO, Angela Sterling and of course the board of the BBPHA!

Raffles will continue to be called each Sunday until December 20th so if you have not made your purchase, there is still time. Go to our webpage, www.bayportbluepointheritage.org for more info and to pay by PayPal or send in a check for $10.00 to PO Box 4 Bayport NY 11705.

Best of luck to all who have entered!

Finding St Nick

A family fun event for all! Starting at the end of November, be on the lookout for posters from the BBPHA with pictures of St. Nick at Meadow Croft on them. Each poster will have a QR code on them to scan that will bring you to a page on our website with Christmas Trivia on it. From there, you can check out the rest of our webpage. We encourage you to take a selfie with the poster and tag us on Social Media. #BBPHA Hope you can play along! Keep your eyes out for those posters all around our towns! Find St. Nick!

Plaster work at Meadow Croft

As we have mentioned before, the BBPHA is always looking to improve the conditions at Meadow Croft and that work continues to happen, even during a pandemic. Currently, we are looking to do some plaster work. Martin LaValle is repairing the plaster and painting the hallway at the top of the servants staircase. The only bathroom on the first floor (that was for John Ellis Roosevelt to use when coming in from canoeing or painting outside in the Artist Cottage) is being completely repaired and painted so it can be added to the House Tour come the spring. All these improvements are due to fundraising efforts like the "Holiday Raffle" that is going on now. Thank you!

Christmas at Our Lady of Snow Church c. 1950

A new feature in the monthly newsletter. These short articles were first printed in the monthly Bayport Blue Point Gazette. They were written by Gene Horton and reprinted with permission.

December 2012

Our Lady of the Snow Church in Blue Point was built and dedicated in 1917. Old-timers may well remember the beauty of this church especially during the Christmas season decades ago.

Notice in the photo below, the four angels painted on the sanctuary wall, the Christmas creche, all of the poinsettias, even the crystal hanging lamps wreathed with decorative greens. Under the main alter, the Last Supper appears in bas--relief.

It is still a beautiful church today but the sanctuary is somewhat simplified especially in the wake of the 1967 fire and the liturgical reforms of Vatican 2. Inside Our Lady of the Snow church today, much of the original fabric remains; the stained glass windows, the pews, the dropped tin ceiling and the king-post ceiling trusses.

On the back of this 1950's postcard the following scriptural passage is quoted: "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will. For there has been born to you today in the town of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Nominations for the BBPHA

The nominating committee is developing a slate of members for the 2021 board. There are several seats open; including directors. Any current paid BBPHA member may serve on the board. It requires only one meeting per month. If you would be willing to serve for the 2021 year, please contact John Amato at johnfamato@optonline.net.

We are also looking for members to serve on various committees throughout the year. You can work from home! If you have a particular skill or interest (house tour, special events, light clerical and organization) please contact us at BBPhistorical@gmail.com.