And what better way to do so by featuring, once again in this space ladies and gentlemen, West Kensington's St. Boniface, one of our very special Churches that Won't Die. Project reader Robert Masciantonio proves that to be true by offering us yet another e-mail about the place. But wait--this one has photographs of the interior, taken in January 2009.
Abandoned interior pics of the stately St. Boniface? And its associated buildings? The Project is so there. Lay on, Macduff!
What intrigues the Project most about abandoned churches isn't what they remove, although a scarred and stripped interior holds a certain melancholy fascination. No, it's what they--what we--leave behind.
In this case, a pile of books on a table. A crucifix. A broken clock. A chunk of intricately sculpted marble. It's provocative and sad, all of it.
This stuff isn't to the level of Matthew Murray's Abandoned America, but it's still quite good, and even better to share with all of you. Especially since, if the Project's sources are correct, this place is next on the demolition derby.
Cherish, weep and think of what might be. And would could have (and should have) been.
In this case, a pile of books on a table. A crucifix. A broken clock. A chunk of intricately sculpted marble. It's provocative and sad, all of it.
This stuff isn't to the level of Matthew Murray's Abandoned America, but it's still quite good, and even better to share with all of you. Especially since, if the Project's sources are correct, this place is next on the demolition derby.
Cherish, weep and think of what might be. And would could have (and should have) been.
Pretty and sad! I wonder who took out all of the pews..etc.?
ReplyDeleteThe long dark hallway with the light at the end is eerie. I wonder if this was from the school?
Yes, that last image is incredibly creepy. Probably my favorite from an artistic standpoint. I'm also guessing it's one of the school buildings--it's too long to be the convent or rectory.
ReplyDeleteThe interior ornaments, pews included, were removed by the Archdiocese and stored and / or sold to other parishes.
I'm sure those pews, etc. are in some brand spanking new church in some wealthy suburb.
ReplyDeleteHi there Philly church project,
ReplyDeleteThere is a sad poetry in these pictures...
From one photographer to another, I salute your very expressive work, Mr Masciantonio.
I am surprised that the AD took out all the pews...even the confessional. They didn't do that at Transy. They even left a statue of the Blessed Mother that was outside between the school.
ReplyDeleteI have a photo of my Mom and my aunt on their First Communion Day standing in front of this statue. The last I saw it before Boy's Latin took over..her outstretched hands had been chopped off.
Yeah, the methods are inconsistent. Sometimes everything goes, sometimes they cherry-pick. They took the pews here but not at neighboring St. Bonaventure. That proved to be a mistake when homeless people moved in and used them to set fires.
ReplyDeleteI guess it all depends on their whims at the time.
I grew up in this curch.. So sad to see what has become of it. I'm literally heartbroken to see what it looks like now. I only wish that with the snap of a finger I could have brought it back to life.
ReplyDeletei would give a finger to get in here. can anyone help me make it happen?
ReplyDeleteI went to St. Bonface School and Church. I graduated from grammer school in 1950. I'm devistated at the condition of this beautiful church..such neglect. I would love to attend Mass there again. It was always celebrated in latin and extremely beautiful. So, so sad.
ReplyDeleteThe Picture of the long Hall with the ligh from te windows at the end is in fact a picture of the 2nd floor of the rectory. In its hayday St. Boniface was home to over 40 priests.
ReplyDeleteI went to school there from Kindergarten through 8th grade. I was a parishoner there til it closed. I recognize everypicture hre and can remember walkngthe halls in all. Even th picture of te cataombs under the church. It was beautiful and it is a shame they ripped it apart even if they are using it in Calcutta in Limerick.
I TRULY AM SADDENED BY EVERYONES LOSS HERE. I DID NOT ATTEND THIS PARISH PERSONALLY ... BUT I CERTAINLY HEARD A LOT OF PLEASANT THINGS ABOUT IT!! THE LAST YEAR OF MY DADS' LIFE HE PROUDLY SPOKE OF THE CHURCH AGAIN. HE SAID, " FATHER '''''''" , (SORRY I CAN NOT RECALL THE NAME HE MENTIONED), BUT MY FATHER DID.... PROUDLY, AND EVEN SAID, "FUNNY I CAN STILL REMEMBER HIS NAME, 50 YEARS LATER---" HE SAID, " GOOD MAN HE WAS, A VERY GOOD MAN!!" MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED HERE, THEIR FIRST TWO CHILDREN WERE BAPTIZED THERE AS WELL. THIS WAS A PART OF MY PARENTS .... THIS MAKES ME FEEL AS IF ONE OF THE VERY FEW CONCRETE MEMORIES LEFT OF THEM..... IS NOW --- DEMOLISHED.
ReplyDeleteHELLO ALL, ME AGAIN. I JUST WANTED TO ADD A FEW BRIEF THINGS. FIRST OF ALL, IT WAS "FATHER J. WHALEN", WHO MARRIED MY PARENTS AND MY FATHER SPOKE SOOO PROUDLY OF!! ALSO............ IT WAS 60 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, THAT MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED THERE.... FEB., 1952. THEY WOULD BE SO, SO, SAD.
ReplyDeleteMy dad went to school here, as did my aunts, uncles and cousins. I went there from Kindergarden to 5th grade. I would have graduated 8th grade in 1968 had I not moved away when I was in 5th grade. I loved that school. I do remember the name Father Whalen. I think I have heard my cousens talk about him. My dad probably graduated from 8th grade there in 1946. My grandfather repaired the roof on that church and school. It is heartbreaking that they tore it down.
DeleteI was married there in 1960 - by Father May. I have such beautiful pictures of the altar. I plan to visit the church in Limerick that has many of the St Boniface Church furnishings/altar pieces
DeleteFor all of those who are wondering what happened to the church I can tell you that the pastor of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta parish in Limerick PA saved most, if not all, of the interior of the church as well as the stained glass,back altar, etc. He even saved the wooden 'partition' between the narthex of the church and the interior of the church (which included the tin organ pipes!)and the confessionals. Even the vestment cases and closets for the priests & deacons chasubles and dalmatics are being stripped & refinished. All of it is being restored and will be used in the church which is under construction.
ReplyDeleteThe church itslef will be dedicated on October 27, 2012 by Archbishop Charles Chaput and one of the main features of the church will be the statue of St Boniface. For all who are mourning the passing of the church I suggest you see that the church hasn't really been completley destroyed. Instead it has followed the Catholics and their descendents who worshipped there to Limerick PA.
Tom Phillips
tphillips56@yahoo.com