Society of St. Barbara

St. George's Chapel

2009-12-07T21:21:00.004-06:00

St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle looking Christmassy for a Knights of the Garter ceremony.

Springfield Cathedral Restoration Update

2009-11-24T12:44:00.007-06:00

Aside from a few obvious botches, Conrad Schmitt has done their usual outstanding work.

The font in the middle looks silly (and silly is not good for a Cathedral). Chopping up the pews is a complete waste of money (and provides less seating). Is the communion rail still there? Anyone from Springfield?

The project isn't as bad as I had assumed, of course, given that there was approximately zero public input on anything but writing checks for the project, I think it is quite safe to assume that the lack of information was intentional.

Here's Immaculate Conception in all its glory from Mark Scot Abeln.

Ralph Ellison Campus

2009-10-28T10:45:00.002-05:00

This design site claims to be showing a rehabbed Archdiocese Building (funded by Bill and Melinda Gates, no less). Beautiful building, reasonable addendum. Can anyone tell us what Parish campus this was?

Site Here

Union Square

2009-10-28T10:37:00.003-05:00

High Gothic First Baptist looks quite majestic in this photo essay on Chicago's Union Square Neighborhood.

Read mor e here

Also enjoy the William Gilman house from the same essay

Buy This Book: Celebrate St. Louis

2009-08-13T14:09:00.002-05:00

Long term friend of the Society of St. Barbara, Mark Scott Abeln has done it. His fantastic photos of Churches and liturgical elements have made it into print, and I cannot wait to get a copy.

Click here to see some samples

Click here to purchase

Here is the Press Release

BREATHTAKING PHOTOGRAPHY OF

LOCAL CHURCHES AND MONUMENTS FILL

CATHOLIC ST. LOUIS: A PICTORIAL HISTORY

William B. Faherty SJ Teams with Photographer

Mark Abeln to Capture Regional Catholic Heritage

ST. LOUIS, MO—The history of the Catholic Church in St. Louis is dominated by strong personalities and architectural grandeur. In Catholic St. Louis: A Pictorial History, rich text and photography capture the people and places that have defined Catholicism in a historic, and historically Catholic, city. Renowned historian William Barnaby Faherty, S.J., delivers concise historical sketches of the integral people and the landmark houses of worship; and photographer Mark Scott Abeln captures nearly forty different area churches in majestic fashion. From the eighteenth-century Holy Family Church in Cahokia to the overwhelming Cathedral Basilica to the modern St. Anselm’s in Creve Coeur, St. Louis’s churches are significant, not to mention spectacular. This coffee-table book truly presents Catholic St. Louis in all its splendor.

Look for Catholic St. Louis in bookstores and online. Information is available upon request at jstevens@reedypress.com or (314) 644-3400.

About the Authors

William Barnaby Faherty S.J. has written more than forty books, including dozens on St. Louis history and the novels Call of Pope Octavian and A Wall for San Sebastian. Mark Scott Abeln is a St. Louis photographer whose collection appears on www.romeofthewest.com

Prairie Avenue Bookstore on the Ropes

2009-07-31T13:57:00.004-05:00

One of the worlds great bookstores is having some financial flow issues. Here is Blair Kamin on the finances of Prairie Avenue Bookshop.

It really is a great bookstore, and I am not just saying that because they sell the heck out of Heavenly City (and are currently sold out, so I link to Amazon). It is more like a library inside, with collectors editions and print items all over the place. Wilbert and Marilyn Hasbrouck are the proprietors, and are also the most knowledgeable people in Chicago on a variety of subjects, including architecture. Beth Elfrig is a store manager, and also is up to the minute on architectural publishing.

I stopped in today and spoke to both Bill and Beth, who were both busily selling large volumes of architecture books. Prices are slashed 50%. Stock up and save.

The array of titles is bewildering an a little picked over. I conjured up some possible titles that are not selling for my own amusement (and also for the amusement of the store employees).

1) Mediocre Carpentry in Mt. Prospect of the Late 1970's. The Aspinite Edition
2) Home Sewage Diversion: An Introduction to Treating Your Own Wastewater
3) Spanish Colonial Piemaker: The Buildings of Baker's Square
4) Structural Paper Maiche for Northern Climates
5) Ed Dart and the Boredom of Unitarian Worship

More from Holy Name

2009-07-30T10:05:00.003-05:00

Some Good Shots at the Tribune. (After 100+ years of campaigning against the Catholic Church, shouldn't the Tribune be banned from the Cathedral?)

Holy Name Coming Back Strong

2009-07-29T13:45:00.003-05:00

First look given to the Tribune, rather than St. Barabara's. The Trib has been so sympathetic to the Church over the years, of course they get first digs.

Now about that altar and the modernism that does not belong in a Gothic Church.....

Link Here
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/holy-name-cathedral-reopens-friday.html

Papal Blessing in Melrose Park

2009-06-28T10:01:00.002-05:00

The Tribune does a reasonable job (please ignore the blasphemy) covering the Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Melrose Park, Illinois, and a Papal Blessing bestowed upon Crowns made for Our Lady.

High Masses, Coronations, Processions and the continuation of a 800 year devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

From the Chicago Tribune

**

When parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Shrine in Melrose Park decided to create gold crowns for statues of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, they donated to the cause by reaching deep into their hearts and memories.

Joe Rosa gave his grandfather's wedding band. Corinne Principe wept as she slipped her own wedding ring off her finger. Antonio Godinez removed the big Jesus medallion he wore close to his heart and plopped it into a collection basket.

In all, 15 pounds of gold was given, including a dozen gold watches, several rings, bangle bracelets, earrings, chains and medals. Carrying out a religious tradition from Southern Italy, the donated gold was then melted down and molded into two new 14-karat gold crowns appraised at $75,000.

The call for jewelry went out last July during the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and brought donations not only from the parish but from Italian Catholics across the nation. Struck by the devotion, the pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rev. Claudio Holzer, e-mailed the Vatican to request a papal blessing for the crowns.

Few expected a response. But within a week, a Vatican aide approved and asked that the crowns be brought to Rome. Last month, Holzer and 35 parishioners traveled to Italy for an audience with Pope Benedict XVI where he blessed the crowns."This is very emotional for all of us," said Principe, who has been married for 41 years. "I didn't think twice about giving my wedding ring. I wanted a piece of me to be with her always, so she could pray for me and my family."

On Sunday, the Melrose Park church will hold a historic mass as it crowns the 5-foot statue of "La Madonna del Carmine" and the baby Jesus that she holds in her left palm. After a procession that takes the Madonna statue through the streets, three Chicago archdiocesan bishops will celebrate a pontifical high mass, which will be broadcast live on EWTN, the global Catholic network.

Only three other images of the Virgin Mary have been crowned with Pontifical Authority: Our of Lady of Mt. Carmel in New York City's East Harlem; Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Orleans; and the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Madonna De La Flora

2009-06-17T09:31:00.004-05:00

As opposed to my own shaky photography, Mark Scott Abeln just keeps getting better at photo documentary of Church objects, icons, and architecture. Here Mark chronicles a Corpus Christ Procession in St. Louis, including this stunning shot of an Marian homage.

Take a look over there at Rome of the West, the visuals are brilliant.

DMac on St. Michael's, Leawood

2009-06-13T07:34:00.001-05:00

From CMR

The new Church of Saint Micheal the Archangelin Leawood, Kansas will be dedicated on Saturday June 13, and many of its features have been chronicled here on CMR. The church is clearly part of the "New Classicism"movement which has been growing over the last 20 years or so, mostly in secular buildings. But one of the things that sets the new St. Michael church apart from other new churches is its decidedly eschatological orientation, that is, its look toward the end of time when the application of Christ's victory is complete. This notion of "turning toward" the Lord's Second Coming has traditionally been the justification for the eastward orientation of churches and the ad orientem position of the celebrant, and the source for what that Second Coming might look like has always been the Book of Revelation.
At the new St. Michael Church, the rear wall of the sanctuary is filled with a triumphal-arch like reredos in which will be placed three paintings, all by EverGreene Studios of New York (shown here in the studio in process and below before installation in two pieces--click for larger views).
The central piece is a 24 foot tall great image of Christ reigning on the throne surrounded by angels and saints described in Revelation chapter 4 and the river of the water of life flowing from the throne in chapter 22. The great eye of the Father who sees and knows all is shown sharing an intersecting halo with Christ who reigns in glory despite his wounds. The night sky reveals the heavens filled with glorified stars, praising God by obeying His will.
From below the throne flows the water symbolizing the Holy Spirit, the water of life (grace) which transforms the world. The water flows down inside the golden walls of the Heavenly Jerusalem, then upon the earth to transform it with grace. In the Leawood mural, the waters flow straight down behind St. Michael, the patron of the parish, than across the many saints, around the altar of reservation, to the sanctuary below. St. Michael is shown in the time after he has slayed the dragon, and he holds in his hands a scale representing the judgment of souls. (The saved soul "weighs" more than the damned). The parish chose the blesseds and saints for the mural, emphasizing the saints of the Americas and the 20th century like the Jesuit martyrs, KiriTekakwitha, Mother Cabrini, Mother Seton, Kathrine Drexel and Miguel Pro.
Interesting to note is two intersections of the heavenly world with the earthly. The "streets" of heaven in the mural have the same pattern of marbles as does the actual floor of the church, symbolizing that the earthly church building is indeed a sacrament of heaven. Second, a close look at the mural shows that among the buildings of heaven is a glorified version of Kansas City's Power and Light Building, a landmark of the downtown skyline. This building was added to remind worshippers that the end of time will not sweep us away to some Platonic other world on clouds, but will restore and renew the real, physical world.
In the small roundrels to either side of the central panel will be placed images of Old Testament figures: Elijah and Moses on the right and Abraham and Sarah on the left. Though they appear in separate openings, all three of the paintings share the same background, suggesting that the triumphal arch is not so much fixed to the wall as it is an opening to the heavenly realm.
Notice how different this sort of iconography is from the usual arrangement of "Mary on one side, Joseph on the other, and a crucifix in the middle." Here we see the Trinity, angels, saints, and creation being joined by the earthly worshippers to praise God and receive Christ-life in the sacraments. By looking at the heavenly glory as well as receiving the heavenly food, the process of divinization is emphasized as a full liturgical event.

Major New Release on Church Architecture

2009-06-06T14:12:00.008-05:00

The Society of St. Barbara is delighted to announce the release of Catholic Church Architecture and the Sprit of the Liturgy, authored by our own contributor Prof. Denis McNamara.

Here Denis encourages "the reader to drink deeply from the wells of the tradition, to look with fresh eyes at things thought to be outdated or meaningless, and glean the principles which underlie the richness of the Catholic faith"

Distribution is expected in October of 2009. Pre-order is available now from Liturgy Training Press.Congratulations Denis McNamara on another outstanding work.

A Devotion to St. Jospeh; Patron Sant of The Home

2009-05-19T07:12:00.003-05:00

Crain's Chicago Business has a marginally thought-out article on the use of St. Joseph icons in home sales. There is a practice of burying a statue of St. Joseph in the yard of houses that are for sale.

Crain's polls a few sources for their opinion

"It's tacky; crass marketing," huffs Sister Anne Joan Flannigan, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, which operates the store. "It's making the statue an idol, as if it is magical." (note from JBP...Sr. Anne is a wonderful person, but not very reflective here on the context of Devotion)

and

Todd Williamson, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Divine Worship, says the church neither endorses nor prohibits the practice — or sale of kits at Catholic bookstores.

"There's no question that some people do that out of faith, others do it out of superstition or may not even know who St. Joseph is," he says.

Both of these opinions strike me as uncharitable at best and sacrilegious under scrutiny. A devotion to St. Joseph should certainly be welcomed by all Catholics and any respectful person who reflects on the history and traditions of Christianity. Surely there are multiple paths to find Christ, none of which should be dismissed as "idol worship" or "superstition". What better way to learn more about St. Joseph than to start with a devotion to Mary's husband?

A good friend of mine from Dwight, Illinois told me the history of the Keeley Institute, an alcohol treatment center that "cured" alcoholics by injecting them with gold dust (perhaps curing them by killing them first). As he stated, a devotion to St. Martin of Tours was certainly a more likely cure than the accepted scientific wisdom at the time.

I'll paraphrase Chesterton's Aquinas on the projection that St. Peter stands at the Gates of Heaven with a list of who is in and who is out. Aquinas said (something like) "Your belief can do no harm and serves the logic of the heavenly kingdom".

I think we have too few devotions today and should welcome more devotions to any and all of the Saints to assist us in our day to day lives.

Douglas Park Auditorium

2009-05-09T13:12:00.004-05:00

I drove by this beautiful building in Douglas Park yesterday. The neighborhood is not for the feint of heart, but has some benign neglect showing here and there.

The Douglas Park Auditorium is described as

A multipurpose Jewish institutional building that housed the Workmen's Circle, Jewish labor unions, and the Yiddish Theater. This building was later renamed Labor Lyceum. Today the building is the location of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith.

The Church did not look very busy, but it was a Friday. Architect anyone? I'll wager Marshall and Fox.

Moving Post Offices: Easy Quiz

2009-05-09T13:10:00.002-05:00

2 Points if you can tell us where (much of) the Old Chicago Post Office Building is now located. It is a major landmark, but not a Post Office anymore.

A Bargain at Any Price

2009-05-04T13:34:00.004-05:00

One of the side effects of an housing crisis (of sorts) is that houses stay on the market longer. Here are a few that I have walked through in the last 6 months or so on Sunday strolls with my kids.

The first one is at 232 Essex in Kenilworth. Georgian, with a dramatic entrance (and some huge crest over the entry portal like the hall to a Order of Malta Palace)

The grand entry way looked imposing. My daughter asked if princesses walked down those stairs, which is most likely true.

The bathroom had an interesting ceiling, with some type of plastic material that I had never seen before. It was an art-deco type.

The sunny library looked excellent for a spring nap. The ceiling again was above and beyond the typical.

Here is more info from the broker

New Classicism in Chicago

2009-04-01T10:32:00.003-05:00

Here's a terrific house under construction in Chicago.

The Architect is Hammond Beeby Ainge, but that is about all the information we have on it.

Good looking place. Anyone have more details?

Basilica of Dreams: St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa

2009-03-16T16:29:00.006-05:00

WP Kinsella based his novel "Field of Dreams" in Dyersville, Iowa, a fitting place for building a historic structure that would bring out the best in devotional interest. Kinsella wrote about a shrine to baseball, but in reality, Dyersville is the home a truly remarkable structure, the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. I was lucky enough to get to visit SFx this weekend, and came away impressed.

Built in 1888 by German (along with Luxemborgian) immigrants, this may be the smallest town in the US with a Basilica, as it was named by Pius XII in 1956. Seating capacity is 1200 (including the choir loft). I was informed that 850 people were at mass on Saturday at 4PM vigil, which was an average crowd (for a parish holding 5 Masses). A little math, that makes 4,250 people per weekend in a town of 4,000. Give or take 10% tourists, and this is a well-uitlized parish.

Excellent architecture historical profile here

There is humorous stained glass of St. Francis Xavier and the "Indians", in Iroquois looking garb. This is a must see Church, explemplifying the best in Catholic Architecture and preservation of the sacred.

The Basilica is about 20 miles west of Dubuque, which also has it's share of fine churches, and 40 miles from Galena, which is an architectural gem.

Dyersville is a small city with an active Catholic Community, with a tremendous churchgoing population, as well as a Catholic High School (Beckman) and Grade School (SFx).

A round of applause to the Community of St. Francis Xavier!

Voting Out the Vandals: Wilmette vs. Village Trustee

2009-03-06T10:50:00.002-06:00

Some of my neighbors are campaigning against one of the Village Trustees who mangled the Mallinckrodt Convent project here in Wilmette. I don't like to take political positions on local issues at St. Barbara's but I will make an exception against the desecration of the sacred. Here is a pretty good run down

Four candidates have filed for three openings in the April 7th election to the Wilmette Village Board. The good fortune that this election is contested emanates from the move to re-elect one of the most controversial and destructive members of the board: Lali Watt.

Remember the Mallinckrodt (debacle)? Wilmette kool-aid drinkers back in 2001 swallowed Lali Watt’s community organizing arguments and voted to pay $24 million for a 17-acre park the village didn’t need. There were the Catholic voters who were promised retention of the historical chapel at Mallinckrodt College (since demolished); the soccer parents who were promised lighted fields (never happened), and the senior citizens who were promised a thriving senior housing complex - which has been in foreclosure since last September, owes $19 million on its loans and reports half of the units unsold. And lest we forget, there were the greenies who voted to save the trees. Remember waking up one morning to the front lawn on Ridge that was a muddy wasteland cleared of ancient trees? Yes, it was Trustee Lali Watt we have to thank for the secret deal with the Mallinckrodt developers (before the election) to clear cut all those beloved trees.

I'll vote against anyone who tears up Chapels. This project was botched and in many respects unethical. Everyone associated with it should be held accountable, which for a Trustee, is via the ballot box.

Here's some of the Stained Glass salvaged for sale.

Dr. McNamara at ICKSP

2009-02-28T10:47:00.005-06:00

Canon Matthew Talarico, Vice-Rector of the Institute of Christ the King is certainly one of the most pleasant guys in Cook County. At a recent function earlier this month he took me aside and said "there is someone you must meet" coming to the Shrine later this month for a presentation.

That someone, was none other than Dr. Denis McNamara from the Litrugical Institute at Mundelein Seminar coming to the Shrine for his brilliant presentation on architecural and the sacred Liturgy. I assured Canon Talarico that I was one of Denis biggest fans.

So today is the day, 3PM on the delightful South Side of Chicago at 6415 South Woodlawn Avenue. All are invited!

St. Thomas the Apostle

2009-02-23T11:05:00.002-06:00

February 22, 2009
Originally uploaded by fotomattic

Very nice photo of St TtA in Hyde Park, architect was Barry Byrne.

With Larger Shot

More Photos from Holy Name

2009-02-18T22:15:00.010-06:00

More photos from Holy Name Cathedral, from the 1949 book 100 Years: The History of the Church of the Holy Name.

Postcard from Holy Name

2009-02-17T08:38:00.003-06:00

Here is another view of Holy Name Cathedral, this from the Curt Teich archives. I have a better scan of this somewhere, and will locate and post.

Thanks to Msgr for the link.

Holy Name Cathedral Vintage 1958

2009-02-12T08:54:00.002-06:00

Here is a historic shot of Holy Name in 1958. I will try to find more.

Holy Name Update

2009-02-06T09:31:00.003-06:00

I went to the Cathedral (Holy Name) yesterday. The fire was pretty much contained to one area of the roof. There were still a troop of firemen (smoking cigarettes and theorizing) who did a very fine job at not wrecking the Cathedral while putting the fire out. Fr. Matt Compton, formerly of my parish, and a Mundelein Seminarian studying with Denis McNamara was one of the heroes of the fire and has a new appreciation of St. Agatha the patron of protection against fire.

Here are a few snapshots.

Fire at Holy Name

2009-02-04T09:03:00.003-06:00

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago looks like a disaster. I will go take a look later today or tomorrow.

It is a sad day for the Church in Chicago.

Story Here

Bankruptcy comes to Loyola Project

2009-01-16T13:30:00.005-06:00

Say its 2001 you were given an Old Girls school designed by Herman Gaul that the Village of Wilmette purchased for around $25 Million. Then you decided to try and turn the school into a set of high end condominiums. What are the odds you would be bankrupt now?

Given the history of these projects in Chicago, there is about a 100% chance that buying beautiful schools, then trying to turn them into residential units will make you bankrupt. Loyola Mallinckrodt is no exception, with bankruptcy, lawsuity, unhappy residents, and unpaid bills all around. The Sun-Times has it here in a detailed story.

I'll limit it to a top 5 of wretched behavior that got the project into such a fix

1) The stained glass windows were very good. Canonically, liturgical goods can not be sold. A rather questionable set of circumstances put them on the "market" for $100K, souring any thoughts of working with a property developer interested in preserving sacred objects.

2) The Village of Wilmette, in a Jacobin fury, decided that all Christian symbolism had to be removed from the building. Never mind that there are various historical preservation ordinances preventing the destruction of great architecture, the Jacobins destroy to preserve. Crosses, statues, Latin phrases...all banished from the collective memory.

3) In a fit to provide parking the developer tore out a grove of mature trees on the Ridge Ave side of the building. Part of the sales pitch in spending $25 Million to buy the property was to preserve the park like nature (albeit in a desecrated form) of the school grounds. Not only the devout, but also the nature-lovers also began getting miffed at the project.

4) The Village of Wilmette never fully represented the financial nature of the project. The building and the Chapel were provided free of charge to the developer, in exchange for a whopping $250,000 in projected fees to the village. So, for a net loss of $24.75 Million, the village got a park.

5) In a burst of Rezko-inspired corruption, various community activists in Wilmette forced the developer to assign parts of the building as "affordable" housing. Even if the developer was humming along it is hard to fathom why he should provide below market rate housing, or why a $300,000 condo is somehow affordable, for that matter.

The trouble with these projects is that there is no "next time". The stained glass and liturgical elements are spread all over the country. The finances are a disaster. The village has astronomical property tax rates and a $25 million hole for this property. You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube here.

The papers may claim this project is a victim of the "credit crisis" but to me it seems only to be a near total void of common sense and respect for the architectural heritage of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Creative Minority Report: One for the Good Guys: Artist Alexander Stoddart named Queen's Sculptor

2009-01-08T18:39:00.000-06:00

Creative Minority Report: One for the Good Guys: Artist Alexander Stoddart named Queen's Sculptor

St. John of God Interior

2009-01-07T13:59:00.003-06:00

Here are some photos of the interior at St. John of God (as well as the exterior). These were taken in 2006.

There are more photos here

More Trials Of St. Boniface

2008-12-21T11:32:00.003-06:00

rose window
Originally uploaded by primeau

The Tribune highlights some of the recent distress at St. Boniface on the near northwest side.

I have been attempting to keep St. Boniface standing for 7 years now, with some major ups and downs. I'll offer 5 tonics to the Tribune story gin.

1) The $25 Million number is absurd. I could rebuild 2 of the new Shrine in LaCrosse Wiscsonsin for that price, and have quite a bit of money to spare. It does not do much to instill confidence when a spokesman conjures up ridiculous numbers to overstate the case.

2) On the other hand, there are quite a few people at high levels in the Archdiocese who want to see this structure put to good use. If the right team is put together, I am sure the structure will stand, preferrably as a Church.

3) Making condos out of the Church was a terrible idea. Dealing with some highly questionable real estate speculators on a sacred structure is no business for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

4) The Church itself is awesome. Here are some previous posts on the Church.

Awesome interior at St. Boniface

New Hope in the Trial of St. Boniface

More Trials of St. Boniface

5) The structure could be cleaned, secured, and sealed for a $100,000 or so. In this current real estate cycle, holding the Church in a reasonable condition should be considered.

I'll quote myself

"The heathens fell upon them and murdered Boniface and fifty-two companions (according to some, thirty-seven)": I suppose when you are being attacked by heathens, 15 companions can make a real difference. At St. Boniface in Chicago, we could use at least 52 companions in getting Henry J. Schlacks faded masterpiece back into shape.

William Heyer, Architect, The Classical Architecture Studio

2008-11-11T20:12:00.002-06:00

Bill Heyer, one of the top traditional architects practicing today, has livened up his website, with plenty of images of his work and proposals. Heyer, probably best known in Chicago for his work at the Institute of Christ the King, hails from Columbus Ohio, with a Notre Dame degree and a practice in Sacred, Educational, and Residential architecture.

Here are two images of William Heyer's work on the classic (Old Main?) Building at the Josephenium Pontifical College in Columbus Ohio.

Here's Bill Heyer, Architect

Barat Woods Development in Foreclosure

2008-11-11T10:42:00.004-06:00

No surprise here, but the developer who simonized the Chapel at Barat College is in foreclosure proceedings for defaulting on a $16 Million Loan payment. The Chapel, of course was destroyed first before the developer went broke. Priorities!

"After closing in 2005, Barat College in Lake Forest was supposed to be transformed into a $125 million development featuring a variety of homes, preserved historic structures and a service attendant for residents.

Instead, the land on Lake Forest's posh east side is just another U.S. foreclosure statistic.

On Monday, there were no-trespassing signs and fencing around the property at Westleigh and Sheridan roads, where the private school opened in 1904. Harris Bank filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Robert G. Shaw and his Barat Woods LLC development team Oct. 16. Barat Woods is accused of not repaying a $16 million loan before the Dec. 31, 2007, termination date.

Attorney Jeffrey Close, who represents Harris, said the bank was forced to foreclose on the land because of court action two contractors are pursuing against Barat Woods in federal court."

Link on title to Daily Herald story.

Saint Michael the Archangel in Leawood, Kansas

2008-11-10T07:06:00.003-06:00

Denis McNamara has a informative piece (lifted here from the Creative Minority Report) on St. Michael's Parish in Leawood Kansas.

St. Michaels’ new church partakes of a “high” theology of ecclesiastical architecture, meaning that the building is understood as a "sacrament."

In the broad sense of the word, a sacrament is a sign which makes an otherwise unknowable spiritual reality knowable, active and present, to the senses. The Eucharist, of course, is our supreme sacrament, but a church building is a sacramental image of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the biblical term for heaven itself. So the church building is more than simply a luxurious meeting hall, but in its very art and architecture, allows worshippers to participate in the “signs and symbols of heavenly realities” as the Second Vatican Council requested in its document on the sacred liturgy called Sacrosanctum Concilium.

While the world still shows evidence of the Fall, when humanity and the rest of creation fell into disorder and chaos, the church building shows us what our heavenly future might “look like”: radiant, ordered, centered on the worship of God in Christ, restored, renewed, and populated with the harmonious interaction of angels and saints.

In theological terminology, this looking forward to the realities of heaven is called “anticipated eschatology,” the participation now in the things of the eschaton, or end times, when God has fully restored his creation through the sharing His own Divine Life. The church building is therefore oriented toward the east, the direction from which Christ will return at the end of time (Acts 1:10). As the congregation assembles, it takes an eschatological orientation; in its very arrangement, it looks to the return of Christ, signaling the completion of his mission of restoration.

In the world outside, people interact with discord and slander; in the church they speak in one voice, praising God in liturgical texts and songs. Outside, the world is filled with the smell of stench and decay; the church gives us the scent of a renewed creation in its flowers and the sweetness of rising prayer in its fragrant incense.

The dullness of concrete and asphalt gives way in the church to marble, bronze, silk and gold. The chaotic tone and secular content of movies and television are replaced in church by images of Christ, the saints, angels—with whom we all worship as a sacramental image of the Mystical Body of Christ. For this reason, the small, high windows of the new church design allow light to flood in, but prevent looking out to the fallen world. Instead, they allow the faithful to enter a sacramental image of the new heaven and earth, participating now by way of foretaste in the realities of heaven.

More Images Here

St. Thomas the Apostle

2008-10-22T20:31:00.002-05:00

Here's quite a bit on Barry Byrne's Masterpiece, St. Thomas the Apostle in Hyde Park. Prairie (sort of) Spanish Mission (sort of) Barry Byrne (definitely). Here's a shot from James Morris and a link to St. TtA website.

http://www.stahydepark.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=3

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

2008-10-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

London Foreign and Commonwealth Office

2008-09-30T11:26:00.002-05:00

London Open House 9/21/08. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Perhaps the most beautiful government building in the world.

CNW on Fr. Simon

2008-08-14T21:02:00.003-05:00

Could it be? A pleasant story about the Clergy in Chicago...well it is and Dolores Madlener has it here at the Catholic New World. Fr. Simon, from St. Lambert's in Skokie, is one of the bright lights of the Catholic Renaissance in Chicago. Formerly at St. Thomas of Canterbury in Chicago (our sharing parish from St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette).

Speaking of the New World, it has become a good newspaper over the short term of Joyce Duriga. Way to go Joyce!

The La Crosse Guadalupe Shrine and What it Means

2008-08-10T11:07:00.002-05:00

Cross Posted from Creative Minority Report, by Dennis McNamara

I've noticed a few blogs have posted some of the beautiful photos from the LaCrosse Tribune's coverage of the new Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe dedicated recently by Archbishop Burke. Most of the comments about the building are quite positive, as they should be. The faithful have an innate desire for Beauty with its completeness, order and clarity, and architecture like this comes as a long cool drink in the desert of liturgical beauty in the last few decades.

But this building is much more than a pretty haven for people who like old things. This is a direct attack on the tyranny of the Zeitgeist theory of cultural evolution, and proves that the Modernist stranglehold on architectural thinking is no longer only sick, but, in fact, dead. The Zeitgeist (the "spirit of the age") was the favorite bludgeoning stick of Modernist architects, who claimed that architecture must be "of its age" in order to be valid. And the "age," they said, was defined by industry, engineering and mass production. Houses were "machines for living in." Churches were banished. Leading Modernist architect Le Corbusier wrote that civilizations advance when they "pass through the age of the solider and the priest and achieve what is rightly called culture."

See the real issue here in Modernist architecture? It's not really about architecture. It's about a competing theory of the world where culture is understood as secular, atheistic, rationalist and mechanistic. "Old" architecture supposedly represented a time when society was sacred, Godly, spiritual, and humanistic. To do the "old" in architecture was to claim the validity of the "old" culture with all of its spiritual and philosophical presuppositions. To build anything other than the "engineer's aesthetic" was to thwart the development of secular culture, or as the Modernists argued, the development of culture itself. This is why traditional architecture makes Modernist architects livid.

Sure, there are still architects out there devolving into greater and greater chaos and anarchy with "blob" architecture (really) and the hopelessness of Deconstruction, beating the dead horse of the Zeitgeist. Modernists still run the museums, the big architectural firms, the architectural journals and many avenues of power in Catholic chanceries. But they are growing weaker and weaker. The modernist cathedrals of recent years will no doubt be looked upon by future historians as the strange last gasp of "Modern" architecture in a period which has already been "postmodern" for nearly 40 years. How ironic that even if one accepts the premises of the Zeitgeist, the age has become "postmodern" and the architects are still "modern"!

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe proves that the Zeitgeist argument is a fallacy. We built it in our time, so it is of our time. Period. The bizarre and wrong-headed theories of secular radicals have been debunked. God still reigns on his throne, angels and saints still sing his praises in heaven, the Spirit still inspires new saints, and humans still adore their Lord and receive divine life by eating his Flesh and drinking his Blood. The Truth of the Faith always outlives the truth of all human inner-worldly theories. Truth and Beauty are like a beach ball in the ocean; you can push it under water for a while, but it will always resurface beacuse it is in its nature to do so. Try as we might to deny God, Beauty, Truth and Goodness keep coming back, calling us to rediscover them afresh in our own time.

Is the Guadalupe Shrine a perfect artistic achievement? No. There are certainly small things that critics can point out to urge improvement in the future. But is the Guadalupe Shrine a momentous achievement? Yes, and yes indeed. Quite simply, it is the first large-scale church since Vatican II which articulately and fully proclaims itself to be a church rooted in the deep tradition, from the beautiful details in the custom-designed pews which are so vastly superior to the usual stock of catalogue-ordered type, to the sacristy which is understood as a chapel with beautiful finishes and design rather than a large closet as in most new churches. The altar reads as altar, table and tomb, proclaiming the theological richness of this object which sacramentally "is" Christ. The baldachino is a virtuoso piece of design and a stunning work of craftsmanship, bringing together the bishop, architect, historian, theologian, donor and the craftsman to their liturgical end. The flooring proclaims that it sacramentally represents the streets of the heavenly city. The saints in the side chapels prove to us that the Church goes on proclaiming the virtuous deeds inspired by the Holy Spirit in our own day and on our own American soil. The interior is flooded with light even as there are no eye-level windows giving views to the outside world, and for good reason. The interior of a church is not simply a human gathering hall, but a sacramental image of the world redeemed and glorified, where heaven, earth, God, saints, angels and humans coexist in harmony once again-- all while illuminated by the light of Christ.

This building is not about the Zeitgeist at work in our world, some anonymous spirit of an "age" which has no real identity. It is evidence of the Heilige Geist (Holy Spirit) at work in our world today as always, the Spirit of love which binds the Father who created us and the Son who redeemed us. This is the true Spirit of our age as it is of every age, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Uptown Sold to Jam Productions

2008-07-30T09:38:00.002-05:00

Uptown Theater Main Lobby
Originally uploaded by primeau

There may be hope yet to re-open one of the greatest public spaces in Chicago Architecture. Jam Productions.

The pricetag was only $5 Million, which would get you a good sized house in Winnetka, (or about 1/2 of any of the last 20 botched restoration projects pursued in the Archdiocese), but there is at least $10 Million in restoration to be done (in my estimate, but I am sure the owners will ask for more).

Like most of these projects, these things are never 100% perfect, but it is great to see that this grand facility may be put back into use.

Did Barat Condo Conversion Fail?

2008-07-20T10:32:00.005-05:00

I received a call from a real estate agent (a Barat Grad) Saturday concerning the continuing tragedy of Barat Chapel in Lake Forest, Illinois. Apparently the condo conversion has gone bust, perhaps proving the market for sacreligious destruction of Holy Sites is not what it used to be.

But not before the Stained Glass and much of the liturgical goods had been removed from the chapel. It seems as though the developer had put such a priority on destruction of the chapel that he was not able to prioritize his spending on actual construction and sale of residential units.

I will follow up Monday with a few calls, and post something more than my brief conversation.

Here's a pleasant video tour of Barat

Marian Devotion, High Altars, and 19th Century Kenosha Episcopalianism

2008-07-13T10:49:00.007-05:00

One of the most pleasant sites in all of the Midwest is the Kemper Hall, a convent and girls boarding school on the Kenosha, Wisconsin Lakefront. Run for over 100 years by the Sisters of St. Mary, a small order of Episcopalian nuns, the former Durkee Mansion and school complex is in remarkably good condition to this day, thanks to the dedication of many volunteers and donors, as well as the management of the local Episcopalians in keeping this site as a much used public facility.

The chapel interior is more Catholic in style than most Roman Catholic facilities, with a massive wooden high altar, Marian imagery, stations of the cross, and magnificent-if not always consistent-stained glass.

The chapel is pretty much open to the public. There is a kind staff in the adjoining Durkee Mansion more than willing to show you around the grounds, as well as leave you alone for contemplation and devotion.

This is a grand place, right on Lake Michigan, available for weddings and other sacraments, with catering in the adjoining (rather fine) halls.

Walking Around Oak Street in Evanston

2008-07-06T14:55:00.009-05:00

While waiting for an appointment in Evanston last week, I took some snapshots of the Oak Street neighborhood looking pretty good in early summer.

I'll start with Holabird and Roche's Masonic Temple, which is supposed to be undergoing some type of adaptive re-use. It is very empty, and locked tight, needing a yard mowing. It is also very beautiful and looks to have some stained glass inside.

The Emmanuel United Methodist Church is a Red Brick Prairie (sort of) Church by Burnham and Root on the south end of my tour. The Brick is in remarkably good condition for a Church built in 1891. It sort of looks like the same brick as St. Gabriel's on the South Side.

Here's the Rectory at St. Mary's Roman Catholic, an arts and crafts beauty, in need of some HVAC work and a coat of paint.

This Queen Anne is the Catholic Woman's Club of Evanston. I think it is closed, or maybe not, but it is a standout bit of Architecture.

Here is Botti Studio, the premier stained glass restoration facility in the United States, aptly managed by Chris Botti, under a Papal Warrant from the 15th Century. Chris recently finished work on the Chicago Cultural Center Tiffany Dome.

The Merrick Rose Garden is a large urban garden giving a shot of floral beauty to this pleasant neighborhood. It is larger than I expected, occupying about 4 lots.

Here is the Entrance to the Margarita Club, a Catholic Woman's residence of 1927 Vintage. It is in remarkably good condition, and is in use as a bed and breakfast, with Va Pensiero restaurant inside (a good one the last time we went). Perhaps my favorite building in Evanston.

Sun-Times Notes Locked Doors on Churches

2008-07-06T07:13:00.003-05:00

Repeating a theme from the Society of St. Barbara, the Chicago Sun Times notes that many Churches in Chicago near downtown have locked doors, and a few have open doors. The story is mostly individual reflections on open or locked churches.

The Sun-Times decided to only list Roman Catholic Churches that are locked, while I have noticed that locking churches is an ecumenical practice. Only Fourth Presbyterian has been generally open in my many years of Chicago Church Touring, though the United Methodist Temple is mainly accessible as well, through a security guard.

The included photo is of St. Michael's Church in Old Town.

Archbishop Burke to Rome

2008-06-30T20:35:00.001-05:00

His Grace, Archbishop Raymond Burke of the Archdiocese of St. Louis has been appointed to the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, and has also named His Grace to the Congregation for the Clergy. His presence on both bodies will benefit the Church due to his canonical expertise, steadfastness and pastoral care.

Archbishop Burke (pictured here with Fr. Leinhart and another Abbot from the Institute of Christ the King whose name I should remember, as well as Bishop Braxton of Belleville (I think) and another Bishop I do not recognize) is the leader of Traditional Liturgy in the Catholic Church in the United States.

He has been a driving force in the building of the Shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, as well as the convent for the Nashville Dominicans.

The Society of St. Barbara sends it congratulations to His Grace on his appointment and wishes him continued success in his calling to Rome.

It's Unanimous: 1200 More Condo's Available in Wilmette

2008-06-26T12:27:00.003-05:00

In near complete disregard to the residents, tenants, and taxpayers of Wilmette, the Wilmette Village Trustees unanimously appproved a new zoning district for the 4th and Linden neighborhood, allowing 1200 new condo units to begin construction.

Despite lack of parking, saturated roads, and the vocal disapproval of an overwhelming majority of the incumbent residents and businessmen in the neighborhood, the Wilmette Trustees decided that a dogmatic adherence to "green living" is worth the consequences of greater traffic, longer commutes and congestion.

Neighbors have begun a petition drive to stop the upzoning. Without any apparent irony, the trustees thanked the high level of participation of residents of the area, which the Trustees ignored.

Criminal Complaint Against Rafael Follieri

2008-06-26T11:24:00.004-05:00

This mornings Wall Street Journal brings unfortunate news concerning a criminal complaint against Rafael Follieri, of the Follieri Group, an investment company with a seemingly solid plan of providing cash flows vs. Church Properties.

The Follieri Group had done work in Chicago, and in my only (brief) interactions with them, presented a plausible business plan for property development and provision of funds to the Archdiocese.

Follieri, pictured here with Anne Hathaway, has led a bit more high profile lifestyle than most of the people in Church development (though that is certainly no offense...Church property is a messy business, and I hope that no crimes nor simony was committed)

Please pray via St. Barbara for Mr. Follieri and for the protection of the Church itself.

Creative Minority Report: New Photos from Thomas Aquinas College - A Catholic Blog: Religion, Politics, Current Events, Humor, and more.

2008-06-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

Creative Minority Report: New Photos from Thomas Aquinas College - A Catholic Blog: Religion, Politics, Current Events, Humor, and more.

Fr. Barron Named Chair of Theology at Mundelein, Begins Filming Historic Series

2008-06-08T14:38:00.003-05:00

Fr. Robert Barron, the Evangelical Catholic Preacher, has been named The Francis Cardinal George Chair of Faith and Culture at St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary.

Fr. Barron also has begun filming for his new documentary on Catholicism, to be filmed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Fr. Barron plans a series of 10 DVD's to be filmed at in High Definition at 10 of the most notable and sacred sites in Christianity, including Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and the Basilica of St. Peter's in Vatican City.

Even More on The Monstrance

2008-05-29T06:34:00.005-05:00

Unveiling the Icon

On May 31, 2008, the Iconic Monstrance of Our Lady of The Sign, The Ark of Mercy will be unveiled to a worldwide audience on EWTN. Directly following this historic event, the Mercy Festival will begin after the 5 pm Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: a week of 24 hr adoration in the main Church beginning on May 31st and ending on June 8th at 3pm.

The Iconic Monstrance is a true work of the Holy Spirit in union with Our Lady, and it has taken nine years to be born from prayer and faithful sacrifice as documented in the spiritual diary of Fr. Anthony Bus, A Mother's Plea. Nine years, the Blessed Mother, in union with the Trinity has prepared for the beginning of the spiritual mission of the Iconic Monstrance. What signal graces is she preparing for all those who will come to adore her Son, now that the Monstrance is here?

Will you come and adore her Son during this week long Festival of Mercy?

Our Lady is asking you to come and adore her Son, can you come and spend one hour with Jesus?

The Sanctuary of The Divine Mercy needs 300 people to fill all the available slots for the 2008 Mercy Festival.

People are coming from all over the world to be part of this historic event, to marvel at the work of the Holy Spirit.

Do not stand on the sidelines, enter the drama, and register today for an open adoration slot during the Festival of Mercy.

For more information please visit: www.aMothersPlea.org

Or click here to register for an adoration slot: http://mercyfestival2008.eventbrite.com/

Unveiling Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka

2008-05-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

Please plan to join the Sanctuary of The Divine Mercy at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Chicago for the special Unveiling & Blessing of the Ark of Mercy Iconic Monstrance on the Feast of The Visitation, May 31st. This Special Mass will be celebrated by Francis Cardinal George at 5pm CT followed by the world-wide unveiling and all night adoration. Preregister at (312)458-9152. Doors open 4pm, 1351 Nobel St., Chgo.

New York's St. Brigid's Saved By Anonymous Donation

2008-05-22T06:52:00.002-05:00

NY Church Saved by Anonymous $20 Million Donation

From Catholic Minority Report:

St. Brigid's in New York City was saved from the wrecking ball by an anonymous $20M donation, says The New York Daily News.

The historic church in the East Village, often called "The Famine Church" because it was built mainly by Irish immigrants who came to America during the potato famine, was saved from the wrecking ball today by a $20 million donation from someone being called an anonymous angel.

What a great story.

The huge - and unexpected - cash infusion will allow the nearly 160-year-old church to reopen once badly-needed repairs are finished.

"This magnificent gift will make it possible for St. Brigid's Church to be fittingly restored with its significant structural problems properly addressed," Edward Cardinal Egan said.

Egan did not reveal the identity of the donor, only that it was a "he" and that the "unexpected but very welcome gift" was given after a private meeting at the cardinal's residence.

This ends a big effort by many in the community to save the church which even went to court. About six months ago, an appellate court OK's the archdiocese's plans to destroy the Church. "We rejoice today in the miracle that has saved our church," said Ed Torres, chairman of the Committee to Save Saint Brigid's.

One neighborhood man tacked a poster to the scaffolding covering the church's yellow facade that read, "Thank You Lord for Answering our prayers."

"In this crazy world we live in, people say miracles don't exist," said another man. "I would like to prove somebody wrong."

According to the archdiocese, ten million will be spent on restoring the church. Another $8 million will go to support St. Brigid's school and $2 million will go toward an endowment for the parish "so that it might best meet the religious and spiritual needs of the people living in the community," the archdiocese said in a statement.

But here's the thing, one of the reasons the church was closing was because of falling attendance. I fear that these folks may have been more concerned with the church as a historical building then as a church.

Let's hope that this miraculous anonymous donation and the resulting restoration leads to a stronger attendance in the beautiful new pews.

Unveiling the Icon: Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy

2008-05-21T13:26:00.000-05:00

From Denis McNamara

The Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Chicago has announced a special event at 5 pm on May 31st: the televised unveiling of the iconic monstrance which will be the centerpiece of the forthcoming Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, a very unique and beautiful place for prayer currently in its final planning stages. The unveiling will be televised in English, Spanish and Polish on EWTN, with yours truly serving together with Fr. Thomas Loya to provide "color commentary" for the event.
The Sanctuary is the special project and devotion of Fr. Anthony Bus, a Resurrectionist priest and pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, who, in a mystical experience, literally heard the Virgin Mary ask him to build a sanctuary dedicated to her Son. His inspiring story is chronicled in the hugely successful book, A Mother's Plea.
The iconic monstrance is shown here in one of its early stages. How it looks now is a carefully guarded secret, though I did get a sneak preview last week with its fullness of color and gold leaf, and it is truly stunning. The monstrance is actually a large, hard-carved wooden sculpture shown here in its architectural setting, (and in true Chicago fashion it has already been described as "the largest monstrance in the world.") It combines the two adoring angels and the golden Ark drawn from the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Solomon, but then shows it in its Christian fulfillment: the Virgin Mary now appears as the new Ark, and in her "womb" will be Christ as the New Law of Love and Mercy, the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.
The Jewish roots of Christianity are here recognized and admired, but shown in Christian fulfillment. The architectural setting will be one of the most sophisticated uses of the "New Classicism" movement, with every part thought through as a presentation of theological realities recalling the Old Testament time of shadow, the New Testament time of image, and the anticipating the glory of heaven. The unveiling will be followed by a week of 24-hour adoration at St. Stanislaus Church in the actual monstrance. Click here to sign up for slots for adoration.
The Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy is more than just another pious project. It is living proof that the Holy Spirit is at work in the Second Spring of the Church. At its heart is the worship of God and the sanctification of humanity through the Divine Mercy. Its art and architecture will blaze new trails in the recovery of Beauty. It recovers Catholicism's biblical origins in the old covenant and displays heavenly glory to us. It will, no doubt, become a spiritual "umbilical cord" of God's Mercy for the world.

Thanks Mr Driehaus: Nickerson Mansion Open to Public

2008-05-16T07:36:00.002-05:00

Richard Driehaus, the Patron of Traditional Architecture has done it again. Thanks to Richard Driehaus the opulent sandstone Victorian Mansion will be open to the public on a limited basis starting in June.

After a 5 year restoration, the Mansion, located at the corner of Erie and Wabash, and adjacent to the John Murphy Auditorium is put back to its Gilded Age Splendor. Being familiar with other Driehaus projects, I project that it is actually in better condition than it was when originally built, and available for the public to enjoy.

Along with the Museum of Surgical Science and the Murphy Auditorium, the Nickerson Mansion is one of the great restorations in Chicago History, due to the dedication of Richard Driehaus and the Driehaus Foundation.

Second Spring: Chicago's Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy

2008-05-13T06:55:00.003-05:00

From Denis McNamara

CMR is happy to give its readers a preview of a remarkable shrine in Chicago, the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, now in its final planning stages. The Sanctuary grows from the vision of Fr. Anthony Bus, the pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Chicago, who tells the story of the sanctuary in his book A Mother's Plea. The project's architect, James McCrery of Washington, DC, a specialist in classical architecture, drew the sketches shown here (click the pictures for larger images).

The sanctuary is understood as a refuge in the heart of the city, with a large exterior garden surrounding a crucifix amidst a fountain of flowing water, symbolizing the grace flowing into the world through the sacraments of the Church.

The highlight of the project is the sanctuary proper, an interior chapel for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The entire complex grows from the primacy of the reserved Sacrament in the iconic monstrance, a large sculpted and gilded image of the Ark of the Covenant (the Ark containing the tablets of the Old Law) with an image of the Virgin (the new Ark) with the Blessed Sacrament located in her womb (the new Law) sitting atop it. Surrounded by pairs of columns of 12 different marbles which symbolize the Twelve Tribes of Israel being fulfilled in the 12 apostles, the chapel will be a place of absolute silence and prayer, a place to draw down God's mercy upon the world.

The architecture draws from the tradition of Roman courtyards (especially Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome) as well as Byzantine and early Christian precedents. In a very sophisticated use of imagery and the classical orders, references to the Old and New Testaments are woven throughout the complex.

The Second Spring has indeed arrived in Chicago in the evangelical mission of prayer which will occur at the Sanctuary, but also in the sophistication of its architecture, which reconnects with the great tradition in a way completely new and needed in our times. The Sanctuary team is actively looking for generous donors to help make this worthy project a reality. It is a noble cause, has trustworthy and dedicated people seeing it to completion, and a talented architect who will prove that the great tradition of sacramental architecture and theological symbolism is still alive and well.

Price Break on Heavenly City

2008-05-01T17:25:00.004-05:00

Our distributor for Heavenly City is moving his inventory to a new warehouse soon, so we were able to pick up several copies of Heavenly City for a low price.

For a limited time only, you can get Heavenly City via Amazon for $29.95. Regular price is $59.95, so this is a bargain. If you order in the next day or two, we can pick up distribution copies (14 units +) as well.

Order Here

Marian Apparition in Wilmette

2008-04-24T13:17:00.009-05:00

One of the first Architectural Preservation projects I was ever involved in was at the Loyola Mallinckrodt Campus in Wilmette (the village where I now live). I may have been more naive 6 years ago, thinking that somehow a beautiful, liturgically significant structure could somehow be supported by the Church, but reality set in on this Herman Gaul structure (pictured here), and my eyes were opened quite wide to the nature of the property development "industry" (swindle?).

The Village of Wilmette purchased the property for approximately $25 Million with the intention of "preserving" the main building. I was assured (as were various preservation agencies) that the architectural integrity of the building would be upheld. Almost immediately, the Village set out to de-Christianize the structure, removing any religious adornment, crosses, stained glass etc in the manner of rather careful French Revolutionary.

I was foolish enough to speak up as to how the architectural integrity could be upheld if the decorative elements were removed, and was promptly asked to pay a ransom of $100K to rescue the stained glass from removal. I really liked the stained glass, but not for $100K. The Village and their connected developer eventually dropped all pretense towards preservation, tore out a beautiful set of trees (which really annoyed people in Wilmette), and removed a serene statue of Mary, some graceful Latin verbage (did it say Mary Immaculata?) above the main doorway and eventually uncrossed the Cross which topped the magnificent structure, leaving it as a spire.

My children and I went for a walk earlier this week in the adjoining park, observing the desecrated grottoes and spoiled marygardens that once graced the greenspace, when I was surprised to find that a Mary statuary had indeed returned to one of the grottoes. I had to photograph the grotto this morning, as I am sure the Jabobins will be out later today to remove any possible mention of the Christian tradition in Wilmette.

As my wife pointed out, there is also beautiful statue of St. Francis in a marygarden at the (also beautiful) Presbyterian Church in Deerfield. The statue is exactly where it should be, though, it would bewilder John Knox as to why there is an Italian carved in stone in his yard. But the devout know that there is a reason for these things, and human nature encourages appreciation, regardless of the best efforts of the worst elements of society to abolish what is beautiful about the Liturgy.

St. Pauls in Shreds

2008-04-21T12:29:00.003-05:00

Andrew Cusack has show a dissection of a very beautiful church in NewYork. Great comment on old pews

George Kirjanov was a volunteer at St. Paul’s in the days after September 11. “Along with many others, I witnessed how these individuals prayed, wept, pondered and rested on the pews now slated to be taken away. It struck me as I recently passed through St. Paul’s, that these pews resonate with the redeeming power of God’s love.”

I fail to see the liturgical importance of staring at your neighbor during mass.

Papal Coat of Arms Explained

2008-04-18T17:49:00.002-05:00

Vexicology, from the Boston Globe.

Tribune on Teardowns

2008-04-16T06:48:00.002-05:00

The Chicago Tribune gnashes its teeth about teardowns in Winnetka, the slowing phenomena of removing one house to build another in areas where land values are high.

The preservationists howl a bit, a group or two concerned with coherent neighborhoods doesn't like the juxtaposition of faux tudor with faux georgian buildings. But the main issue is skipped, I think.

Houses being torn down are of lower value than the replacement house built in its place. If it isn't the developer loses money. There are some real eyesores, even in Winnetka, thrown up during the Depression to split a large lot and stave off bankruptcy. The issue becomes, when is it OK to interfere with your neighbors choice in housing. Most of the teardowns should be applauded. What comes in to replace them are generally high quality, if not exceptional architecture, close enough to it.

Any thoughts from North Shore Readers?

Harold Ickes House Available Again

2008-04-08T15:09:00.003-05:00

Probably my favorite house ever owned by a Secretary of the Interior in the Roosevelt administration, is for sale again. Harold Ickes house in Winnetka is up for grabs for just a bit over $6 Million. Dwight Perkins designed it (was he some relation to Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins..can't recall).

Here are a few shots from the real estate brochure.

Schlacks in Topeka

2008-04-07T16:03:00.002-05:00

From Denis McNamara

Chicago Architectural legend Henry Schlacks also found time to work in Topeka Kansas, designing Holy Name Church, in a style reminiscent of St. Ignatius in Chicago, and numerous Italian Churches.

Here are some shots from Holy Name from a recent trip.

Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, in Chicago, Illinois, USA - exterior 2

2008-04-05T14:01:00.001-05:00

Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, in Chicago, Illinois, USA - exterior 2
Originally uploaded by msabeln

Beautiful shot from Mark at Rome of the West

Columns, Union Station

2008-04-04T07:50:00.001-05:00

Columns, Union Station
Originally uploaded by rjseg1

Some rare sunshine in Chicago.

Update from Springfield

2008-03-18T12:21:00.004-05:00

After multiple phone conversations with people associated with the project at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Springfield Illinois, I can report the following:

1) There are pleasant (even Orthodox) people working on this project.
2) There are unpleasant people working on this project
3) Changes to the High Altar have not been finalized.
4) Changes to the Altar Rail have not been finalized.
5) The design of the new Altar has not been finalized.
6) Per the Architect, the drawings on the internet are accurate.
7) Statement 6 conflicts with statements 3 and 4. If the drawings are accurate, the High Altar is smaller, and the altar rail is now curved.
8) The Liturgical Design Consultant working on this project tends to make things look like a living room at a wealthy person's house in around 1980. Slick, secular and needing a redesign within 10 years.

My suggestion to the general public:

A) Donate generously with conditions attached that the High Altar be kept in tact, Altar Rail kept in place, and if you're in the mood, leave the pews and baptistry alone.
B) Contact the Bishop/Diocese politely to express your support for traditional architecture
C) Attend any information sessions held by the Diocese to express your support for traditional architecture.

My suggestions to the Hierarchy

A) Adhere to the Liturgy without fashion.
B) Adhere to the Liturgical intent of the original architect, Joseph McCarthy
C) Provide accurate, consistent information to the public about this project.

As always, I recommend prayer and fasting.

In Memorial of Archbishop Rahho

2008-03-13T10:16:00.001-05:00

Paulos Faraj Rahho, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of the Iraqi city of Mosul, who was kidnapped last month, has been found dead near the city. May he Rest in Peace.

Here is a profile of the Chaldeans

The Springfield Cathedral and Editorial Policy at the Society of St. Barbara

2008-03-05T11:04:00.003-06:00

Like most internet publications, the Society of St. Barbara has a mix of first hand reporting, submitted stories, and syndication from other sources. Our recent coverage of the construction plans at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has drawn on all three methods to frame story of complex renovation being performed at one of the most beautiful Churches in the United States, and indeed, one of the most representative Churches of American Architectural excellence.

As vowed to St. Barbara, we publish and will continue to publish a defense of traditional art and architecture in this Blog. That publishing will include judgment calls when evaluating news submitted by confidential sources, as has been the case in many postings here. However to suppress what most likely is reliable information that could lead to the destruction of an architectural masterpiece is to be a part of mangling that masterpiece. I won't do it.

The Liturgical Restoration business is not straightforward. Decisions are made that are later changed. Funding comes in based on an initial plan, only to be shifted when another plan comes about. Exposing these sorts of decision to scrutiny is necessary and proper reach a more close to optimal goal.

With regards to the Liturgy, the plan for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois has some major flaws as released, and even greater unreleased flaws per sources who have contacted the Society of St. Barbara. After marble is ripped out, pews are removed, floors upended, it is difficult and expensive to put things back into place. Now is the best time to ask "How do we best maintain an Roman Catholic Masterpiece in America"?

Sun-Times as Doomsayers

2008-03-02T13:18:00.004-06:00

The Frontpage of the Chicago Sun Times headlines this morning shouts "Everything has changed: Fewer Priests, Empty Pews, Shuttered Schools" in article purportedly announcing the new exhibit on Chicago Catholicism at the Chicago History Museum.

Never one to actually believe much of what I read in the Sun-Times or elsewhere, I attended St. John Cantius this morning. The Liturgy was beautiful. The pews were full, catechism classes were humming along afterwards, as were confessions and coffee hour.

I took a drive over to St. Sylvester's which has been mentioned as not drawing enough faithful. People were lined up out the door, on this unusually nice day to hear the mass. The parking lot was jammed.

Not suprisingly, everyone that the Sun-Times talked to had a pleasant nostalgia (they spoke with author John R. Powers, no less), or a sense that the sky has already fallen dooming our Archdiocese. The Sun-Times completely neglected to speak with anyone who had noticed any resurgence in the Church, which has happened and continues to happen, just like it has in the Archdiocese for the last 150 years.

Fr. Greely recalled some laymovements that had went under, and happily enough mentioned that Fr. Barron has a thriving ministry, though I think Fr. Barron would be perplexed at Fr. Greely's description of him as "point (ing) in the direction of new structures which will replace those that collapsed", as I see Fr. Barron continuing the tradition of great preachers, rather than replacing them.

So, what did the Sun Times have to say about the Chicago History Museum exhibit? Not much of anything.

Next time: A preview of the Chicago History Museum exhibition,

Latest from Springfiled

2008-03-02T08:20:00.002-06:00

This altar to be removed (the one in back, please go ahead and remove/replace the table in front). Why? Anyone out there that can explain the importance of ruining a Masterpiece? Why not slash the Mona Lisa too?

More from Springfield Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

2008-02-26T11:55:00.003-06:00

In today's Springfield Journal Register

"Extensive interior refinishing and redecorating; a new baptismal font; a sanctuary accessible for people with disabilities; and a new altar, pulpit and bishop’s chair. The tabernacle will be refurbished but will stay in its present location"

This does not sound good.

Notice in the attached drawing, the altar rail has either been removed or replaced with a rounded form. Also, "sanctuary accessible for people with disabilities" is generally a code phrase for lowering and chopping the sanctuary.

Anyone have a more definite plan from Springfield about this?

Sneak Peak from LaCrosse

2008-02-25T15:35:00.002-06:00

Architect Duncan Stroik sent some pictures today from the rapidly moving completion of the great Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin (click on thumbnails for larger images). The building is set to be dedicated on July 31st, 2008 though it should be finished a month or so before that. If anyone is still in the "it just can't be done any more" school of beautiful liturgical art and architecture, this will gently nudge them out of it. The building partakes of a recognizable language of classical architecture, with its great baldachino framing the mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the rear wall behind in much the same way that the baldachino of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome frames the great Chair of Peter. Of particular interest is the level of design and craft found in the baldachino itself, where a coffered dome forms the underside of the canopy. It has been many decades indeed since something this sophisticated has been built in the United States. In the architecture of the new springtime, this building proves that not only has the ground warmed, but the seeds are sprouting and coming to flower.

From Denis McNamara

100 Years of Architectural Beauty

2008-02-22T20:14:00.006-06:00

Atlanta, Illinois is a City (believe it or not) of 1650 residents in Logan County in Central Illinois (about 10 miles from my hometown of Wapella)

While Atlanta (much like Wapella) has been hit with 10's of tornadoes, floods, a rare economic boom, and a common economic bust, well-built buildings do survive. Right off of old Route 66, in Atlanta, stands one of the most beautiful libraries in the State of Illinois.

The library (yes, it is Octagonal) was designed by the late Bloomington architect, Paul Moratz, and dedicated on March 28, 1908. The Bloomington Pantagraph celebrates the 100th anniversary here, in a testimony to civic pride and appreciation of fine buildings and their relationship to function in the community.

This from the Lincoln Courier:

Although several of Moratz’s buildings featured rounded portions, the Atlanta Library is his only known octagon-shaped library.

Many private residences were built in an octagon shape in the mid-19th century, inspired by eccentric writer and speaker Orson Squire Fowler.

Fowler’s promotion of the buildings mirrored the era’s fascination with modern technologies, efficiency and fitness. He explained that an octagon-shaped structure offered “one-fifth more room for its wall,” plus better air circulation and more light.”

Those features may also have swayed Moratz and his clients when they chose the footprint for Atlanta’s library.

The building was erected at a cost of $9,500 ($216,605 in 2007 dollars) by Joseph Reichel of El Paso.

The upper floor houses books. Over the past century, the collection has grown to 13,200 books, periodicals and audio-visual materials.

Last year, the library recorded 4,600 visits. Forty-eight percent of all check-outs were children’s materials.

My understanding is that the interior is superb, but I cannot find a photo. And if you think you can build this for $216,605 you are kidding yourself.

Great Shot of ICKSP

2008-02-20T20:48:00.003-06:00

Here is a very good Milwaukee Blog, celebrating great Architecture and generally being positive about traditional architecture, and even a dose of photos from Chicago.

What a shot of Institute of Christ the King! South Woodlawn in Chicago never looked so good (even with the political signs) Click on the image of the Schlacks Church to enlarge.

Denis McNamara in Catholic New World

2008-02-20T06:31:00.004-06:00

For those of you who can't get enough Denis McNamara, the good Dr. lectured to 1200 at St. Stanislaus Kostka explaining the liturgical significance of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy:

There's rich meaning within church walls

What do the Kennedy Expressway and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have in common? Both are close, though in different ways, to the new Sanctuary of Divine Mercy that will be built next to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1351 W. Evergreen Ave., in the heart of Chicago. On Feb. 2, Denis McNamara gave a presentation to a crowd of more than 1,200 in St. Stanislaus Kostka about the theological significance behind the sanctuary's design, which will resemble the Old Testament temple. Once the multi-million dollar chapel is complete, perpetual eucharistic adoration will begin inside.

There is more in the print edition of the Catholic New World, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Denis McNamara in First Things

2008-02-19T12:35:00.003-06:00

Yes, that is our own Dr. Denis McNamara, popping in at First Things in Joseph Bottum's column. Bottum writes about an upcoming lecture "Living with the Dead: Why Cities Need Cemeteries and Nations Need Memorials", so who would be better than Dr. Denis to describe the relationship of buildings to Faith, Tradition, and Liturgy.

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's day than to study the memorials to our ancestors!

March 17, Georgetown University, ICC Auditorium, with Joseph Bottum, the New Criterion's Roger Kimball, chairman of the NEA Dana Gioia, and Dr. Mc.

RIP Bill Weitzel

2008-02-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

William Weitzel, building manager at 333 N. Michigan has died at age 71. Mr. Weitzel, one of the true gentlemen of the Real Estate Industry was responsible for reviving one of Chicago's great Art Deco skyscrapers at 333 N. Michigan.

I got to know Mr. Weitzel last year and early this year, as he granted me unprecedented access to photograph the private Tavern Club at 333 before its dismantling. The Tavern Club, lunch haunt to such luminaries as Frank Lloyd Wright and Carl Sandburg was one of the most beautiful Art Deco interiors in Chicago, complementing its superb view.

William Wetizel, a Fenwick and Loyola grad was the brother of Bishop J. Quinn Weitzel, and is survived by his wife Marilyn, a son, Bishop Weitzel and a sister.

Thanks Bill Weitzel for being such a gracious guide to Chicago Architecture!

A Lack of Planning Coming soon to Wilmette

2008-02-12T18:53:00.004-06:00

Last Friday a rather informal, (but official) meeting was held at Chinoiserie Cafe in Wilmette in the 4th and Linden Business district to discuss propozed zoning changes to this small district. After some good coffee and rolls, 3 of our village trustees put forth a rather unknowable plan to raise building height limits in the neighborhood and decrease parking requirements. All of the trustees in attendance attempted the Orwellian feat of explaining how increasing the allowable height, actually controlled the building size in the neighborhood. Nor was anyone actually going for the mass transit accessibility story, while several cars in front of adjoining apartments were ticketed for one reason or another.

There was something of a hush over the meeting, as very few in the neighborhood are sold on the idea that increasing congestion is a positive development. Several in attendance noted that at least 3 stories were required to make a profit on a new development. I asked if anyone had done the calculation as to how many additional units could be placed in the district under the new zoning.

As no one had done the arithmetic, I took an hour yesterday to calculate.

Total new sq ft available for apartments (condos) 2,264,220 sq ft.
Total new apartments at 1500 sq ft per unit: 1500 Units
At 80% coverage: 1200 Units

This is at 3 stories in height. No one actually thinks developers would stick to 3 stories, as some "concessions" (per the Trustees) may be exchanged with the developers in exchange for variances.

I came out asking myself, why would anyone in the neighborhood want 1200+ additional units built here. The short answer: No one in the neighborhood is asking for this. The Village Trustees have taken it upon themselves to pave the way for high density development, not keeping with the neighborhood.

As one of the Trustees said "you have to play the developer's game", to which I reply, "No you don't. It's our Village, not theirs".

How about it Wilmette? You looking for 1200 more cars parked in your neighborhood?

Photo's tomorrow.
Here are some photos I shot today at 4th and Linden. The area has a certain charm about it, small shops, pedestrian traffic, parking generally available. As you can see, it is not a architectural masterpiece, but certainly tolerable.

Spanish Mediterranean Arts and Crafts Mixed Use Commercial and Residential. Very pretty terra cotta, fits well in Wilmette. I doubt anyone is proposing to build such a structure today.

Adamseque 1 story decorative tile retail building. Would most certainly be torn down, or facadectomied in a zoning change.

Quaint, but rather outdated grocery store, most certainly a candidate for teardown (or replacement even without a zoning change). No residential on this block. The Lanon Stone facade is repeated throughout the 4th and Linden Neighborhood.

Soviet Style residence, 5 stories, does not match much of anything in neighborhood. Probably a bit too traditional for any new developer, but lack of parking and drab design are very much in fashion in similar developments in Evanston. Anyone want 40 more of these beauties?

Please Stop Before Wrecking the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

2008-02-10T09:08:00.000-06:00

Jospeh McCarthy was renowned for his American Style Catholic buildings very favored by Cardinal Mundelein such as at Mundelein Seminary. However, he did step into the derivative European Sytle in Springfield Illinois at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and he stepped decisively. This is his greatest work, in my opinion (to be copied by the The Lincoln Library by the way 70 years later).

I get asked all the time "how can we rennovate our Church". In most cases (Post WW2) , the whole thing needs torn down and rebuilt. In this Cathedral, the answer is "with a vacuum cleaner". This is as near perfect as an Illinois Cathedral gets. Vacuum, dust, sweep, but do not make any changes to the masterpiece as McCarthy designed.

So when I get one of those anonymous emails telling me

"They want to remove the old high altar entirely as well as the communion rails and add some sort of semi-circular steps to the sanctuary"

I think it is time to do one of two things.

1) Shout "STOP" at the top of the Capital Building before this interior is ruined (Seriously call Bishop Lucas and politely suggest he consider the Liturgical Intent of the original architect)

2) Start raising funds now so that 20 years from today we can put this Church back into order after it is wrecked.

It may be just the case that the Diocese of Springfield has too much money searching for a home right now. In which case, I can list 10 structurally damaged Churches in dire need of foundation work where the Springfield Diocese can park their money.

Bishop Lucas, please keep this Cathedral in tact. It is a beautiful, liturgically significant structure, sacred to Central Illinois and the Catholic Church. Please let it remain this way.

Photo Courtesy Mark Scott Alben, Rome of the West

Masonic Architecture in St. Louis

2008-02-09T07:50:00.001-06:00

Come on admit it. The Masons have made some outstanding classic structures throughout the United States (and the World). Right across from St. Louis University, stands the New Masonic Temple, a massive 80 year old structure from the days of mass Masonry.

Click on through the title, the stained glass is also quite beautiful. I have been by this building many times, and it is generally not open, but it does look like tours have been held there.

Arts and Crafts Perfection in Wilmette

2008-01-30T09:22:00.003-06:00

I spotted this picture on a local news blog of a local architectural gem, described as

"Italian Renaissance Style, hip roof with dentils and ornamental frieze at overhangs, classical stone pilaster at entry, stone quoins at corner, columns and arched stone false loggia at east wing" all the things that make this type of construction so solidly American and beautifully placed in Wilmette, in one of the great neighborhoods for architecture in Cook County.

Be advised, however, if you were considering purchasing this beauty, the owner is indicted felon Tony Rezko. It should have been a red flag when an IIT grad lives in such a classically beautiful house, but that is for the courts to decide.

Our Folly of Bad Counsel

2008-01-13T08:09:00.000-06:00

The Tribune tries hard not to criticize the conversion of Our Lady of Good Counsel into Condo's. Not me: This looks awful, and so does most every other church/condo conversion.

Violates my primary rule, Churches are Churches; Condo's are Condo's.

I have seen some in London that were reasonable done, but not many. As London's Open Churches Trust has described, the ones that make money look terrible, the ones that lose money look tolerable.

More from Christ the King

2008-01-01T20:16:00.000-06:00

To repeat, the Christ the King Coronation on Saturday was awesome, in every sense of the word. Here are a couple of shots lifted from The Institute website.

Take a look at the full set, if you have a chance

St. Xavier's School 29th and Wabash

2007-12-31T13:47:00.000-06:00

Here is St. Xavier Academy from 1872, a Gem on the near south side run by the Sisters of Mercy since 1846. This photo from 1946, probably a bit past the heyday for the school, which thrived in the early 1900's.

St. Xavier Academy became St. Xavier University on the Southwest Side. Hales Franciscan sits on the current campus (check that!), in a modern simple building.

Coronation! Statue of Christ the King Placed on South Side Altar

2007-12-30T14:53:00.001-06:00

Institute of christ the king
Originally uploaded by jbpo

In one of the more sublime ceremonies I have ever attended, The Institute of Chirst the King grandly and beautifully celebrated the installation of The Infant Jesus of Prague in its high altar in the main chapel at The Institute of Christ the King. His Eminence, Cardinal Francis George presided at the installation.

Quoting Msgr Schmitz, "God's Providence" brought around 650 pilgrims to the South Side of Chicago on a blustery winter day to fill the main chapel (as well as the choir loft, aisles, entryway) . A High Mass with Chorale Music enlightened the Chapel with 90 minutes of most pleasant sound, and solemn grace.

As my 4 year old daughter asked when the gloriously robed priests, Monseignors, and Cardinal walked up the aisle, "Is this the part where the King comes in?" The simple answer is resounding: Yes.

Update: More photos and support opportunities here. This is a great place, please give generously.

Holy Family at 150

2007-12-28T08:46:00.000-06:00

Both the Tribune and the SunTimes have surprisingly pleasant articles about Holy Family Church in today's papers. The O'Leary/Cow story is rehashed to please the tourists, but the point is still on the Church.

Great friend of the Society of St. Barbara, the incomparable Fr. George Lane is quoted at length on the parish history and the mission of the Jesuits in Chicago. That's Fr. Lane in the attic at Holy Family, identifying some glass donated by the Comiskey family.

There are more photos at the Tribune, they are very good.

"Cardinal Francis George will say mass in honor of Holy Family Catholic Church's 150th anniversary at 9:45 a.m. Sunday in the church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.

An open house will follow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at which a restored historic processional banner dating to 1861 will be displayed, along with a collection of hand-carved gilded wooden angel statues dating to the 1870s and a collection of chalices, gold monstrances, candlesticks and church vestments brought from Paris in 1863."

The SunTimes article here

The Tribune Article here

The Coronation of Christ the King

2007-12-27T11:08:00.001-06:00

A most beautiful invitation arrived with our Christmas Cards from the Institute of Christ the King at 6401 S. Woodlawn in Chicago. His Eminence, Cardinal Francis George will preside at the Solemn Coronoation of the Statue of Christ the King at the former St. Gelasius (and former St. Clara) Church in Chicago's Hyde Park/Woodlawn Neighborhood.

The Main Chapel at the Institute of Christ the King will be open for this historic ceremony, and mass will be celebrated in this Chapel for the first time in many years.

All are welcome at 1:30 PM this Saturday December 29, 2007.

The Diocese of Des Moines in Full Color

2007-12-26T09:11:00.000-06:00

In the name of St. Nicholas, my very thoughtful in-laws bought me a pictorial history of the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, one of my favorite trips this year (along with La Crosse Wisconsin, Dubuque Iowa and Davenport Iowa).

The Des Moines Diocese stretches from Central Iowa to Southwest Iowa. Some highlights

St. Joseph Earling, Iowa, High Gothic 1882 Church with 150ft Bell Tower. German-American Style at its best, generally in tact.

St. Joseph Winterset, Iowa (John Waynes hometown). Early (1911) Spanish/Mediterranean Arts and Crafts style exterior, unfortunately interior looks whitewashed.

St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Iowa, Literal Prairie Style from 1868. Site of John Paul II papal visit in 1979. Serenely simple design.

St. John's at Newman Hall Champaign

2007-12-12T09:47:00.000-06:00

All websites should be this beautiful and detailed. The stained glass at St. John's Chapel at Newman Hall is profiled in detail on

St. John's Stained Glass

There is something powerful going on at Newman. Take a look around the website. Having survived the 1980's at Newman Hall with only a few scratches, I attest to highly spirited (in every sense of the word) experience living with 400 other wound-up Catholics under one roof.

CMR on No Wonder Liturgy is Often Ugly

2007-12-03T12:45:00.000-06:00

No Wonder Liturgy is Often Ugly

Driehaus Has Done it Again

2007-11-30T10:43:00.000-06:00

Richard Driehaus, The Patron of Traditional Architecture has made another superb prize award for the 2008 Driehaus Prize. This time Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, the husband-and-wife team who lead the Miami firm Duany Plater-Zyberk (DPZ), have been named the recipients of the sixth annual Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture. They will receive $200,000 and a model of the Choregic Monument of Lysikrates during ceremonies March 29 in Chicago.

Yes, you read that right, $200,000. Mr Driehaus has doubled the winnings from $100K to $200K. Mr. Driehaus, may your generousity be rewarded with a continuation of the Architectural Tradition of the Classics.

Three Cheers for DPZ and Richard Driehaus!

Also, Roger G. Kennedy, the National Park Service director under President Clinton for four years, will receive the $50,000 Henry Hope Reed Award.

Not shabby at all!

Is Helmut Jahn the Worst Major Architect Practicing Today?

2007-11-20T19:00:00.001-06:00

I am excluding Frank Gehry, who is more of an unbearable artist, but for unbuildable, unworkable architecture, Helmut Jahn is the bottom of the charts. A trip to the Thompson Center recently clinched it for me. The miserable predicament of the people working there is complimented by the miserable architecture...massive unknowable spaces, strange angles insulting the eye, and a genuine inhumanity built to annoy visitors and workers alike.

I don't think it is any secret that Jahn's works are notoriously hard to build, with the purpose of the building disguised behind a unpleasant architectural facade. You might argue that the State of Illinois is an unpleasant architectural facade, so the Thompson center is perfectly unpleasant. On the other hand, couldn't we use a bit more pleasant State, rather than continuing with the prison motif in our downtown buildings?

Well, if you thought you had enough Jahn in Chicago (and who hasn't?) the newly rich Salvation Army announced an astounding $220 Million Community Center planned for the Pullman neighborhood, to be designed by none other than...Helmut Jahn. Read more about it here at the Chicago Daily Observer

The Salvation of Helmut Jahn

Any thoughts out there on stopping this massive waste of resources for heretofore decent organization? Can we keep Jahnism out of Ecclesiology?

Sacred Heart Re-Dedicates Chapel

2007-11-19T06:29:00.000-06:00

The Society of the Sacred Heart, founded Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, has re-opened the Chapel at Sacred Heart School on Sheridan Road in Chicago.

The Tribune has a reasonable article here

The Sacred Heart Academy, founded in 1876 (on Dearborn) then moving at State and Chicago Avenue adjacent to Holy Name, also houses Hardy Prep, a boys school.

Congratulations to Sr. Maxwell on restoring the liturgical brilliance to the Sacred Heart Academy.

Small Altar Glory

2007-11-12T15:34:00.000-06:00

This is a small glorious altar from the Sacristy in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. I was privileged to tour the Cathedral last week.

Mineral Springs Hotel Colfax Iowa

2007-11-06T11:07:00.001-06:00

Catholic Mass at First Congregational Church Evanston

2007-11-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

Tallmadge and Watson's First Congregational Church of Evanston was site of a beautiful performance of Franz Schubert's Mass in G, featuring a Chancel Choir, Soloists, and a String Quartet.

All around it was very well done, though I note that Tallmadge and Watson are not exactly the Prairie Style Architects they are made out to be, rather they are great American Arts and Crafts Architects in the manner of Daniel Burnham and Joe McCarthy.

Still trying to explain how a religion that denies it has a creed can so beautifully celebrate Schubert's "Credo in G", but I will leave that for another day.

Denis McNamara at Loyola University

2007-10-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

Loyola University with Mundelein College, The Sullivan Center, and Madonna de La Strada is a great setting for Dr. Denis McNamara to speak about "Faithful Architecture: Catholic Thought, Catholic Buildings". The Chapel at Loyola University has enough mixed up architecture to both love and question parts of the building, yet admire the energy and imagination that went into making this modern marvel.

Come on over to the (Soviet Looking) Sullivan Center tonight at 7PM tonight to hear Denis illuminate the Built Liturgy via his enlightened lecture.

Here is a shot of the great Art-Deco Mundelein College next door to the Sullivan Center.

The Lions of Babylon

2007-10-26T09:53:00.001-05:00

The Lions of Babylon
Originally uploaded by Imagem.Mundo

Michigan Avenue 4

2007-10-23T10:24:00.001-05:00

Michigan Avenue 4
Originally uploaded by John MacGillivray

435 N Michigan Ave # 1200
Chicago, IL 60611

Joseph Molitor's Passionist Monsatery to Close

2007-10-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Holy Cross Province of the Passionists, at 5700 N. Harlem Avenue in Chicago have put their Monastery up for sale. The Monastery, built in 1904, was designed by legendary Chicago Architect Joseph Molitor, who also made the gems SS Cyril and Methodius, and Holy Cross (a featured Church in "Heavenly City").

Here is a news article on the proposed sale

The Monastery resembles others from that time period, such as Barat College, and Loyola Mallinckrodt, however, the chapel was de-beautified in some post 1968 madness, weakening the historic significance of the structure.

I propose this: If it is sold and torn down, please let the Passionists (as opposed to the Nuns at Barat and Loyola Mallinckrodt) get paid for their property. If it can be preserved, how about using the Monastery as a public space?

Tune in to some Classic Rock

2007-10-01T10:13:00.001-05:00

One of the great traditions of Catholicism is the Liturgy of Brick and Stone, The Built Liturgy or Classic Rock (pardon the bad joke). There is no greater Traditional "Rocker" than our own Denis McNamara from the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary's of the Lake in Mundelein Illinois, who has been tapped to speak on Catholic Architecture on Relevant Radio today at 4pm on the Drew Mariani Show.

That is 820 AM in Chicago, 100.1 FM in Milwaukee, and 930 AM in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, as well as available on the internet and many other local affiliates.

Denis is always enlightening, essentially entertaining, and even sticks to the point when he is speaking on the air. Tune in and learn more about the built version of the Liturgy.

The Flying Benedictine

2007-09-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

Towering over the near south side, St James is a magnificent limestone 1870's era Church, with all the incumbent structural issues of a lumber framed, stone veneered building. Today, Fr. Ed Lytton, OSB, led an inspection of the exterior stone, and architectural adornment, shown here outfitted in safety harness.

The Society of St. Barbara would like to begin a project at St. James to get this in shape. Drop me a line, the Church and the church both need you:

ssbarbara@wapella.com

By the way, that is not an optical illusion. The crane/man-lift really is up to the top of the steeple at St. James, with Fr. Ed and an Engineer on board.