Your Hatred only Makes the Project Stronger

Especially when it's absolutely illogical. Case in point, this cranky e-mail from Bob Deck.

I found your site completely by accident but I wanted to make a few comments after looking at it quite intently. The name of your project is quite misleading.

I can only assume you are of the Catholic faith since no other religion would use a title like this and not check out the churches of other faiths. I have been to churches of many faiths during my life, including Catholic Churches. Like most Catholics I know, you do not accept the fact that there are other religions and assume that everyone is Catholic. I realized this when I went to look at your portion on St Michaels in "Kensington" and found not the Lutheran Church which is actually in Kensington and where I went to services as a youth,but the Catholic Church on 2nd Street which is not actually Kensington.

If you are going to call your project the Philadelphia Church Project, do us all a favor and visit the places of worship of all faiths. many are actually quite beautiful.

If you are going to flame the Project's mailbox with negative mail, make sure you actually know what you're talking about. If you'd bothered to actually study the site intently--and it's clear you haven't--you would see that we have indeed covered non-Catholic churches, including the Bryn Athyn Cathedral in Bryn Athyn, PA; St. James the Less in Allegheny West; the Universal Church in Nicetown; Church of the Advocate in North-Central; First United Methodist Church of Germantown; and Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square.

We've covered others, and there are still many more to come, but I'm sure even you can get the point.

Also, sir, how dare you generalize me simply because I come from a Roman Catholic background? As any intelligent reader of this site can tell you, my opinions and perspectives vary widely. I've been a vocal opponent of much of the actions and leadership of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, while openly embracing what other Christian sects bring to the table.

If you have legitimate concerns or issues about the Project, we will happily discuss them. But ignorant, unfounded and insulting attacks have no place here, and you only disgrace yourself by using them.

Do us all a favor and get a clue.

Assumption, Inside Out

Speaking of Assumption BVM...

Abandonedamerica.org super-photographer Matthew Murray is working on a gallery of recent interior pics of the place. It's not done yet, but he was kind enough to post the following image on his Facebook page:


Striking, no? It actually kind of makes Siloam's case for them, since it's really tough to imagine anyone having the resources to make any sort of restoration possible. That place is still standing and will probably continue to do so for some time, but dear God, it looks awful.

Interestingly, though, the stained glass windows are still present in the apse. I thought I noticed them back when I did my exterior shots, but I couldn't bring myself to believe the originals were actually still there. The Project wonders how the hell they made it this far--and, really, why they weren't removed with the others in the first place.

Should be one hell of a collection when it's done. Thoughts?

The Project Real Estate Company

There's a treat coming later in the week--or, whenever I can block off some time. I'm hoping this week, but please don't crucify me if things are a little delayed.

In the meantime, take a gander at the following note from one Dr. Karl Roedig. I'm not sure if this is real or not, but hey, why not:

Dear Sir/Madame

My name is Karl Roedig.

We saw your website, and I am admiring what you are doing!!

I am very saddened that some of these closed old churches are being left to fall into decay.

We saw these 3 churches on your website that have been closed, and we are looking to buy a church like these ones for our missionary work serving God's people.

Since we are from out of state, do you know how could we get a hold on these churches?

Do you know more churches of such style and beauty that might be for sale as well. I know some of them will need a lot of work to come back...

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[CONTACT INFO OMMITTED--PCP\

Blessings

Karl R. Roedig

He then includes pictures of the three in question--the oft-mentioned St. Bonaventure, Assumption BVM and Most Blessed Sacrament. You know, because I've most likely forgotten what they look like.

We've been asked for parish records, and even for our mass times (!), but this is a new one. In the event that this is legit, the Project is not an accredited real estate broker, but we can say this:

Assumption BVM is owned by Siloam Wellness, who, aside from wanting to knock the place down, don't seem to be in any hurry to get rid of it. Most Blessed Sacrament appears to have no present owner, so contact St. Francis de Sales parish in Cedar Park and see where that gets you. Nice place, it'd be a shame to let it go totally to waste, even if the really special stuff has already been stripped.

As for St. Bonaventure, well, whatever owners the place had are long gone and are unable or unwilling to make themselves known. Not that I blame them--that whole property is a disaster. You're probably free to have it, but frankly, you'd be better off conducting your ministry from a cardboard box on the street corner.

Good luck in your search.

Just You Wait

From Project reader Gerry Jones:

Hi Project Staff,

I really enjoy the Project ....kudos! kudos!!

I'd be curious to get your thoughts about the St. Agatha's.

St. Ag's has been converted to housing (not just the church building itself but also the rectory, convent and school), so you really do not need to do any interior observation, just case out and comment on the success or failure of this adaptation.

Though baptized there many years ago, i've not seen it since the alternative use took place ...... i'd check it out myself but i'm 7000 miles away, so i must save my visit till another day.

St. Agatha's parish itself has merged with neighboring St. James (on Chestnut Street), so you might check that out also, plus walk across the street to the wonderful (and Episcopal) Church of the Savior.

Many thks for your great work ....much needed and appreciayed!

It's not every day you see a church converted into apartments, so yes, we'll be taking a look at the former St. Agatha sooner or later. Probably later, if our recent fieldwork or lack thereof is any indication.

In the meantime, check out our previous post on St. Agatha, which includes a link to Terry Callen's parish Facebook page.

St. Adalbert's Roof

A good several years ago, during my first trip to legendary Church Alley, I inquired as to the make of St. Adalbert's roof. I suspected it was oxidized copper, but the color seemed too bright and uniform. Almost three years later--so long I honestly didn't initially remember asking the question in the first place--I may finally have an answer.

One parishioner sent me the following note:

St Al's roof is copper., probably done in the 50's. Was a big deal back then if I remember correctly- " high cost but will last a lifetime"

So, my suspicions were correct, then. Score one for the Project! And for any of the countless people who pass it on I-95 and have wondered the same thing.

An Easter Shower. No, Literally.

A happy belated Easter holiday to everybody in Projectland!

The Project celebrated Easter as usual. No, not with a new church. Yes, I know we usually do something new and cool and awesome on Easter, but I couldn't find an option that synced up time- and location-wise with the scrumptious Manayunk brunch I had planned.

Thus, we spent Easter at Norristown's St. Patrick, a very good suburban church we visited roughly a year-and-a-half ago. Everything was pretty uneventful, except for the traditional sprinkling of holy water.

Most priests use a demure aspergillum or perhaps even an olive branch. No so at St. Patrick, where the pastor used an item that I can only describe as an oversized, mop-like koosh ball on a stick. Said koosh ball held its water very well, and the priest took particular pleasure in using it to literally douse the audience in holy water. Not a flick here, a flick there--a full-on shower that left just about everyone in the audience, as well as the pews themselves, kind of damp.

(Soaking your antique pews with water? The horror!)

The fact that he had to refill his bucket twice tells you just how much water he used. And lest you think he got away unscathed, at the close of mass he gave a turn to the altar boy, who promptly pasted him with a faceful of water, much to the delight of the crowd.

Unorthodox? You bet. Slightly annoying? Of course. But it was memorable. And if holidays are judged by how we remember, then this is one the Project will keep remember very fondly, wet clothes and all.

Hope your Easter was just as exciting.

Again? Really?

What is this, Fairhill week? Yet another e-mail on the issues of the Bonaventure and the Badlands, from a former resident who is now fortunate to live nowhere near 9th & Cambria:

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and interests in the church blds. When I came form PR. in 73, I lived across from St. Boniface. I would stare at the church form my window frequently. I also attended St. Bonaventure. thought no one cared for the history and the the beauty of these cathedrals as i did. However, by looking at your website I can tell that we definately share the same enthusiams.I am glad there are other people like my self who have high regards for these achitectural gems and its a shame the not enough people do. PLease continue your good work of raising an awareness for the beauty of Philadelphia's church structure. They are well worth the effort.

The Project likes churches very much, but still has a sneaking suspicion that living within sight of one would be kind of creepy. I certainly don't need the eyes of God watching everything I do!

Anyway, the perception that "no one cares" was the primary reason for the Project's inception in the first place. Over time we've found that perception to be somewhat inaccurate, although there's no denying that care is definitely wanting. Some people do, but generally not enough to effect change.

Have we been successful? Hard to say, really. Definitely not as much as we'd have in an ideal world. But messages like this remind me that there's value in fighting the fight anyway, and doing good doesn't always have to involve grand gestures.

One step at a time, friends. One step at a time.