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Assumption Church Picture Archive

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1930 - A look back... WAY back

We recently came into the possession of three picture postcards of Assumption, dated 1930. The postcards came from Philip Sbarbaro, a descendant of one of the early Assumption families. These are the oldest known photos of the interior of the church. Prior to this, no interior pictures of Assumption existed until after the 1939 renovation. During that renovation, the ceiling was completely re-done and the Ave Maria was installed around the cornice by artist Louis Grell. The original ceiling artwork was by Luigi Gregori, better known for decorating Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame, IN.

The Original Altar 1930	Click image for larger version
Items of note: The sanctuary gates are adorned with lovely inscriptions of "S" and "M" for the Servants of Mary. The original altar had four reliquaries, or busts, of four of the Servite Saints: St. Philip Benizi, St. Bonfilius, St. Juliana, and St. Peregrine. You can see a little of them here behind the candles and flowers. There are also two angels flanking the altar holding candelabras. Aside from all the detail on the beautiful altar, the wall behind the altar is different along the sides. Our 5 "medallions" were not added until 1952. Download an optional HD image (over 10 Mb)

The Sanctuary	Click image for larger version
This photo shows more of the sanctuary from a bit further back and from the side. Note the high pulpit by the east wall. Next to that pulpit you can see one of our original stained glass windows. You might notice something is missing on that wall as well!! - - - and that would be the 7 Holy Founders window. In this photo, it is just a decorative niche. Assumption had many different statues in 1930 as well, including a rather dynamic representation of St. Philip Benizi behind the side altar where our current baptismal font now stands. Download option HD image (over 10 Mb)

The Organ Loft	Click image for larger version
The original organ and pipes. Items to note: Apostles along the ceiling, different doors to church, and the two confessionals (one on each side). Perhaps these students (from Assumption School??) were being trained to be good Catholics by sitting in the back of the Church! Download optional HD image (Over 9 Mb)