A local judge has temporarily halted the demolition of a Brownsville church that community members are trying to save.

Catholic church officials want to redevelop the vacant Our Lady of Loreto Church into affordable housing. 

But under the watchful eyes of a Virgin Mary statue, neighbors and activists have plastered the scaffolding with posters calling for the church and its attached community center to remain intact.

The Brownsville Cultural Coalition says the church, located at 124 Sackman St., is a historic gem. It was built by Italian-American immigrants in the early 20th century.

Catholic Charities, the group behind the proposed demolition, says it doesn't comment on pending legal issues.