Saint Philomena's Church (Lansdowne)

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St. Philomena Church
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Exterior of church in 2015
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St. Philomena Church
Location of St. Philomena Church in Pennsylvania
39°56′21″N75°16′15″W / 39.9393°N 75.2707°W / 39.9393; -75.2707
Address41 E Baltimore Ave Lansdowne, Pennsylvania 19050
CountryUnited States
Denomination Roman Catholic
Tradition Roman Rite (Ecclesiastical)
History
Dedication Saint Philomena
DedicatedMay 27, 1900
Architecture
Architectural type Romanesque
Years built1898–1899; 1924–1925
Administration
Archdiocese Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Deanery Eastern Delaware County Deanery

The St. Philomena Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

History

Beginning construction in 1898, the cornerstone for the church's foundation was laid on December 4 of that year. The local congregation, who had been meeting in a rented space at the Lansdowne Hall, held a service in the rain led by Bishop Edmond Francis Prendergast as the cornerstone was laid. [1] The church was completed for the most part by 1899, although would undergo various major renovations and roof raisings throughout the early 20th century.

The church was dedicated to Saint Philomena on May 27, 1900. [2] Rev. Francis J. Markee was the rector at its founding. [3] In 1902, planning began to construct a parochial school for the congregation under lead of Philadelphia architect Rowland W. Boyle (d. 1911). [4] Construction began in 1906, [5] and it was officially dedicated on September 22, 1907, by Archbishop Patrick John Ryan. [6]

In 1924, the church rectory began plans for expansion after a donation of $70,000 ($1,244,505 USD in 2024) by Philadelphia businessman Thomas Fitzgerald. [7] In 1925, the church's convent caught fire and burned to the ground. Later in the year, the final touches on the main building were completed. [8] The convent was fully restored and blessed by Bishop J. Carroll McCormick in 1950. [9] Minor repairs were made in 1990 after a drunk driver crashed his car into the steps leading up to the church. [10] 2 months later, a gas explosion damaged the church's lower school, injuring one person. [11]

For the first 45 years of its existence, St. Philomena's pastor was Francis J. Markee (1855–1943), who served until his death in June 1943. [12] Rev. A. Paul Lambert succeeded him as priest in July 1943. [13]

In 1998, the church celebrated its Centenary Jubilee, holding a triathlon extending to the shore of New Jersey. [14]

In October 2021, the SS Cyril Catholic school merged with Saint Philomena into one Catholic school following the closure of the St. Cyril of Alexandria parish, [15] whose congregation had merged with St. Philomena's in 2013. [16]

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References

  1. ↑ "Catholics Hold Service in the Rain at Lansdowne" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 5 Dec 1898. p. 12. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  2. ↑ Gichon, Brian (2022-09-20). "St. Philomena, The Daughter of Light". Shrine Tower. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  3. ↑ The Catholic Directory, Almanac and Clergy List. Milwaukee: M.H. Wiltzlus Company. 1900. p. 128.
  4. ↑ "The Latest News in Real Estate" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 27 May 1902. p. 4. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  5. ↑ "The Latest News in Real Estate" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 9 Aug 1906. p. 6. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  6. ↑ "Archbishop Saw School Dedicated" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 23 Sep 1907. p. 3. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  7. ↑ "$70,000 for Rectory" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 4 Jun 1924. p. 4. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  8. ↑ "Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church". stphilspa.com. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  9. ↑ "Convent in Lansdowne is Blessed by Bishop" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 23 Jan 1950. p. 7. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  10. ↑ "Lansdowne" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 11 Jan 1990. pp. 18-DC. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  11. ↑ Corcoran, John (8 Mar 1990). "One One Worker Injured in Minor Blast at School" . Philadelphia Inquirer . pp. 3-DC. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  12. ↑ "Rev. F. J. Markee Dies; Founder of Lansdowne Church" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 27 Jun 1943. p. 19. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  13. ↑ "Appointment Announced" . Philadelphia Inquirer . 24 Jul 1943. p. 14. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  14. ↑ Sine, Richard (26 Jul 1998). "Triathlon recognizes coaches and tecahers at Lansdowne school" . Philadelphia Inquirer . p. 64. Retrieved 3 Sep 2023.
  15. ↑ Bjorkgren, David (2021-11-06). "Bishop Dedicates New School, SS. Cyril and Philomena Catholic School in Lansdowne". DELCO.Today. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  16. ↑ "Archdiocese of Philadelphia Announces Relegation of One Worship Site in the City of Philadelphia and One Worship Site in Delaware County". Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
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