Holy Land Waterbury USA

History:

Holy Land USA, was an 18-acre theme park in Waterbury, CT conceived by John Baptist Greco, a Waterbury-based attorney.  Inspired by selected passages from the Bible, it consisted of a chapel, stations of the cross, and replicas of catacombs and Israelite villages.

Bob Chinn, the grounds chairman at Holy Land USA, recalled Greco’s mission in a 2001 interview with The New York Times: "He was a very spiritual man. He wanted to do this for the people of the community. He felt no one, no matter the race, creed or color, should be separated. He wanted a place for all people to sit and be peaceful.

During its peak years in the 1960s and 1970s, Holy Land USA attracted upwards of 40,000 visitors annually.

Greco closed Holy Land USA in 1984, with plans to improve and expand the site. But the work was left unfinished when Greco died in 1986.  The property was left to the Religious Sisters of Filippini.  In 2008, the 56-foot illuminated cross that stood atop its peak, a beacon for all to see from miles and miles away, came down.

Since its closure, Holy Land USA has fallen into a state of advanced disrepair.

In 2013, an effort to preserve this historic city landmark was spearheaded by businessman Fritz Blasius, Mayor Neil O’Leary, friends and benefactors.  Holy Land Waterbury, a non-profit organization was formed.  Holy Land is on its way to its once former glory as a place of peace and homage.  The milestone of re-resurrecting a new illuminated cross is tentatively planned for 12/22/13.

This ornament is a testament of the land, the cross, and all the effort to restore the property.

100% of the proceeds of this ornament benefit the non-profit organization, Holy Land Waterbury USA.

For more information, please visit www.holylandwaterbury.com, or call (203) 509-2294.

Have a joyous holiday season........