As in Most Blessed Sacrament. You know, the parish I've gotten more emails on than just about any other. Haven't heard from them in a while, so how about a special return engagement from the parish that won't die?
Former parishioner Thomas Kildea writes in with some reminiscences and some questions as well.
PCP:
I attended Most Blessed Sacrament Grade School
during the late 1960's and early 1970's.
I was saddened to hear that the Parish has been
consolidated into St Frances deSales.
The history of MBS and its students along with the
enrollment rankings at its peak recently sparked some
discussion among friends.
My memories would suggest that MBS's student population
reached its apex during the late 1960's when an annex was
built to handle an anticipated overflow.
Sadly, I remember, the Kingsessing neighborhood along with
new student enrollments began their swift decline shortly
thereafter.
Was MBS ever the largest parochial elementary school in
Philadelphia? Where did it stand in national rankings?
Who were some of its more famous and infamous attendees?
Are any of the Clergy or Sisters still active in the Church. Sisters
Conchita(?) and Thomasina plus Father Kelly come to mind as
memorable influences during my childhood.
Sometimes I cry when recalling how swiftly things changed in the
vibrant neighborhoods surrounding the seemingly monumental
fortress towering above 56th St.& Chester Ave. Fond recollections
of MBS and my attendance from grades one through seven are
forever etched into my daily thoughts.
Any help with my requests will be appreciated.
You and a lot of people, Thomas. It never stops being sad, even more so considering the ease with which such things can swept aside by the time and tide of progress.
As to your questions, I can tell you that MBS was once the largest parochial school in the world. As to famous / infamous attendees and specific staff, I'll let the readership field this one.
If anyone knows, feel free to chime in.
I too attended MBS grade school from 1st to 8th grade, the memories are many - does anyone else remember having to attend Sunday Mass in the lower church - either 9:15 or 10:15 depending on your grade level And the IHM nun who taught you five days a week was there with you, as you sat with your classmates and attendance was taken ( better have a note on Monday if you were not there) I learned to play the piano there - lessons were 50 cents a week!!! I went to a neighbors house at their dinner time to practice ( talk about saints!). Who could forget May Crowning!!! the entire school marching around the entire city block and then into the magnificant upper church.. How about going to Willow Grove Park - does anyone else remember that.. I live out of state now and this recent nostalgia was prompted by a note and news article a family member sent about St. Bede parish in Northhampton Pa - where they included the altar, stained glass, stations, Tabernacle and statues were used in thier recently completed remodel/
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