Few Catholics realize just how rich is the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. Nevertheless, great churches still stand in every major city and serve as a testament. Perhaps nowhere in America can one find these stone testimonials more numerous or beautiful than the Windy City. These churches are the subject of a recent picture book titled: Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago. This visually striking and carefully researched book presents the rich detail of historic and cultural significance of some of Chicago’s most significant churches. Breath-taking, full-color photographs open the doors to more than 60 magnificent churches, stretching to every corner of the city – from St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette and St. Philip Neri on the South Shore to St. Giles in Oak Park and St. Peter in the Loop. The inspirational designs are by noted architects such as Burnham, McCarthy, Schlacks and Keely. It is a must for those interested in local history, architectural achievement, theological awareness or those who simply desire to glory in the visual beauty of Chicago’s historic churches. Author Denis R. McNamara, an architectural historian who specializes in American church architecture of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He has written and lectured widely on the history and theology of ecclesiastical architecture, and served on the Art and Architecture Commission of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is currently assistant director and faculty member at the Liturgical Institute of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, and serves as a liturgical design consultant.
Format: Hardcover |
Friday, December 10, 2010
Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago
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