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The construction of the current church was quite an event for not only the parish but for the surrounding community. As a result, tours were conducted. Below are the 4 pages of the script used for the tour guides.
Mr. Tony Roffino was instrumental in all phases of the new church including donating the altar. For his generousity of time, talent and money, this parish is deeply indebted. Mr. Roffino went on to become one of the first deacons from this parish. Below is a page recording the key construction players.
There are many interesting features of the church. Mr. John Barthel is the principal designer. The elegance and simplicity of some of these plans are so deceptive that the real meanings are sometimes stealth. For example, the wood carving of Mary pictured below. The pose is very significant. With her left hand, Mary points to the baptismal font and with her right the risen Christ. The symbolism is from baptism to her son. Very nice.
The three rings of the large stained glass windows at each end represent the Trinity. Some design features are just interesting. The height of the church is determined by the supporting laminated beams. The height of those beams is determined by the maximum length that could be transported on a railroad car at the time. Many people have noted that the outward appearance of the church is an upside down ark. Surely this must have been a design feature. Actually, the reason the church has that shape was the desire to have a day Mass chapel that would also serve for Sunday services. As a result, the side altar roof needed to be lower so that a 'chapel' was created. Viola, the design took shape from there. The beams were the largest manufactured up to that time. Check out the construction photo gallery.
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