Founded in 1858 and originally known as the Parish of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this present parish church dates from 1953 and has an unusual transitional form between the traditional and modern styles.
The long, rectangular nave with flat roof is distinctive of ancient classical basilicas; the side-aisles and transept are distinctively Christian elements, symbolizing the Trinity and Cross. This church is in the form of a Tau cross, with the sanctuary located largely within and not beyond the transept.
Above the altar is this triptych, showing Cleopos and the other disciple, who met Our Lord on the road to Emmaus on the day of His resurrection, although they did not know Him. Eventually, they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13-35).
The tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and venerated. Above the tabernacle is a tent-like canopy: the Latin word tabernaculum means ‘little hut’ or ‘tent’. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was the tent where the Israelites kept the Ark of the Covenant.
On the front of the altar is a depiction of a the symbols of a fountain with birds. A fountain is a symbol of the source of grace, while birds are symbols of our souls, who owe their sustenance on the living waters.
The tabernacle itself has the symbol of the loaves and fishes from Matthew 14:13-21, a prefigurement of the Blessed Sacrament.
11th Station of the Cross: Consider Jesus, thrown down upon the cross, He stretched out His arms and offered to His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. They nailed His hands and feet, and then, raising the cross, left Him to die in anguish.
Carved bas-relief icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Stained glass window shows a fleur-de-lis, symbol of Mary, the Trinity, the Kingdom of France, and others.
Ave Maria Regina Coelis. Hail Mary Queen of Heaven.
Confessional is in the former baptistery. Gate depicts a shell with three streams of water flowing from it.
In the narthex is this large carved crucifixion scene, with the Virgin and Saint John flanking Christ Crucified.
These photos were taken on the eve of the First Sunday of Advent.
Above the door to the nave is this mosaic of Mary presenting Jesus at the Temple.
Click here for photos of other churches in Clinton County.
Address:
218 West Kentucky Street
Trenton, Illinois 62293
not a single lit candle at Our Mother of Perpetual Help? This photo struck me as a co-worker and I were just discussing how years ago the votive candles always flicked at the side of church and now you rarely see someone slip along the side aisle to light and candle and pause in prayer.
ReplyDeleteActually, a number of these candles were lit.
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell because the candle holders are made of metal and not glass.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this *could* be an Edward Schulte (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Schulte) church. The elongated rood crucifix is a very characteristic feature of his churches. I'm sure the crucifix in your photo was originally over the altar. Schulte was a master at blending traditional and contemporary architectural styles, and it seems possible this could be one of his works.
ReplyDeleteChase, that is interesting - I'd like to find out more about Schulte!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, you won't find much on him. Virtually nothing has been written about the man - even online! Some of his more high profile works include the Cathedrals in LaCrosse, WI, Salina, KS, and Lexington, KY, as well as the renovation of the Cincinnati Cathedral. I'm not sure if he has any churches in or near St. Louis.
ReplyDeleteI was able to find this bit of information one one particular church online: http://campanileinthecornfield.blogspot.com/2008/01/edward-j-schulte.html
Chase,
ReplyDeleteI think he deserves more investigation.... I found out that one of my correspondents knows something of him... so I'll dig deeper.