It’s hard to imagine; such pristine architecture, combined with stunning stained glass work by Harry Clarke Studio, Dublin, Ireland, Seamus Murphy’s sculpture work of 12 Irish apostles and Saint Brigid adorning the front entryway side of the building, Sculptures by Gladding McBean & Co., covering the exterior main doorway, John McQuarrie crafted the twelve 10-foot angel statues in the clerestory and lastly the Ruffatti Organ completed in October of 1983; why any person in their right mind would sell or close this treasured church.
Somebody did.
In October 2005, the Archdiocese sold the church to the Academy of Art University, who wanted to demolish the church.
The Committee to save St. Brigid church is directly responsible for the current landmark status #252 encompassing the outside of the church, on October 24, 2006. The Committees final goal is to pursue interior Landmarking of St. Brigid Church. This final goal will ensure this church never again is slated for the demolishing block.
Since I could not go inside, I looked up pictures online of St. Brigid Church. More stunning than the outside. Wish I could have walked around myself and taken more pictures.
If you’d like to help the Committee to re-open St. Brigid Church here is the link:
http://www.st-brigid.org/
Then click on the lower right column on, How to Help.
Saint Brigid, patron Saint of Ireland, is associated notably with charity and justice. Irish hagiography makes her an early Irish Christian nun, abbess, and founder of several monasteries of nuns, including that of Kildare in Ireland, which was famous and was revered. The saint shares her name with an important Celtic goddess and there are many legends and folk customs associated with her.
That’s awesome you found out the history of the church. Cool they are saving it. That would be a terrible loss if they didn’t. Such lovely architecture.
Thanks honey! Wish we could have walked around the interior. Maybe next time. :>)