The big church: a teaser

[vaneramos]

Marian, Brenna and I went up to look around the Big Church on the Hill today. Unfortunately a small, informal rite was happening inside, so we didn't explore the sanctuary. I'll go back another time to take pictures of the interior. For now here are a couple outdoor shots of the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Immaculte. First, the front approach overlooking MacDonell Street.



It is without rival Guelph's most notable landmark, built of local limestone in the Gothic Revival style, the masterpiece of Irish-Canadian architect Joseph Connolly. Construction was begun in 1877 and it was dedicated in 1888. The twin towers, 200 feet tall, were not completed until 1926.



Okay, I did sneak one picture of the interior.

Comments

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

what intricate architecture! all the peaks and arches! i really would love to have a couple of hours to walk around and in that church. thanks for the photos.

[wonderboynj.livejournal.com]

I never realized it was so beautiful, I've only seen it in the dark ;)

[kwangjse.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful building! I would love to spend a few hours there myself.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It would be well worth your time. These photos don't do justice to all the details, and the interior, which was recently renovated, is glorious. I would love to explore it with someone who understands church architecture.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Guess you were studying a different kind of structure.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It would be worth the time. It has nice views of the city, too.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, humungous. Oddly enough, I lived in Guelph for a few years before I noticed that ornate backside. Of course those were my fundie evangelical days, when such beauty was considered vanity. And perhaps it is, but I've given up being so self-righteous, particularly with respect to vanity.