Holy Apostles

Every church has its surprises for me. When I first drove up to Holy Apostles I thought "oh it's been resided with aluminum." But then as I began taking pictures I became more and more impressed with the church and its working class neighborhood. The area is surrounded by train tracks, that lead northeast to Central Terminal. The wood frame construction of this church is rare for a Roman Catholic Church and a style that one would expect to find in the country. Indeed a block away from the church is an old red barn that one would also expect to see on a lonely country road. Kitty corner from the church is a shop that specializes in hub caps, hundreds of them are hung on the fence and in the yard. Across the street is an impressive brick building that looks like it is the home to a corner tavern.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. (Mat 16:18)

The cornerstone is dated 1909 and in Latin says "Ecclesia, S.S. Apostolorum, Petri et Paul". It was not until I got home that I noticed the rock in the leaves right under Peter. It looks as if it is there by accident but I get the feeling that someone may have placed it there. Later on when I started looking into the history of Holy Apostles, I came across another papal connection, parishioner Mrs. Ann Odre was one of two bystanders injured during the failed assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.

A fire nearly destroyed the church just after Christmas in 1921. Less than a year later the church was rebuilt and ready for Advent.

Links for Holy Apostles:

Brief History written in 1929 by Rev. Thomas Donohue, D.D.

Parish History from Polish Genealogical Society of New York State

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