Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (Pittsburgh) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Immaculate Heart of Mary Church |
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Kościół Matki Boskiej
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The church in 2022
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| General information | |
| Type | Parish church |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival, Polish Cathedral style |
| Address | 3058 Brereton Street |
| Town or city | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 40°27′23″N 79°58′4″W / 40.45639°N 79.96778°W |
| Construction started | July 31, 1904 |
| Inaugurated | December 3, 1905 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William P. Ginther |
| Designated: | 1970 |
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Pittsburgh is a beautiful and historic church. In Polish, its name is Kościół Matki Boskiej. It's part of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. You can find it on Polish Hill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This church is a great example of the 'Polish Cathedral' style. This means it's very grand and fancy. The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation recognized it as a special historic landmark in 1970.
Even today, Immaculate Heart of Mary is an active parish church. It serves the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In 2019, it became a special "personal parish." This means it serves a specific group of people, not just those living nearby. It is now part of the Shrines of Pittsburgh. This group includes six churches with unique stories. The diocese hopes people will visit them for special trips and tours.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Polish Community
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church started in 1897. It was created for Polish immigrants. These immigrants began settling on Herron Hill in Pittsburgh around 1885. So many Polish families moved there that the area was renamed Polish Hill.
At first, the people living on Polish Hill went to St. Stanislaus parish. This church was in the Strip District. But by 1895, Polish Hill had grown a lot. The people wanted their own church closer to home.
Building the First Church
A group of citizens asked the bishop for permission to build a new parish. Their request was approved. In October 1896, they laid the first stone for a new building. This building would hold a church, a school, and a convent. A convent is where nuns live.
The building was finished and opened in August 1897. The top floor was used as the church. The floors below had classrooms for students. They also had living spaces for the teaching nuns.
Building a Grand New Church
In 1899, the parish bought land for an even bigger church. They hired William P. Ginther to design it. He was an architect from Akron, Ohio. He was known for designing many church buildings.
The first stone for this new, larger church was laid on July 31, 1904. The church was finished and opened on December 3, 1905. A special guest, Diomede Falconio, came to dedicate it. He was a representative from the Pope in the United States.
Polish Cathedral Style
This church is an example of the 'Polish Cathedral style'. Many Polish churches in the U.S. were built this way. They were often modeled after famous churches in Europe. For example, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was designed to look like St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Other churches like St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago and St. Josaphat's Basilica in Milwaukee also used this style. This church still serves the Polish Hill community today.
Divine Mercy Novena
This parish was the first in the United States to hold the Divine Mercy Novena. A novena is a special prayer said over nine days. They still have this novena every year. They also have a very big celebration for Divine Mercy Sunday. This special Sunday is right after Easter Sunday.
Church Architecture
Design and Style
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is a great example of Renaissance Revival architecture. This style brings back ideas from the Renaissance period. It also shows influences from Baroque design. This mix is part of the 'Polish Cathedral style'.
One expert, Walter C. Kidney, said this church was the "most Baroque" in Pittsburgh. Baroque architecture is known for being very grand and decorative.
Size and Features
The church was designed to look like St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It is about 200 feet (61 m) long and 110 feet (34 m) wide. It is built so its longest side runs parallel to the street.
The church has a large central dome. This dome is 50 feet (15 m) across inside. Its inner height reaches 98 feet (30 m). On the outside, the dome is 138 feet (42 m) tall to its highest railing. A 12-foot (3.7 m) cross sits on top of the dome.
The church is made of brick in two different colors: gray and brown. It also has trim made from Indiana limestone. The front of the church has classic columns called Composite pilasters. It also has a central triangular section called a pediment. There are two domed towers, each about 116-foot (35 m) tall. Inside, the ceiling is vaulted and reaches 43-foot (13 m) high. The church can seat up to 1,800 people.
Gallery
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Polish Hill
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View looking west on Brereton Street.
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View looking west on Dobson Street.
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View from front of structure.
