Basilica of St Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church - Loretto, PA
N 40° 30.154 W 078° 37.834
17T E 700772 N 4486236
This Parish was founded in 1799 by Father Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin.
Waymark Code: WM145NG
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 04/22/2021
Views: 7
ST. MICHAEL…: The name Father Gallitzin gave his parish church in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, and in remembrance of Michael McGuire, the first settler here in 1788.
THE 4 CHURCHES…: 1799 – the 1st church, built of white pine logs. 1817 – the 2nd church, of frame construction. The 1st and 2nd churches sat in the same location – at the western terminus of the graveyard, as seen by the stone foundation outline remaining from the frame church. 1854 – the 3rd church was built of brick. 1901 – the 4th church, of stone, shared the present location with the 3rd church.
CONSTRUCTION…: begun on January 10, 1900 and occupancy was granted October, 1901.
CONSECRATION…: of the church took place on October 2, 1901. There are twelve crosses to mark the 12 places where the walls were anointed with holy chrism. The crosses are a memorial and testimony to its consecration. There were also 12 candle sconces placed below each consecrated cross.
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES M. SCHWAB…: assumed the entire cost of this church – $150,000.00. It was a gift to the peoples of St. Michael parish and the town of Loretto where Mr. Schwab spent the majority of his youth. He was at this time President of the United States Steel Corporation.
THE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE…: of the basilica is Romanesque (rounded arches) with Gothic features (pointed arches) and is built in the shape of a Latin Cross or Cruciform.
THE FOUNDATION…: stone was locally quarried and is approximately 2 feet X 6 inches thick.
THE OUTSIDE WALLS…: are made of Ohio cut Sandstone built around a brick casing – totaling a width of approximately 2 feet.
THE ROOF…: is curved Akron red tile.
THE TOWER…: is 32 feet square surmounted by an arcaded belfry and topped with a bronze cross.
THE BELLS…: numbering 3, were donated to the church in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schwab, Mr. and Mrs. John Schwab, and Father Ferdinand Kittell, the pastor at the time the church was built.
THE FOUR ALTARS…: are made of Italian Cararra Marble of Gothic design and were imported from Italy. The statue of Mary is a gift from Mrs. Charles Schwab and the statue of St. Joseph is a gift from Mrs. Pauline Schwab. The candelabra are of solid brass in a gothic design.
THE ART GLASS WINDOWS… depict the scenes of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Holy Family, and the Lord appearing to St. Margaret Mary. St Michael is located in the Winter Chapel.
THE COMMUNION RAILING…: is polished Mexican Onyx, supported by brass pilasters, capitals and panels of Gothic design. It was 70 feet in length.
THE ORGAN in the Choir Loft…: was a gift from Andrew Carnegie at a cost of $8,000.00. It was the only part of the church not paid for by Schwab.
THE WAINSCOATING…: is quartered red oak with a rounded arch design.
THE PEWS…: are quartered red oak. There were originally 146 of them with a seating capacity of 1,100.00 people.
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS…: are 4 figured in full relief. All were imported from Italy.
THE 3 PAINTINGS…: over the Main Altar are the works of an artist from Chicago and depict – the Ascension, the Flight into Egypt, and the Nativity.
THE SACRISTIES…: are inter-connected by protected walkways and lead through a cloister to the Pastoral Residence.
RENOVATIONS…: were undertaken twice; first in 1959 and again in 1993-94.
**Prepared by Frank Seymour of the Prince Gallitzin Historical Association (from listed website)
Type of Church: Basilica
Status of Building: Actively in use for worship
Date of organization: 01/01/1799
Date of building construction: 01/10/1900
Dominant Architectural Style: Romanesque (rounded arches) with Gothic features (pointed arches)
Associated Shrines, Art, etc.: The tomb of Father Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, Outdoor Stations of the Cross, Outdoor altar, Shrine to the Sisters of Mercy, Shrine of St Joseph
Diocese: Altoona-Johnstown
Address/Location:
321 St Mary Street
Loretto, PA United States of America
15940
Relvant Web Site: [Web Link]
Archdiocese: Not listed
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