Renovations to St. Andrews
Diocese
Diocese
1875 before the fire 1950 after the fire
Comparing these pictures you can see the difference between the before fire church and the after fire cathedral.
1962 showing new Ambrosia chapel 2000 showing new handicap entrance
St. Andrews was built as a church very similar in style to St. James. The approximate size and style is indicated in blue on this modern brochure. The annex was added fairly recently.
Diocese
1875 1901
Diocese
1922 1950
Diocese
1985 2011
1922
When the roof burned in 1901 St. Andrews was a Cathedral so it was enlarged and fancified. The Bishop's House was to the left of the church so he had to have an entrance and sacristy (dressing room). The church was redone in the Gothic style. A new drop ceiling and ceiling-only supporting wood columns were installed to cover the burned rafters which still remain and hold up the roof.
1937 - redecorated
1941 - City Assessor's diagram
1961 - renovated
On 13 Jan 1961 Maple Street was vacated for the building of the St. Ambrose Chapel.
1980 - renovated
After Vatican II, the communion rail was removed the altar was moved closer to the people. A new platform was installed to bring the priest closer to the people.
It was later whitewashed and simplified. The number of confessionals was reduced and only one remained in the St. Ambrose Chapel but in the newer style.
26 Jul 1990 the American with Disabilities Act was passed by Congress requiring any new construction or re-construction to be handicap accessible
1999 - 2000 - a major restoration that undid some of the Vatican II overkill of plainness. The baptismal pool, in the shape of the ceiling, was installed, the bas-relief Stations of the Cross, new inter-connected organs in the choir loft and chancel, the ceiling was decorated in shades of blue with gold-leaf trim, new statue in the reredos (screen or partition wall behind the altar) chancel (altar and seats for the clergy and choir from the French word for lattice). Perhaps the platform was redesigned in the style of the ceiling was done a this time.
the handicap annex was added and the basement entrance on Division Avenue was removed.
2002 - two new inter-connected organs were added. One in the balcony and one on the main floor.
Today 2010 new confessionals are being installed as I write this. Somewhere near the rear entrance on the left.
From Article Catholic
From Heading Architecture
From Website MyGrandRapids.info
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