Could a shuttered school become a symbol of community resilience? Here at 12 Tip Top Street in Brighton, stands Our Lady of the Presentation Concent, a testament to the power of community. Our Lady of the Presentation Concent wasn’t always a community center. It began as Our Lady of the Presentation School. In 2004, the Archdiocese of Boston announced its closure, a devastating blow to the Allston-Brighton community. Parents, students, and residents rallied to save this vital community asset, forming the Presentation School Foundation (PSF). They proposed buying the building and transforming it into a community center. Their efforts were initially rebuffed. The Archdiocese rejected their proposal. Undeterred, the PSF organized protests and garnered media attention, showcasing their vision for Our Lady of the Presentation. Their persistence paid off. In 2006, after a protracted struggle, the Archdiocese agreed to sell. The PSF launched a capital campaign and secured funding. In 2012, the Presentation School Foundation Community Center, now known as Our Lady of the Presentation Concent, opened its doors. Our Lady of the Presentation Concent houses organizations serving children, families, and immigrants. It stands as a beacon of hope, a symbol of a community’s unwavering determination to preserve a cherished landmark. This building echoes with the voices of the children who once filled its classrooms and the community that fought to keep its spirit alive.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to