What stories could these walls tell? The Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Let’s delve into its history.
Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church is more than just a building. It is a spiritual home for many. Its story is one of dedication and architectural beauty.
Construction of the first Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church began in 1925. The General Vicar blessed its cornerstone on October 14, 1928. A year later, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated. Archbishop Basil Ladyka consecrated the church on September 3, 1939. Representatives from various communities attended this ceremony.
The original Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church was a wooden structure. It had a cruciform shape with a large central dome. Smaller domes topped the front towers. Michael Payowsky and Paul Bandaz were the chief contractors. Stephen Meush artistically decorated the church in 1938. The final service took place in 1960. The church was later dismantled. The site became a parking lot in 1965.
Construction of a new church began in 1959. It was built adjacent to the original site of Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Myroslav Kolodey. Bishop Andrew Roborecki blessed the church in 1961.
The present Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church is a large rectangular building. It measures 98 x 46 feet. Two frontal towers are topped with domes. The basement is made of steel and concrete. The upper structure is mainly wood with a brick facade. Rectangular windows feature blue stained-glass crosses. A large metal cross sits above the roof’s front summit. A concrete stairway with wrought iron railings leads to the main entrance. A circular window decorates the wall above the entrance.
Inside Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church, you’ll find a sanctuary with a main altar. There are also two sacristies, a nave, a vestibule, and a choir loft. A major renovation began in 1983. It included an arch for a mosaic and mosaics for the side altars. Ten stained-glass windows were added. A stained-glass rose window was placed above the choir loft. A shrine to Our Lady of Victory was created. The blessing of the iconostas occurred in 1996.
The church contains wooden pews seating about 300 people. It has electrical lighting, central gas heating, and plumbing. The finished basement includes hall and kitchen facilities.
Near Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church is the pastor’s residence. It was built in 1968. The Saint Basil Parish Centre was constructed in 1978. Saint Basil’s Senior Citizens’ Manor was built across the back alley in 1987.
Saint Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith. It shows the enduring spirit of its community. Its history is etched in every brick and stained-glass window. Take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of this beautiful church.