News

Excerpt: Members of a church sharply divided sat on mostly opposite sides of the Miami City Commission chambers late Thursday night and well into the early morning hours of Friday.

Dozens showed up to support the historic designation of St. Jude Melkite Catholic church located 126 SE 15th Rd. and visible from Brickell Avenue.

However, the Rt. Rev. Damon Geiger, the church’s priest, and dozens of others spoke passionately against the designation.

The commission approved the designation in a 4-0 vote with Commissioner Michelle Spence Jones absent. The decision means changes or renovations to the exterior of the church will have to be approved by the city’s preservation board.

Scores of supporters for each side showed up during the day to give their testimony, some as early as 9:30 in the morning, only to be told by Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff they would have to wait until at least 7 p.m.

But the vast majority for each side dug in for a long, pitched testimonial battle. St. Jude happens to be the patron saint of desperate causes.

The item finally came up at 8:04 pm. and did not conclude until more than six hours later, at 2:38 am.