As promised last week, we will begin our trip up the bell tower of Saint Mary Parish in Akron. The parish is slated to close this June. But first, a quick peek at the interior. Here is the high altar.
This mosaic is in the center of the sanctuary just in front of altar of sacrafice.
We did not have much light but this picture will still give you an idea of what the church interior looks like.
Look up! Here is a shot of the ceiling. Not a spot is lacking in detail.
This is from the altar looking toward the choir loft and pipe organ.
These are actually in the wrong order, this picture of Fr. Pfeiffer was on the way down. This is the story before you reach the bell chamber. The bell is still rung by hand. The rope that runs through the floor is right next to Father.
This is a shot from the bell chamber itself. Way off in the distance you can see the steeple of St. Bernard Parish in the heart of downtown Akron with whom St. Mary is merging.
The inscription on the bell reads, "HY STUCKS?EDE - BELL FDY CO. - ST LOUIS MO - 1915. DONATED BY THE CHILDREN OF SAINT MARY PARISH.
I just thought this was an interesting picture. This is the giant whell that rings the bell.
This is how you get up most of the way. Our shoulders touched the center post and the outside rail at the same time. It is very narrow (and dirty of course. Would be a bell tower ladder if it were clean?)
Well, that's it ladies and gentlemen. If you are from out of town I hope you enjoyed the climb with us. If you are in town - GO SEE THE PLACE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
This mosaic is in the center of the sanctuary just in front of altar of sacrafice.
We did not have much light but this picture will still give you an idea of what the church interior looks like.
Look up! Here is a shot of the ceiling. Not a spot is lacking in detail.
This is from the altar looking toward the choir loft and pipe organ.
These are actually in the wrong order, this picture of Fr. Pfeiffer was on the way down. This is the story before you reach the bell chamber. The bell is still rung by hand. The rope that runs through the floor is right next to Father.
This is a shot from the bell chamber itself. Way off in the distance you can see the steeple of St. Bernard Parish in the heart of downtown Akron with whom St. Mary is merging.
The inscription on the bell reads, "HY STUCKS?EDE - BELL FDY CO. - ST LOUIS MO - 1915. DONATED BY THE CHILDREN OF SAINT MARY PARISH.
I just thought this was an interesting picture. This is the giant whell that rings the bell.
This is how you get up most of the way. Our shoulders touched the center post and the outside rail at the same time. It is very narrow (and dirty of course. Would be a bell tower ladder if it were clean?)
Well, that's it ladies and gentlemen. If you are from out of town I hope you enjoyed the climb with us. If you are in town - GO SEE THE PLACE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! Just a reminder: Easter Monday is the G. K. Chesterton play at St. Sebastian (Zwilser Hall) in Akron at 7PM. Come one come all!
8 comments:
I was planning on attending the Chesterton play since I don't have PSR but FR. Tony's funeral is at 7:00. Hope all enjoy the play!!
Go see St. Mary's while it's still decorated for Easter. It's even more beautiful with lilies.
The one thing I never liked about St. Mary's is that it seems dark in there, even in the daytime. Otherwise, yes, it is a beautiful church and thanks for the tour.
Anon.
The house I live in is dark too. A lot of wood panelled walls. A lady once commented, "If it were up to me I would paint all the walls white to lighten that place up. But I know you men. You like your caves!"
There's an older gentleman at St. Mary's who has taken photos of the church over the years and still does to this day. He actually grew up in a house across the street from St. Mary's and went to school there until, according to him, he was kicked out! Thanks be to God that this did not turn him against the Church, he is very devout. Anyway, he hopes to either publish a book of the photos and/or post them online after the closing. I will forward Fr. V the info when and if this happens.
There's an older gentleman at St. Mary's who has taken photos of the church over the years and still does to this day. He actually grew up in a house across the street from St. Mary's and went to school there until, according to him, he was kicked out! Thanks be to God that this did not turn him against the Church, he is very devout. Anyway, he hopes to either publish a book of the photos and/or post them online after the closing. I will forward Fr. V the info when and if this happens.
St. Mary's does have a 'dark' atmosphere which, I feel, lends a definite sense of mystery to the sacred masses in that holy space. I have grown to really appreciate and love that feeling at mass, as well as the exquisite architecture. St. Mary Parish and its lovely building are unique in the area and will be sorely missed.
Father V: Blessed Christmas to you! I live in a bungalow with a lot of natural woodwork and if anyone suggested to me that I lighten up the place by painting over it, I'm not sure I'd respond in a Christian manner.
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