tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25097064078609284332024-03-05T10:47:08.864-08:00More Than A BuildingA blog dedicated to the belief that a church is more than a buildingChip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-51326381497982973262010-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:002010-03-30T11:27:21.864-07:00Draped for Demolition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4FRhU2J2GF2zwcZzOQORmh32FhNwVzLU8tv-q6cUaa7xtTCmibRyhP74tHAmSqofrS3SeC1Y5fr-cVyl9mi_Gwi-kiwxGUx9R5qgFspr6qvDQjHZ4t0caAso9W4FFN7FQsCYytxrpA/s1600/metjournal-1-articleLarge-v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4FRhU2J2GF2zwcZzOQORmh32FhNwVzLU8tv-q6cUaa7xtTCmibRyhP74tHAmSqofrS3SeC1Y5fr-cVyl9mi_Gwi-kiwxGUx9R5qgFspr6qvDQjHZ4t0caAso9W4FFN7FQsCYytxrpA/s320/metjournal-1-articleLarge-v2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454494740938692466" /></a>According to a recent <i>New York Times</i> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/nyregion/27metjournal.html?emc=eta1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">article</span></a>, Our Lady of Loreto Church in Brownsville, New York stands "draped for demolition." Shrouded in black steel netting, the church is ready for demolition. Like an innocent convict awaiting the electric chair, it's spiritual family fights to save it's life. To prove it's continued value to society it which it stands. <div><br /></div><div>Maybe it's my age. Maybe it's the age I live in. Never have I been so aware of the transient nature of things. Never have I seen the loss of things that were supposed to be considered "permanent".</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been on a architectural history kick lately, immersing myself in books like <i>Tilt</i>, the history of the construction of the Leaning Tower in Pisa, Italy; <i>Basilica</i>, the history of the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy; <i>Brunelleschi's Dome</i>, the history of the construction of the dome on Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. The amazing thing about reading about these buildings is that I can still EXPERIENCE them. I can re-connect with the past. </div><div><br /></div><div>As John Ruskin put it ...</div><div><br /></div><div>"Therefore, when we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for a present delight, nor for present use alone; let it be such work as our descendents will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, 'See!, this our fathers did for us.'"</div><div><br /></div><div>This is why we fight so hard when our churches are being torn down. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've asked this question before on this blog ... what happens to us as a society when the what intended to "last forever" doesn't?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; font-size:10px;"><div>Our Lady of Loreto Church | 124 Sackman Street | Brooklyn, NY 11233</div></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; font-size:10px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-size:9px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; ">PHOTO: </span>Fred R. Conrad, The New York Times</span></div></span><div><br /></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-53237685933456992412010-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:002010-03-25T10:42:08.946-07:00March 23, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Pl0SdbGCylqf7Gd8vrnewlriCUiHhNt6Yv0NXJk9_moZ_IJB7eG3MthYFf_bXZQU2EZP0Dz80jkEhsPeLfmDrAv4yoywHglIWyX_flGfIh_SoE2ofjGBTF1PocLuXm6oDrk4EFHzXg/s1600/Euclid.Congregational.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Pl0SdbGCylqf7Gd8vrnewlriCUiHhNt6Yv0NXJk9_moZ_IJB7eG3MthYFf_bXZQU2EZP0Dz80jkEhsPeLfmDrAv4yoywHglIWyX_flGfIh_SoE2ofjGBTF1PocLuXm6oDrk4EFHzXg/s320/Euclid.Congregational.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452619880103007506" /></a>In life, you never forget some days. On March 23, 2010, Cleveland, Ohio took a blow to its ecclesiastical architectural heritage. <div><br /></div><div>Struck by lighting, within minutes, The Euclid Avenue Congregational Church went up in a blaze. Within a couple of days, it will be a memory ... as it being completely demolished.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dedicated in December 1887, the church was built from Ohio sandstone in the Romanesque style. To it's (former) left, across a parking lot, stands it's ecclesiastical neighbor — <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/1773310.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1773310&usg=__A9wLj1UvykVCX3G5zwhCSiZ_yYQ=&h=480&w=600&sz=348&hl=en&start=6&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=HIBnDGAAB8kdVM:&tbnh=108&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmount%2Bzion%2Bchurch%2Bcleveland%2Bohio%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">East Mount Zion Baptist Church</span></a>. Between the two structures, East Mount Zion gets most of the architectural attention. Euclid Avenue Congregational's beauty was restrained. You really had to study <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/1774795.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1774795&usg=__xSu5XcST9EFiFWQns1WQ-ShkD1g=&h=450&w=600&sz=326&hl=en&start=25&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=EeuF3aqfNMULfM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Deuclid%2Bavenue%2Bcongregational%2Bchurch%26start%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">it</span></a> see just how deceptively beautiful it truly was. The church was solid, well-proportioned and elegantly designed.</div><div><br /></div><div>My condolences to the congregation of The Euclid Avenue Congregational Church on the loss of their spiritual home. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; font-size:10px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 19px; font-size:9px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; ">PHOTOS: </span>left: Cleveland Memory Project; right: John Kuntz, The Cleveland Plain Dealer</span></div></span></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-68896915018192846822009-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:002009-10-05T18:41:20.747-07:00St. Boniface Church — Chicago, Ill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qzLKxfXGvRw5twMfssVvS0jcNLtmN8MUbx0xGdONBPQbWFSCZxoiX6P_i3olIGaW35oNzXxaxh1A7l0R16Bc9zbCaau_CHsT8iCwmfyWR7uGz9iiMLcrJgD-diIAKpvVszqsFYl5hS8/s1600-h/st.boniface.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qzLKxfXGvRw5twMfssVvS0jcNLtmN8MUbx0xGdONBPQbWFSCZxoiX6P_i3olIGaW35oNzXxaxh1A7l0R16Bc9zbCaau_CHsT8iCwmfyWR7uGz9iiMLcrJgD-diIAKpvVszqsFYl5hS8/s320/st.boniface.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387375027702824482" /></a><br />The battle to save historic St. Boniface Church in Chicago's West Town neighborhood might be coming to a close. The victor — adaptive reuse. <div><br /></div><div>A developer has come forward to propose the following ... SAVE the church exterior and quintessential four corner towers ... but GUT the interior and turn it into a senior living center. This <a href="http://www.saintbonifaceinfo.com/SaintBoniface/Home.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">website</span></a> gives more details. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shuttered since 1989, St. Boniface was designed by well-known Chicago ecclesiastical architect Henry J. Schlacks in 1902. In addition to being a wonderful architect, Schlacks was also a teacher, and was appointed the first Director of the Course in Architecture at the University of Notre Dame. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take a look at the <a href="http://www.ipm-amicus.com/portfolio/socialcultural/st-boniface-retirement-community"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">proposed plans</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Purist wish that this structure would be saved in tact. To them, adaptive reuse is seen as a compromise. I say "compromise away"!</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Boniface Church | 1358 W. Chestnut Street | Chicago, IL</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; font-size:10px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 19px; font-size:9px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; ">PHOTO: </span>www.stbonifaceinfo.com<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:9px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-83383688079415115972009-07-06T10:21:00.001-07:002009-07-08T19:24:48.981-07:00Preservation by Relocation.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklqpEyP_ZpkWqRvJb1Uiwh49UDVxlTkTA5yYCN8YBcxN4g2ZDboNE_daC7Lo5xYSOl835aHSn3ivGtm-fah0xjf6muvONkcs0wQbvsZmdWANuTBaeE3Gnf6LYoompRDP9D8B1vlNYg2k/s1600-h/sgerard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklqpEyP_ZpkWqRvJb1Uiwh49UDVxlTkTA5yYCN8YBcxN4g2ZDboNE_daC7Lo5xYSOl835aHSn3ivGtm-fah0xjf6muvONkcs0wQbvsZmdWANuTBaeE3Gnf6LYoompRDP9D8B1vlNYg2k/s320/sgerard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356278569655017282" /></a><br />Preservation<i> by Relocation</i> ... I like it.<div><br /></div><div>It's the concept of saving a historic building by MOVING it, rather than repurposing it ... Amazing. Brave. Needed.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what the Diocese of Buffalo is calling the potential literal moving of St. Gerard's Church in Buffalo, NY to Atlanta, GA.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this <a href="http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/10/church-moves-south-literally.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">blog story</span></a>. Apparently, they can't build churches fast enough in the South. So, a congregation in Atlanta, GA is interested in purchasing St. Gerard's Church and dismantling it ... stone by stone. According to officials in the Diocese of Buffalo, the prospects of selling the church are "nonexistent" to another congregation ... much less repurpose it.</div><div><br /></div><div>An estimate for moving the church is $3 million dollars. Big side note ... that's how much they are paying for the new Catholic Church in Grafton, OH that I mentioned in a <a href="http://morethanabuilding.blogspot.com/2009/06/our-lady-of-peace-church-grafton-oh.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">previous post</span></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Question to future congregations looking to find, or to build a new church ... How would you rather spend your $3 million dollars?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 19px; font-size:9px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; ">PHOTO: </span><span id="caption">Sharon Cantillon/<span style="font-style: italic; ">The Buffalo News</span></span><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-38220663454515737932009-07-06T09:57:00.000-07:002011-03-29T09:00:48.456-07:00St. Gerard Church in Buffalo, NY ... Moving to Georgia?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfVN1meFUkw63RTKa5I6_aLNj4UBrRiYhxoeosqtgNNCqxTVv8DM9PnHk0n5zVLP9QaddUj4v9gB00pvRaGXEKFbtgQmYavk2dCTdiwu88dHhAYVDt8zMZEZ5ReiKqgnLUhUBKvIdUPU/s1600-h/786-bn-20081018-A001-churchgetsoffer-2162-MI0002.standalone.prod_affiliate.50.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfVN1meFUkw63RTKa5I6_aLNj4UBrRiYhxoeosqtgNNCqxTVv8DM9PnHk0n5zVLP9QaddUj4v9gB00pvRaGXEKFbtgQmYavk2dCTdiwu88dHhAYVDt8zMZEZ5ReiKqgnLUhUBKvIdUPU/s320/786-bn-20081018-A001-churchgetsoffer-2162-MI0002.standalone.prod_affiliate.50.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355395981231701330" /></a><br />I was turned on to this story from a blogger responding to <a href="http://morethanabuilding.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-james-church-lakewood-ohio.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">my post</span></a> on the closing of St. James Church in Lakewood, OH. The blogger suggested that the church could possibly be sold and moved like St. Gerard's Church in Buffalo, NY. ... <div><br /></div><div><i>What ?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I did a Google search for St. Gerard's Church in Buffalo, NY, and lo and behold, it's a possibility being discussed. (Link to story <a href="http://archives.buffalorising.com/story/move_to_save_st_gerards_georgi"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">here</span></a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can guess, there is a lot of controversy regarding the dismantling and moving of this church among those in Buffalo who would like to see the building POTENTIALLY "repurposed" versus those who would like to see the church moved with the GUARANTEE that it would live on in another community.</div><div><br /></div><div>My vote -- SAVE the building and move it. Otherwise, it may go the way of the wrecking ball.</div><div><br /></div><div>An amazing story. I wait in anticipation for the outcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Gerard Church | 1190 E. Delavan Avenue | Buffalo, NY 14215 <span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">... at least f</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">or now!</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 19px; font-size:9px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; ">PHOTO: </span><span id="caption">Sharon Cantillon/<span style="font-style: italic; ">The Buffalo News</span></span><br /></span></span></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-60202732213156071022009-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:002009-06-15T06:24:22.789-07:00New ... Thumbs Up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5ya3Sn2aA81O1luJq3PfdbTadxBRxHVVkyw8bOATHN7m5dJCTv0zqmQIH6FxK8Jd8hTQX1f44AxRBXJlWvFWU_jwu_zt5Yw9kTp132VoUUE5h004Zc5CPljAlbHnTfMS9KV1ZJSEenU/s1600-h/St.Mark.Huntersville.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5ya3Sn2aA81O1luJq3PfdbTadxBRxHVVkyw8bOATHN7m5dJCTv0zqmQIH6FxK8Jd8hTQX1f44AxRBXJlWvFWU_jwu_zt5Yw9kTp132VoUUE5h004Zc5CPljAlbHnTfMS9KV1ZJSEenU/s320/St.Mark.Huntersville.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346533989714230210" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The above sketch illustrates the new St. Mark's Church in Huntersville, North Carolina, designed by ecclesiastical architect, Duncan Stroik. To me, Stroik's work can be used as a benchmark for what can be achieved in new ecclesiastical structures. As Stroik's </span><a href="http://www.stroik.com/portfolio/stmarkchurch/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> states regarding the new St. Mark's Church ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">It is modeled on the broad tradition of Catho</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Font size" border="0" class="gl_size" />lic architecture in the United States as well as churches dedicated to St. Mark in Venice, Florence and Rome."</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key words ... "BROAD TRADITION".</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you check out the drawings of St. Mark's on Stroik's website, you can't deny the church feels both modern AND traditional. The design is an elegant marriage of modern and traditional aesthetics.<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The next time you hear that a church committee is interested in hiring an architect to design their new church ... this is who you should call.</span></span></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-39873904343296751472009-06-04T07:23:00.000-07:002009-06-05T18:10:38.101-07:00New ... Thumbs Down.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NP6_N8B3W3HBr1gtDl3llvIY7Hdg9J9Qo2ziFJINVte5MtuiA_D3KfNBxkLtk7o03uZrr5J1hit-5bbSO0XsrFsiU8ee0KouMFtyrjYCn1MOcQ29X71x5Ys4NhxQVXDhrAfPPfreb_s/s1600-h/Picture+2(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NP6_N8B3W3HBr1gtDl3llvIY7Hdg9J9Qo2ziFJINVte5MtuiA_D3KfNBxkLtk7o03uZrr5J1hit-5bbSO0XsrFsiU8ee0KouMFtyrjYCn1MOcQ29X71x5Ys4NhxQVXDhrAfPPfreb_s/s320/Picture+2(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343487732752427154" /></a><br />The above rendering is for the new catholic church of Our Lady of Peace in Grafton, OH. The estimated $3 million dollar, 450-seat sanctuary is scheduled to be finished in 2010. No easy feat considering the many church closings going on around the country.<div><br /></div><div>I'm not digging the new church design. Granted, it's just a rendering. But, color me a traditionalist, it doesn't say catholic church to me. I am going to follow up this posting with another post titled "New ... Thumbs Up". The post will feature an american architect who designs NEW churches that ... well ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">look like churches</span>. Specifically, I mean new church designs that use historic forms but are modern in function. It can be done ... and, it can be done well!</div><div><br /></div><div>I applaud the parishioners of Grafton's Our Lady of Peace for their sacrifice and dedication. I just wish they, and the architects, had borrowed more from the successful past of church architecture, rather than the (more-often-than-not) mediocre present. For some reason, when it comes to church architecture, traditional forms say "stable" to me ... whereas the newer ones seem so "temporary". </div><div><br /></div><div>Just my opinion.</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-27192068067647364862009-05-05T13:43:00.000-07:002009-05-06T18:07:58.331-07:00Proud Steeples Bite Dust for Progress' Sake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaYtWN62jd8KkhCoD1_i7KgkCgKEN87RMhPbBy_bWpQV3xSgckZgGGNB_wwEkEB82bE32Rq5dQgifX1UpVfnO8TWOi6eesHHZ46dyKMB1-x_2CYv1Ieuw5ya0teLe4XShZRVtiBcm0xU/s1600-h/st.martin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaYtWN62jd8KkhCoD1_i7KgkCgKEN87RMhPbBy_bWpQV3xSgckZgGGNB_wwEkEB82bE32Rq5dQgifX1UpVfnO8TWOi6eesHHZ46dyKMB1-x_2CYv1Ieuw5ya0teLe4XShZRVtiBcm0xU/s320/st.martin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332443481786739906" /></a>"Proud Steeples Bite Dust for Progress' Sake, " was the headline appearing on an article in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Cleveland Press</span> on January 1, 1961 describing the demolition of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cleveland. At its dedication, St. Martin's Church <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(black and white photos, shown above, from the </span><a href="http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/library"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Western Reserve Historical Society</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">)</span> was described as the "most beautiful Slovak church in America." It was constructed at a cost of $100,000 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(or approximately $2,800,000. today) </span>when dedicated in December 2007.<div><br /></div><div>More from the 1961 article from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Cleveland Press</span>:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"With a roaring rumble and clouds of choking dust, the twin steeples of St. Martin Catholic Church crashed to the ground yesterday. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The 52-year-old church at 2495 East 23rd Street is being torn down by the George Elie Wrecking Co. to make way for redevelopment </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">of the area. In the early afternoon the first of the 110-foot steeples fell under the pounding of the wrecking ball. It took about an hour and a half to weaken the heavy brick corners. The rubble landed just where the crew of half a dozen meant it to fall. The second steeple was more stubborn. The ball pounded at it for two hours, and then the 3,700-pound ball was buried under the debris. Police blocked traffic along the street and kept the 100 or so spectators out of the way, but there was little danger, as the steeples toppled neatly toward the back of the area."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently, St. Martin's had fallen victim to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_domain"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">eminent domain</span></a> to make way for a freeway. Progress? Really? </div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to St. Martin's demolition, as is the case with most religious architecture, its valuable articles are removed ... altars, windows, etc. ... and stored. In some instances, other existing churches, or new religious structures, can inherit some of these items. Such is the case with the large-round-rose window that once appeared on the front of St. Martin's Church. This amazing window can now be seen in the chapel at John Carroll University in University Heights, OH. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am truly grateful that I can still see this wonderful window today. But, I can't help but be saddened that I can never see this window in its original context/design. Here is a line that appears in a building description by a book published by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 1942 ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"A great arched choir window rises over the entrance and points to a niche holding a statue of St. Martin."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Across the United States, we are in danger of losing many of our historic church buildings to a wrecking ball. Our once tangible inspiration will be reduced to a photograph and a line of text.</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-7766904414990867632009-05-03T10:55:00.000-07:002009-05-04T04:50:59.617-07:00A Change of Heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqCu_MzdEZQbXnV39QeqElJmFQ_hdbKEOQwshlJsVf4hgpc8SEYLDGKfsXjGJzzoeISM409iSTK9antfSCl7ijJ-UlLAfoWNEe9YORPtkqJ2givy1NKB6dqgsEHXa-WLqIJyFjPyLmh4/s1600-h/St.Colmans.1920s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqCu_MzdEZQbXnV39QeqElJmFQ_hdbKEOQwshlJsVf4hgpc8SEYLDGKfsXjGJzzoeISM409iSTK9antfSCl7ijJ-UlLAfoWNEe9YORPtkqJ2givy1NKB6dqgsEHXa-WLqIJyFjPyLmh4/s320/St.Colmans.1920s.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326894859272248802" /></a>I had prepared the above photos <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(from the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.clevelandmemory.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Cleveland Memory Project</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">)</span> for a much different post. A post that focused on the loss to the City of Cleveland's church architecture with the closing of St. Colman's Church. ... Well, all has changed.<div><br /></div><div>It has been announced that Bishop Lennon has decided to reverse his decision on the closing of St. Colman's Church and St. Ignatius of Antioch Church ! More on his decision can be read <a href="http://www.19actionnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=10291083"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">here</span></a>. The report also contains a letter from Bishop Lennon explaining his change of mind as well as his expectations for the parishes now that he has decided not to close them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am thankful for the change of heart by Bishop Lennon ... if only we could have saved a few more.</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-2786070735647284442009-04-28T20:08:00.000-07:002009-05-03T07:20:21.237-07:00St. Adalbert's Church - Cleveland, OH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QABV3yz9Dc60m5GxJFI5FaOUAizK6zgQZxX17RTJt_ZD2xzJuC7yOar0SXx2-bfZho2PxX_drTZObMgksOpWZfcKUVJd3dcREOyrY27hyphenhypheni7YynXxW6tRD6Wa_RTgElFGWNUVPd9HA10/s1600-h/St.Adalbert.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QABV3yz9Dc60m5GxJFI5FaOUAizK6zgQZxX17RTJt_ZD2xzJuC7yOar0SXx2-bfZho2PxX_drTZObMgksOpWZfcKUVJd3dcREOyrY27hyphenhypheni7YynXxW6tRD6Wa_RTgElFGWNUVPd9HA10/s320/St.Adalbert.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327249580783738322" /></a>St. Adalbert's Church is probably the most under-rated piece of church architecture in Cleveland. Dedicated in 1912, at a cost of $60,000 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(approx. $1,500,000. today)</span> it is the quintessential neighborhood church ... humanly-scaled with interesting style. Defined as modified-romanesque, St. Adalbert's is best appreciated in person. <div><br /></div><div>Designed by my favorite church architect, William P. Ginther, St. Adalbert's twin-sister can be <a href="http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/stjcc/Save%20Our%20Church/?action=view&current=100_0766-1.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">seen</span></a> at St. Joseph's Church in Ashtabula, OH. Apparently, Mr. Ginther, a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">very</span> prolific church architect from Akron, OH, would re-use a design ... but never more than two times.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Adalbert's is scheduled to close in 2010. My hope is that another congregation will take over this gem.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Adalbert's Church | 2347 East 83rd Street | Cleveland, OH 44104</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-18441816079874418112009-04-20T10:18:00.000-07:002009-04-23T08:50:02.505-07:00Can These Maserpieces Be Saved?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE1Dk335_fNdv32Yitu_KBURjlsDqV-DKHbERZAkW946vBAeZ4hU1tcqsMZpTqEC9Hky5U2epjVqVVPicFqGlXgTnkeWZ6HYqMdrFfO0DBa7Q8BCUdjZ33u0JvwJdF5CvYnFGuuZgd3w/s1600-h/St.Ignatius.Ceiling.Litt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE1Dk335_fNdv32Yitu_KBURjlsDqV-DKHbERZAkW946vBAeZ4hU1tcqsMZpTqEC9Hky5U2epjVqVVPicFqGlXgTnkeWZ6HYqMdrFfO0DBa7Q8BCUdjZ33u0JvwJdF5CvYnFGuuZgd3w/s320/St.Ignatius.Ceiling.Litt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326824508193333010" /></a><br />Cleveland architectural historian, Steven Litt has an excellent article on Cleveland.com titled "Closing of Catholic churches raises an urgent question: Can these masterpieces be saved?". Midway down the <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2009/04/a_closer_look_at_the_magnifice.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">article</span></a>, there is a section where you can upload a photo of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">your</span> church. Awesome idea. The spectacular photo above <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(one of 10 taken by Mr. Litt for the article)</span> is of a "sail vault" that appears in the side aisle of St. Ignatius of Antioch's Church. It is named a sail vault because it mimics the form a square sail takes when filled with wind! Also notice that the arches in the church have have a reoccurring eight-pointed star, representing Christ's resurrection eight days after his death. This is why church architecture is so interesting to study! Older churches are filled with tons of meaning that is lost to most of us <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(including me)</span> today. These buildings were meant to be read. They were meant to teach. Oftentimes, old churches are called "sermons in stone." St. Ignatius of Antioch Church is an amazing symbol in Cleveland architecture, and it is scheduled to be closed by 2010. <div><br /></div><div>Has our visual illiteracy kept us from appreciating our older churches? Is a box-like church sufficient enough to feed our eyes and inspire our hearts?</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Ignatius of Antioch Church | 10205 Lorain Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44111</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-58652038509475143692009-04-19T15:35:00.000-07:002009-04-21T12:26:22.929-07:00St. Colman's Loses Appeal to Bishop to Stay Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXU6ZTsHvIhpLlAeLKTsEHLgIl_-ceileLf_jy4tBQ2PsCepExcfOLZGiK30h0xdEHBWamwPGl9ZL0xfFOeZmme-Y0RxbkdGFpOTj3ydL9rNKMHjUaPabjtpsLCQMDLF5T4JnY0Cb5IA/s1600-h/genthumb.ashx.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXU6ZTsHvIhpLlAeLKTsEHLgIl_-ceileLf_jy4tBQ2PsCepExcfOLZGiK30h0xdEHBWamwPGl9ZL0xfFOeZmme-Y0RxbkdGFpOTj3ydL9rNKMHjUaPabjtpsLCQMDLF5T4JnY0Cb5IA/s320/genthumb.ashx.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326563249036518962" /></a><br />St. Colman's Church in Cleveland has lost it's appeal to the Bishop to stay open as reported in this <a href="http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=111832"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">article</span></a> from the local NBC television station. I've been following the congregation and the arts community reaction to St. Colman's closing. On so many levels, I feel this should have been one of the churches spared by Bishop Lennon. <div><br /></div><div>Without a doubt, St. Colman's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(above, photo from wkyc.com)</span> is one of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the</span> grandest ethnic churches in the city of Cleveland. The exterior is massive and elegant. In a recent <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2009/04/a_closer_look_at_the_magnifice.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">article</span></a> from Cleveland.com, local architecture historian, Tim Barrett states ... "If you're not moved by it, I'm sorry, you better check into a hospital". And that's just the exterior! The interior is equally stunning. It represents the best of the best from that time period of community church construction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the Bishop of Cleveland was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">not</span> moved by 3,300 hand written letters of appeal by the parishioners of St. Colman's.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a non-related event this past week, a relative unknown -- an underdog if you will -- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Susan Boyle</span></a> went on national TV on "Britain's Got Talent and sang her heart. She was exceptional, much to the surprise of many in the audience, who at first glance deemed her a loser. She opened her mouth, and their jaws dropped. Her win has has become so symbolic to so many. In these rough times, it's important that the underdog win every so often. It says that HOPE is alive and well -- for all of us. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a sign of hope and real faith, Bishop Lennon could have let another underdog win -- the parishioners, and the architectural admirers, of the very grand St. Colman's Church.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Colman's Church | 2027 W. 65th Street | Cleveland, OH 44102</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-68306102274798743742009-04-13T14:19:00.000-07:002009-04-17T11:28:04.437-07:00July 25, 2004<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZz0_HU_IWxVzjMaxPiIdyuTsK1UQw6TG_ziWOaRJrN4wMOtAX71clsRYhlteziNvM6XjJoI45IbV2hMhJpZJakcEUOB1lXhtcisB0QumVl4AkRQhP62k3J7U9BxsaRSaer05mJnSCYQ/s1600-h/Holy.Trinity.St.Edward.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZz0_HU_IWxVzjMaxPiIdyuTsK1UQw6TG_ziWOaRJrN4wMOtAX71clsRYhlteziNvM6XjJoI45IbV2hMhJpZJakcEUOB1lXhtcisB0QumVl4AkRQhP62k3J7U9BxsaRSaer05mJnSCYQ/s320/Holy.Trinity.St.Edward.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324295902454956098" /></a><br />I remember the day well. <div><br /></div><div>It was Sunday morning, July 25, 2004. I traveled down to Carnegie Avenue to attend mass and photograph one of my favorite churches, by one of my favorite church architects <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(William P. Ginther)</span> -- Holy Trinity-St. Edward's Church. The homily was very different that day. On that day, Father Bob announced that today would be the last mass in the building. And that after communion, he would be removing the communion from the tabernacle and extinguishing the tabernacle candle <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(see photo above)</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The tabernacle candle is ALWAYS lit ... meaning that there is blessed holy communion (the body of Christ) in the tabernacle. In other words, Christ is ALWAYS in this building. At least, that is how it was told to me as a child.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing can prepare you for the moment when you see a priest extinguish that candle. My heart sank. I had a lump in my throat. I had tears in my eyes ... as did all of the other people around me. Christ ... is no longer here. This building is NO LONGER a church. Like most significant loss, you are never the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>In time, the Diocese removed all of the altars and stained glass windows. However, there is a NEW light at the end of the tunnel. The building was sold, and is in use by another congregation ... their name ... "4 Real Church".</div><div><br /></div><div>A very thankful Amen.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 Real Church/Holy Trinity-St. Edward Church | 7211 Carnegie Avenue | Cleveland, OH</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-65957806794531706082009-04-12T18:06:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:33:15.390-07:00The Taxman Cometh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGzYlqFhEX4I7uxGKXaKipJQ4tXibzIdNnHC-bSiqEj5AdrF_tZAgRjSnJvsGOxcT64fnuQ6qR824UWn7jPTbbYbGzSz3nCy8vVzS_PF4msqo20zssCbv42KgJb8gFUsp6kQTZpGm7xo/s1600-h/St.Adalberts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGzYlqFhEX4I7uxGKXaKipJQ4tXibzIdNnHC-bSiqEj5AdrF_tZAgRjSnJvsGOxcT64fnuQ6qR824UWn7jPTbbYbGzSz3nCy8vVzS_PF4msqo20zssCbv42KgJb8gFUsp6kQTZpGm7xo/s320/St.Adalberts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323984611333942642" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Churches are exempt from paying property taxes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">until </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">they are no longer used as churches.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thus is the conundrum facing the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, and being discussed by Cleveland writer Michael Gill, in an excellent </span><a href="http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/cover-story/Content?special=1521546"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">article</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in the most current issue of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Scene Magazine. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The fear is that the Diocese -- in a mad rush -- will be forced to tear down many churches in order to lower the tax burden on each property. Why? ... Because the taxes will be lower on a "land </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">only</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">versus</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> "land </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> building</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" property. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One of my favorite Cleveland Churches -- by one of my favorite local architects </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(William P. Ginther) -- </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is in real danger of the wrecking ball ... St. Adalbert's Church on East 83rd. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(facade detail from the Scene Magazine article shown above)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. More on this very unique church by William Ginther in an upcoming post.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">St. Adalbert's Church | 2347 East 83rd Street | Cleveland, OH 44104</span></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-55127343443017348542009-04-08T14:15:00.000-07:002009-04-12T18:05:52.240-07:00Once Grand ... Now, Abandoned and Forgotten.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnpOAXOdcMA5q7TsUykEOIRpQTwbnjiusi5jGbI3-eZahEXUYkJV1HgtRe-HCCYfwHZ01-bwlGADjeah_ThHSIb3jNGESi_9OrP4-iIo1ikZof1TNthFkDKkgBzz8x98aLN8P_xF0Vwc/s1600-h/st.jospeph.byzantine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnpOAXOdcMA5q7TsUykEOIRpQTwbnjiusi5jGbI3-eZahEXUYkJV1HgtRe-HCCYfwHZ01-bwlGADjeah_ThHSIb3jNGESi_9OrP4-iIo1ikZof1TNthFkDKkgBzz8x98aLN8P_xF0Vwc/s320/st.jospeph.byzantine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322438408842868578" /></a><br />In a previous post (March 22), I showed an image of the interior of the abandoned St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church in Cleveland, OH. I referred to this church as an "abandoned treasure." I had no idea of what a TRUE treasure this building was — until I was sent an old photograph of the interior. I breaks my heart that this once grand building has been reduced to its current state.<div><br /></div><div>Other current photographs of St. Joseph's Byzantine Church can be seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uglyducklingxxx/sets/72157615940946175/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">here</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am all for repurposing closed churches <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(restaurants, condominiums, art gallery) </span>that have be left behind by their congregations ... Anything is better than this. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your thoughts ... ?</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-89528107674632008402009-04-03T17:46:00.000-07:002009-04-04T07:11:27.912-07:00Perseverance: St. Leo's Church - Columbus, OH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iqhbVdN05NxENzGFGDDWtkn-rZQNeWfe4oOvoKKDzgrZc9zsFl8Ee46QX1JCQfvbaYXJBvrpQ2OUT1-vIYZON4uLVilvuLSsvUH_SAMYl4TS-J_P-7rwHWxye0pC0vfFRHhZ25dljvg/s1600-h/St.Leo.Columbus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iqhbVdN05NxENzGFGDDWtkn-rZQNeWfe4oOvoKKDzgrZc9zsFl8Ee46QX1JCQfvbaYXJBvrpQ2OUT1-vIYZON4uLVilvuLSsvUH_SAMYl4TS-J_P-7rwHWxye0pC0vfFRHhZ25dljvg/s320/St.Leo.Columbus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320582869920018162" /></a><br />Closed yes ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">but not really</span>. <div><br /></div><div>St. Leo's Church in Columbus, OH. was closed by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus on July 1, 1999. However, that didn't stop a group of parishioners from taking over the building and keeping it open. They have created the <a href="http://www.savesaintleo.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">St. Leo Preservation Society</span></a>, a charitable organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the buildings of St. Leo Church and to further the charitable work of the parish. In addition to raising funds for the preservation of this wonderful building, they have created The St. Leo Parish Memorial Seminarians Endowment Fund. This fund provides financial support to seminarians. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the goals in their mission is to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"to educate the public on the importance of all faith communities and their buildings to a surrounding community."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>St. Leo's Church | 221 Hanford Street | Columbus, OH 43206</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-2497593333259245102009-03-26T13:43:00.000-07:002009-03-29T19:12:59.338-07:00St. Casimir's Church - Cleveland, OH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-ru8THp6j-ufWj_y8qWa9W8Y-9W5zYsluz4ZMQ5n3rqcfTdIo7nmGv_zO_L0hRQEGPXD8w3pb5xMbCO9SW4sl8y6SaxszIf03JOnf3AG86DEg9AWHU-R6QISs1kSZXKyA5lmyWuo5Dw/s1600-h/St.Casimir.web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-ru8THp6j-ufWj_y8qWa9W8Y-9W5zYsluz4ZMQ5n3rqcfTdIo7nmGv_zO_L0hRQEGPXD8w3pb5xMbCO9SW4sl8y6SaxszIf03JOnf3AG86DEg9AWHU-R6QISs1kSZXKyA5lmyWuo5Dw/s320/St.Casimir.web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318771323482510050" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Built in 1918, St. Casimir's is another Cleveland church that is scheduled to close in 2010. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Designed by Cleveland-born architect <a href="http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/arch/archDetail.php?afil=&archID=138&phrase=william"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">William Jansen</span></a>, the red brick and stone trim exterior is classified as Romanesque with its rounded entrance arcade, two symmetrically-placed open bell towers, and corbeled gable. The exterior is classic and beautiful ... the interior is STUNNING ... and worth seeing in person. This church is truly authentic inside. It hasn't been marred by senseless updates to modernize it by ripping out its altars and covering up its murals with white paint. As my 82 year old father said to me when we stepped inside this church to look around – "this is what a church <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">should</span> look like." Let me say it again ... THIS IS WHAT A CHURCH SHOULD LOOK LIKE. A one-of-a kind Cleveland treasure that must be saved.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">St. Casimir Church | 8223 Sowinski Avenue | Cleveland , OH 44103</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-27346838630269510412009-03-25T13:51:00.000-07:002009-03-29T17:54:08.833-07:00Statement from the Cleveland Restoration SocietyThe Cleveland Restoration Society has published an official statement regarding the closing of Churches in the Diocese of Cleveland. Here is a <a href="http://www.clevelandrestoration.org/CRSResponsetoCatholicDioceseClosures.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">link</span></a> to the statement.<div><br /></div><div>The Cleveland Restoration Society | 3751 Prospect Avenue</div><div>Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.426.1000</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-80551629001347511982009-03-22T17:59:00.001-07:002009-04-07T07:49:11.729-07:00St. Joseph Byzantine Church - Abandoned Treasure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP45QrQ88PE3el5EJp4GchYM-6wJNjdo-oSJiXgDVJTFkp5GdZZRfjoptIbfMqf79f2-1rlWep-mC5hgRprrg1vnOqyWxKQIuDM9T_l5z9-_oa1ZXsJjFFDTOq8wAjjjx0VfM2OG-lHOc/s1600-h/St.Joseph.Byzantine.Cleveland.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP45QrQ88PE3el5EJp4GchYM-6wJNjdo-oSJiXgDVJTFkp5GdZZRfjoptIbfMqf79f2-1rlWep-mC5hgRprrg1vnOqyWxKQIuDM9T_l5z9-_oa1ZXsJjFFDTOq8wAjjjx0VfM2OG-lHOc/s320/St.Joseph.Byzantine.Cleveland.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316402477818373442" /></a><br />I came across these photos <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(taken in February 2009)</span> on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Flickr</span></a> of an abandoned church in Cleveland, OH. <div><br /></div><div>St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> (above: interior)</span> was built in 1933, and was designed by architect Joseph E. Fronczak (or Franczak) of Buffalo, NY. I'm not sure who the mural artist was -- but they are very well done. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1970s, parish members began migrating out of the city to the suburbs. The congregation dwindled. The great expense of maintaining the building and the grounds forced the congregation to abandon the location. Eventually, the building was taken over by the Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church community, who in turn abandoned the building. More photos of this church can be seen at Flickr at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33322111@N00/3248490517/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">this link</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28809958@N06/3285236527/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">this link</span></a>.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Can we allow this to happen to any more of our ecclesiastical treasures?</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-43814198421741701502009-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:002009-03-21T07:26:31.824-07:00St. Procop's Church Interior - Cleveland Ohio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWc_0HPLB6ze9T-RQ-MgYxTdxS153qAWQvHjYY-5qEuuA4gvU7KGYiJ0JFNdYTbFXtihxBi8WmHeGUbbjOiVsQqS7HDCN-aiU9zjamHMsieR063sShwn2Q5DVueeOlPzQXRjohIoMdfA/s1600-h/St.Procop.today.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWc_0HPLB6ze9T-RQ-MgYxTdxS153qAWQvHjYY-5qEuuA4gvU7KGYiJ0JFNdYTbFXtihxBi8WmHeGUbbjOiVsQqS7HDCN-aiU9zjamHMsieR063sShwn2Q5DVueeOlPzQXRjohIoMdfA/s320/St.Procop.today.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315380876533170978" /></a><br />The above photos offer a glimpse into the stunning interior of St. Procop's Catholic Church in Cleveland, OH. I'm not sure who painted the murals -- they are first rate, as are the stained glass windows and other furnishings. It's hard to believe this treasure is scheduled to close in 2010.<div><br /></div><div><div><div>St. Procop Church | 3181 W. 41st Street | Cleveland, OH 44109</div></div></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-61231697187678587782009-03-19T10:21:00.000-07:002009-03-21T07:22:41.556-07:00St. Procop's Church - Cleveland Ohio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_-D7HXST3mnmh0DhXpMPPFj_uWtjuEPtHcFM58LdHdbbcUCiHl8OnsqWDJ007DZ92RhNTLdypsFLujr4v8245G1Kh8F-2FDGSj9-JkV8aCIlGMDz-Z8E08pEytmfMihIu983O6g4l2g/s1600-h/St.Procop.Cleve.Memory.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_-D7HXST3mnmh0DhXpMPPFj_uWtjuEPtHcFM58LdHdbbcUCiHl8OnsqWDJ007DZ92RhNTLdypsFLujr4v8245G1Kh8F-2FDGSj9-JkV8aCIlGMDz-Z8E08pEytmfMihIu983O6g4l2g/s320/St.Procop.Cleve.Memory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314996388913679618" /></a><br />French born architect, Emile <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Uhlrich</span> emigrated to the United States in 1891. He settled into the ever-growing city of Cleveland, OH. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Uhlrich</span> had been educated at the prestigious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ecole</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">des</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Beaux </span>Arts in Paris, France. Beaux Arts style <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(or "fine art style") </span> stressed order, symmetry, formal design, grandiosity, and elaborate ornamentation. <div><br /></div><div>In 1899, Uhlrich entered into a partnership with fellow architect Godfrey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fugman. The partnership lasted until </span>1904. It was generally believed at the time that Fugman handled more of the engineering and business side of projects, while Uhlrich was the creative genius.<div><br /></div><div>In 1903, St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Procop's</span> Church was dedicated. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Catholic Universe Bulletin</span> called it "one of the finest church buildings in the city." The architects were getting rave reviews for setting a new standard in local church design<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">. </span>What exactly does "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">new standard"</span> mean? </div><div><br /></div><div>Uhlrich and Fugman employed the newest technologies and techniques of the time. They engineered a structural frame of steel trusses which allowed for a massive, wide-open interior space that was unobstructed by columns. They cleverly hid indirect lighting throughout the interior, and slightly raked <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(sloped)</span> the floor from the vestibule to the main altar. Decoration became more ornate as you got closer to the altar -- thus drawing the eye forward. The new St. Procop's was a highly-designed, highly-functional space ... worthy of being the new standard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Uhlrich went on to design the breathtaking <a href="http://olv-bvs.org/ourladyofvictory/Basilica/Welcome.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Our Lady of Victory Basilica</span></span></a> in Lackawanna, NY, as well as the <a href="http://www.olcshrine.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation</span></span></a> in Carey, OH. A list of some of his work was compiled by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission. It can be seen <a href="http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/arch/pdf/archdetailPrint.php?afil=90&archID=254"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">here</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Procop's is scheduled to be closed in 2010. It is well worth a visit. The exterior has seen some losses of two front towers and central dome; however, the interior is stunning <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(murals, windows, altars)</span>. The photo of St. Procop's Church <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(above)</span> is from the <span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.clevelandmemory.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Cleveland Memory Project</span></a></span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Procop</span> Church | 3181 W. 41st Street | Cleveland, OH 44109</div></div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-91894663448745017742009-03-17T13:30:00.000-07:002009-03-20T11:28:04.106-07:00We Forget Who We AreA few years ago, I came across this <a href="http://www.nyfolklore.org/pubs/voic29-3-4/church.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">article</span></span></span></span></span></span></a> on the internet regarding the loss of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(read: thrown out)</span> sacramental artwork in churches due to drastic "renovations" and "updating." The article is written by Marek Czarnecki. At one point the article discusses the closing of churches. Czarnecki offers this profound insight ... "When a parish closes, that community of people disperses into other parishes. Without our physical sites and signs, however, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">we forget who we are</span>, and we lose the material objects that link us to a very deep, historical communal identity. In American culture, we lose our personal and transpersonal depth when the sites that ground us in our history and spiritual ancestors disappear ... Instinctively, with the demolition of churches, its members sense that the institution and its dogma are less permanent, and in the hands of mercurial forces."<div><br /></div><div>I don't know if I can add anything else to make Mr. Czarnecki's statement more profound.</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-73329702311178275332009-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:002009-03-20T07:20:24.249-07:00St. James Church - Lakewood, Ohio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAda-0CIro-HVfuKwkU8VAqA02Z_mVeddxA3wJ0eyt31X_BH0dezmMdYPTY1475M5hOy2rXKwiGmVThDL1ITlCSiWk0K54dMWuaCxpxQ43RmRhuUQOx9VXL7vUxg_dM5NHnB46Bapjt4/s1600-h/st.james.lakewood.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAda-0CIro-HVfuKwkU8VAqA02Z_mVeddxA3wJ0eyt31X_BH0dezmMdYPTY1475M5hOy2rXKwiGmVThDL1ITlCSiWk0K54dMWuaCxpxQ43RmRhuUQOx9VXL7vUxg_dM5NHnB46Bapjt4/s320/st.james.lakewood.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313626401409656322" /></a><br />A picture is worth a thousand words. The above historical photo is of St. James Catholic Church in Lakewood, OH ... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(mentioned in the previous post)</span> one of the 52 parishes expected to close in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. According to an architectural description, the building design is Sicilian Romanesque, patterned after the Monreale Cathedral in Palermo, Sicily. The photo is from the <a href="http://www.clevelandmemory.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Cleveland Memory Project</span></span></span></a>.<div><br /></div><div>St. James Church | 17514 Detroit Avenue | Lakewood, OH 44107</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2509706407860928433.post-71478334916215776172009-03-15T18:04:00.001-07:002009-03-21T05:18:15.713-07:00More Than a Building<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LhQAGhDanyjAI4zVS8U4AYI4M1Zc6KtbeljnL3M3iuwzK9AijVf47Rd2uEjPJXoVag5j9YAStwYenRVmIv_OSqqxUdHKfe10Cw4kBEJJBevfCdtut5M1qdOfrtmec6l0prv79neuJ2w/s1600-h/mos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LhQAGhDanyjAI4zVS8U4AYI4M1Zc6KtbeljnL3M3iuwzK9AijVf47Rd2uEjPJXoVag5j9YAStwYenRVmIv_OSqqxUdHKfe10Cw4kBEJJBevfCdtut5M1qdOfrtmec6l0prv79neuJ2w/s320/mos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313586723774475058" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">t took this line in today's newspaper (</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The Plain Dealer</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, Cleveland, OH) to get me to start my own blog. I've read it a million of times before when a church closes ... it goes like this ... "This building is a beautiful building. A magnificent building. But the bottom line is, it isn't the church. We are." The </span></span><a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/parishioners_in_the_cleveland.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">article</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> quotes the well-intentioned Rev. John Weigand pastor at the eventually closing century-old St. James Church on Cleveland's west side suburb of Lakewood, OH. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have to admit, I am a more devout church architecture student <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(catholic churches to be exact)</span> than I am a church goer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As a kid growing up in Ashtabula, OH <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(think small town Ohio)</span>, I attended both a Catholic grade school <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(Mother of Sorrows)</span> and high school. So, needless to say, I was in Church --- a lot. Add to that, I was an altar boy -- a very devout one. In fact, the pastor of my parish told me he would be the altar boy at my first mass. I didn't become a priest, but my experience as a altar boy was amazing. Why, because I got to spend a lot of time in this stunning structure -- a building -- a church. (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">See vintage postcard of the interior of Mother of Sorrows from the early 1900s above.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oftentimes, I would sneak into the church on a Saturday, or after school, with my cheap camera and snap away at the windows, arches, statues, etc. For me, the building was creative inspiration. For me, looking at and studying the building was as much of a prayer to god as would be if I had knelt in a pew to pray. It was a connection without words.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, I will end my first post with that. Sure, buildings are buildings. But churches -- especially OLD churches -- are more than that ... just ask any 8 year old.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Mother of Sorrows Church | 1464 W. 6th Street | Ashtabula, OH 44004</div>Chip Vallerianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368206617158527001noreply@blogger.com3