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CHURCHES.
01
is intended to raise steeples. The interior of the church is especially rich and elaborate, having three magnificent altars, carved by Air. Boucher, of Chicago, and costing $8,000. The pulpit and altar rails are also of wood richly carved, and of most exquisite workmanship. There is, behind the main altar, a very chaste picture, executed in Rome, representing the patron saint of the church, in life size, which judges pronounce a gem of ait.
The ceiling and wall are frescoed and gilded in the most elaborate and artistic manner by Canova, a nephew of the celebrated sculptor. The frescoes on the ceiling represent the Holy Family, the Twelve Apostles, the Evangelist, the Mysteries of Religion, the Ascension of our Lord, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, and the Coronation of St. Alphonsus in Heaven, all admired as rare masterpieces. A deep toned, beautifully built organ, of German manufacture, graces the organ loft; indeed, the church is complete in all its appointments; artistic in finish and lovliness; and is justly an object of veneration and pride to its large and devoted congregation.
St. AlplionsUB Church.
The building was commenced April 21st, 1855, blessed August 2d, 1857’ consecrated April 25tli, 1858, and the interior finished 1800-67.
The first pastors were the Rev. Father McGrane, who still lives, and the Rev. Father Duffy, who died a few > ears ago, and rests in front of the altar where he officiated for so many seasons. His memory is loved and cherished in the hearts of thousands, to whom he was, father, counsellor, friend.
ST. MARY’S OF THE ASSUMPTION,
German. This elegant structure, in the Renaissance style, 130x75 feet, is situate’ corner of Josephine and Constance streets, nearly opposite St. Alphonsus Church