645 Davis Ave NW
Grand Rapids, Kent Co, MI
postcard
My friend Lillian mentioned how she wondered what this beautiful building was that she could see from the freeway. I knew exactly what building she meant and where it was so I took her there. I had been by it many times but never could have made it up those stairs so we searched for the handicap entrance. I was so surprised not only to find one but that the balcony and basement were accessible too. So we explored, respectfully. So began my quest of checking out every Catholic Church in the central city.
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This basilica was recently restored although work continues. . For more beautiful photographs of this Basilica visit Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. - Michigan - The Basilica of St. Adalbert
St. Adalbert's is based on the Church of the Assumption, a large imposing Romanesque church in Poland. Father Skory, the rector of St. Adalbert's, was born in 1864 in the the province of Poznan, as were so many of St. Adalbert's parishioners, in the old town of Trzemesno, just outside of Gniezno, the old Polish capital. He was baptized in the Church of the Assumption. It was this church that inspired the design of the future Basilica of St. Adalbert's.
The plans were drawn up by the architect Henry J. Harks and the work contracted to the Andrews Brothers all of Cleveland, Ohio. The local architect overseeing the job was Chris Vierheilig which would take six years. Its central dome is 150 feet above the ground and its bell tower 134 feet high. Jung
Father Skory was quoted, "Ah, it is grand to think of what the people have done! All our people are of humble position in life. -- In my six years they have given the money with which to build and complete the church and it has meant sacrifice. We are all grateful to God."Jung
Pope John Paul II named it a minor basilica in 1980.
An architectural description:
Skendzel
Narthax -a vestibule leading to the nave of a church. WNCD
Nave - the main part of the interior of a church especially the
long narrow central hall in a cruciform church that rises higher
than the aisles flanking it to form a clerestory WNCD
Transept -
and the apse. WNCD
WNCD
A basilica is both an architectural and non-architectural term. St. Adalbert's was designated a non-architectural Basilica although it is in the cruciform shape with a balachino or canopy over the altar. For a church that is more truly an architectural basilica see Sacred Heart.
For a detailed description of the difference consult Skendzel:
Skendzel
St. Adalbert or Wojciecha in Polish is the patron Saint of Poland. The early
Polish settlers in Grand Rapids came from the German controlled portion of
Poland, so they settled in the German parish of
Philip Jung wrote an excellent history of this church. The First 100 Years, Basilica of St. Adalbert 1881-1981. Copies of this book are available at the parish office as well as beautiful color postcards of the Basilica.
Near St Adalbert's Apartments that used to be stores.
Feel free to stop by the parish office and donate to preserve this beautiful edifice. You may be able to reverently visit the Basilica and share the joy of the Polish people of Grand Rapids.
From Article Catholic
From Heading Architecture
From Website MyGrandRapids.info
I have tried to impact every source with corrections or comments so everything on this site is copyrighted. The information may be used for your project but the source must be cited.
Contact Information
- Postal address
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