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History

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A new landmark on the skyline in the growing city of Stonewood the Bell Spire of the new church, rising more than One Hundred and Four feet above the main floor of the church. The three laminated West Coast Region Douglas Fir Spire members represent The Blessed Trinity, and individually and collectively support the Roman Cross, which pierces the heavens, so that the entire Christian community might be reminded of Christ's continuous presence here on earth in the Golden Tabernacle within the church proper. Nestled high in the midst of the spire members is the external speaker cones to sound the praises of the Lord and call the Faithful of Stonewood to worship. Below the sound cage are three golden bells, reminding the people to be strong in Faith, Hope, and Charity; Charity being presented by the lower and largest of the three bells. At the base of the Spire (Trinity) is the Statue of the Mother of God, depicted as OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, reminding us of her unceasing desire to help the community in joining the Faith, Hope, and Charity to sing the praises to God in Heaven and on Earth. The statue is surmounted by the protective disc, or cover, representing the halo of The Blessed Virgin Mary, the earthly Mother of God. The entire spire assembly is surrounded by a walkway encouraging the Christian Community to come and visit and worship within the first church of Christ. The simple, clean-cut lines of the exterior of the church make the spire all the more domineering.

The three slender windows on the front facade of the church also represent symbols of Faith, Hope, and Charity and are visible on the interior of the Church as well.

The Four spacious entrance doorways and vestibules provide for large numbers of people to enter and exit, with the least effort, and all are within footsteps of ample parking. (Approximately 150 cars.) The shelters are all the entrances provided comfort even during inclement weather. All entrances are at ground level, without steps, and in the Vestibule, at the North East corner of the church are found the Baptistery, making all mindful of the fact that every Christian enters the Church thru Baptism. To the rear of the main body of the church is a partially raised choir area, permitting the choir to function as a unit apart from the church congregation and still low enough to permit the easy blending of voices when the congregation joins the choir in singing the Praises to God. The Church will accommodate more than Four Hundred and Fifty persons.

The larger vestibules accommodate facilities for coat and hat storage. The two usher stations are situated to the rear, near the larger entrances, so that they can oversee and look after the needs of the participants.

As we approach the Sanctuary Area, the white marble table-top, which delicately extends along the front edge of the Sanctuary, represents the extension of the main Alter to the people, inviting them to freely and frequently partake of the Communion at each Mass offered by Priest and People. The openness invites the people into the Sanctuary tend to extend this invitation to members of the community, both Catholic and Non-Catholic. Friends can be present for Mass or other worship services and not be conspicuous to the main body of the congregation.

The larger areas to the left lends itself to expectant mothers and parents with youngsters having voices bellowing their praises to God above the voices of the other participants, and still participate in the services, since speakers provide the contact of sound, and the location permits visual participation.

Ladies accommodations, as to toilet facilities are available off the Cry Room or Mother's Room, while Gentlemen accommodations are on the opposite side of the church. The Cry or Mother's Room will accommodate an instructions class of thirty persons.

The Priest's Sacristy will accommodate thirty priests. There are individual cubicles for twenty four altar boys.

There are two storage rooms and janitor closet facilities on the main floor, as well as space for the preparation of flowers near the priest's entrance, and also an individual work area off the main Sacristy.

The Sanctuary will accommodate upwards of forty persons. The entire facility is completely air-conditioned and ventilated with fresh outside air; this equipment being housed mostly in the basement or equipment rooms below the main floor level. There is also provision for additional storage facilities below the main floor level.

The Nave or Congregational area and the Sanctuary are joined as a unit without a break in the structural overall design to emphasize the joining participation of both the laity and clergy in each and every Worship Service. The high open ceiling effect without distraction from ornate chandelier type suspended lighting helps to promote the atmosphere of worship, whether congregational or private.

The stained glass windows along with the other interior décor help to mystify the atmosphere to fervor, our thoughts towards worship.

The life size Crucifix extending above, and dominating the wall behind the Alter, is ever mindful of God's sacrifice for us that we may know, love and serve him better in our humble way during out life on His Earth.

By: Louis Joseph Schmidt, Your Architect