NH artist colony opposes church construction plan

PETERBOROUGH, N.H.—Efforts by a Catholic parish to build a new church have created a clash between religion and art.

The Divine Mercy Parish wants to build the church on a 50-acre parcel that abuts the famed MacDowell Colony, an isolated artists' retreat where writers, composers and others go for up to two months of solitude and support.

MacDowell spokesman Brendan Tapley said the colony doesn't oppose the building of a new church but questions its location.

"We are questioning whether a rural street in a quiet residential district is the best place for an 8,200-square-foot property with a 200-person capacity building accompanied by a 189-space parking lot," he said. "Such a property may affect the functioning of the colony and the quality of life of its neighbors."

The land was donated to the church in the 1920s by a local family, but the church needs permission from the zoning board to build in a residential area. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com