This little park memorializes the church that used to exist here before the BQE was built. There is also a statue of the Virgin Mary (a.k.a. Our Lady of Mount Carmel), similar to the image on the plaque, standing in the park. I was surprised to see such overtly religious imagery in a public park, but apparently the Parks Department decided the statue (which was donated by members of the congregation) was acceptable as a tribute to the original church. (The church also helps maintain the park, for what it's worth.)
Day 25
Mt. Carmel Triangle
January 24th, 2012
Oh my gosh. What a history for that church. The statue is just a small tribute to the history which once stood there.
You sound strangely annoyed that there is religious imagery in a public place. I thoroughly enjoyed following your US walk and I’m enjoying catching up on this one. The way that I’m perceiving your comments and tone here though make me surprised that you could be the same guy who wrote the “Thoughts on the Red Line: The Extended Edition” (what a great, thought provoking read!). That’s just my opinion though.
I sound annoyed? I stated that I was surprised, and then explained the apparent reasons why such imagery was allowed in this case. I did not express my personal opinions one way or the other.
What in my previous writings leads you to believe I would be in favor of religious imagery in public spaces?