|
|
|
Home · St. Augustine · Scenic Views · Gift Shop · Guest Book · Link Page · Msgr. Franco · Father Dunn |
The History of St. Augustine Church |
|
|
The New Church at Eagle Park |
A New ChurchThe Choice of design for the new St. Augustine Church was influenced to a large extent by its location on the Southwest portion of the parish property, at the edge of a gently sloping plateau. It is nestled between two groups of beautiful, mature trees, with the Hudson River as a backdrop. The main axis of the church runs north/south, parallel to the river, with the entrance to the south and the sanctuary to the north. The committee responsible for choosing the architects looked at designs commissioned from six architectural firms and chose the design of Moger Woodson, Architects from New York City, as the most appropriate for St. Augustine. As the architects said, "the architectural forms of the church consist of elements found in earlier traditional churches. However, because of the unique nature of the site, these elements are integrated into a form that responds to this site in a way that makes this church neither traditional nor modern, but rather one we feel is individual and appropriate for its time and setting." The church is designed without steps to make it easier for all to enter. Driving up to the church one is greeted by the covered, arched arcade where parishioners will be able to gather in all types of weather before entering the church. In the evening, these arches will be lighted for a dramatic, welcoming mood. The bell tower and large round window with the stone cross tracery are intended to express the appropriate architectural symbols of the church. the predominant exterior wall material is brick with stone used for detail elements such as window sills, lintels, copings, and banding course. The roof is slate. The interior of the church is traditional in its organization. It is basically symmetrical, with the foyer, nave and raised sanctuary forming a rectangular axial plan. The church is entered from the southeast, through the arcade to the right of the bell tower. The bell tower houses the original St. Augustine bell, over 100 years old. From the relatively low scale of the entrance arcade, one proceeds into the foyer area with its high ceiling and round window providing natural Light. Placed on axis with the with the sanctuary, through another arcade, the baptismal area has views to the southwest of the river beyond. The foyer will no doubt serve as a gathering place before and after services, as will the arcade outside. Off the foyer are two reconciliation rooms, rest rooms, usher' room, as well as a sacristy, which can be used as a meeting room. It will be lighted during the day by the large round window and in the evening by a chandelier. The nave of the church is entered through doors beneath a large, arched interior window. Along both sides of the seating area are three large dormers containing arched windows of clear glass designed to decorate the inside with the outside. They will provide dramatic views of the Hudson River and the grounds outside, as well as providing ample light in daylight hours. Waincotting, pews, door and window trim are all done in Honduran mahogany, as is the organ screen in the rear of the sanctuary. The floor of the seating area is carpeted and the pews are provided with cushions. The pews are slightly curved around the sanctuary to provide a more intimate feeling. The sanctuary is raised three steps above the seating area to provide better viewing of the services and emphasize its importance. Located at either side of the sanctuary are the choir and tabernacle areas. THe tabernacle area on the left provides a place for prayer and meditation. The most prominent part of the sanctuary is the mahogany paneled organ screen at the rear. This screen is enhanced by diffused light from the skylight above. Steps go all the way around the sanctuary, and the floor is slate. The furnishings for the liturgical celebrations are of the same materials used throughout the church. The pulpit and chairs are of mahogany. The alter, constructed of granite, is prominent, yet harmonizes with other interior elements. |
|
|
|
The organ, donated by a parishioner, is a prominent part of the design of the sanctuary. It is a Müller pipe organ, made in Hagerstown, Maryland. John Davis, an eminent organist, was a consultant in the choosing of the organ. St. Augustine is blessed, not only by its parishioners and its clergy, but by the location of its school and church. Opening of the new church is an inspiration to all in the parish and community, and a source of pride to all who contributed time, money and prayers to see its completion. |
| Help us write the next page in our history, celebrate our 150th Anniversary with us Celebration 2003. Or start at our beginnings- read the history of our parish. Or read about St. Augustine School. |
