It is impossible to get a good picture of Immaculate Heart of Mary without a forest of cables in front of it. But part of the magnificence of the building is the way it rises up from an impossibly cramped and sloping lot in a crowded hillside neighborhood; it is more impressive because it can never be seen all at once.
The madly ambitious Polish railroad workers who built this church with their own hands chose a design that intentionally resembles St. Peter’s in Rome. The rest of the neighborhood is still modest and picturesquely shabby, but Immaculate Heart of Mary is a building that could easily pass for a cathedral.
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[…] Immaculate Heart of Mary, Polish Hill. Built by Polish railroad workers in their meager leisure hours, it dominates its […]
Pope John Paul II slept here.
[…] honored guests of the family. At midnight, Yimmy joined us and we all went to a Polish church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, with respect for […]
[…] Immaculate Heart of Mary, Polish Hill. Built by Polish railroad workers in their meager leisure hours, it dominates its […]
One of the most beautiful christmas Midnight Masses that I’ve ever experienced.Church was just beautiful. I recommend it as a Christmas must for all to enjoy in wonder.
Immaculate Heart of Mary was designed by architect William Ginther, and there’s a recent book about him, full of photos / illustrations of his work (mostly in Pennsylvania and Ohio).
http://www.kentstateuniversitypress.com/2011/dedication/