In keeping with the theme of church related items from Philly, I want to feature some from the another area congregation. Like private homes and commercial buildings, houses of worship occasionally take on updates and restoration. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception had in the basement a collection of no longer used items from the church, social rooms, rectories and class rooms.
The Cathedral is located in the Northern Liberties district in Philadelphia and was erected in 1966. This building replaced the old Cathedral Church at that time. Inside and out the Cathedral is gorgeous but as the website says, “the completion of the interior embellishments is an ongoing process which will continue over the years.”
Some changes are choices and some are not. It is common practice for Catholic Churches to have displays of small candles for the faithful to use as part of a devotional prayer. More and more, these real candles are no longer used in churches for insurance purposes and are being replaced with electric or battery powered prayer candles. The Cathedral is one of those places that has decided to switch, and now these beautiful displays are available in our store.
The large gold displays have 102 small holders in the center and 20 large holders on the sides and across the top. In the center of the top is an electrified light socket under the cap and cross. They measure 65″ wide and 21 1/2″ deep and have small casters. We have 2 of these. They do not include glass votive inserts or candles.
The one smaller iron display has 40 small holders and 5 large ones across the back. The base is twisted and scrolled wrought iron. There is a slot for donations on the front. The total dimensions for this smaller one are 28.25″wide by 44″high and 15.5″deep.
I hear you, you aren’t a Church, so what the heck would you do with a piece like this. No worries. We have some ideas…wine rack. cups with craft supplies. bird feeder. Or how about this one? Take the top section off. Put the candle holder in your unused or faux fireplace and partially fill it with candles. Now it looks like you have a blazing fire. You can use the base as an aquarium stand, plant stand, or garden art. Can you imaging dozens of tiny herbs growing in them?
Let’s see what else we have acquired from the cathedral. A few short pews that are 54″ long, shown below. The back is 32″ high, the seat is 17″ off the floor in the front. Several have kneelers attached but they can be removed. Stained and varnished oak. They are a nice size for a front entry or mud room where people are taking shoes on and off.
Holy water “urn” with a stainless steel upper canister marked HOLY WATER on the top handle and an aluminum legged base. It stands 45″ high and could have many reuse options (with no disrespect intended to its original use). Exceptionally clean and unmarred. Lemonade?
Next up: front row pew. Paneled section in varnished oak with capped ends, kneeler, Bible holder on back side. Front side is also beautiful paneled wood, no seats. 8′ 1″ long by 38″ tall at end cap.
The Cathedral housed a school for many years so we now have several chairs that have an arm with a tablet table, all right handed. Some seats have numbers stenciled on the back, and the traditional school desk carvings. Wood is varnished and frames are sturdy metal.
This is interesting…a 49″ tall octagon cupola or dome. Brilliant and metallic colors, beautifully painted, tiered with an onion top that may have been the base for a cross(?). It is quite a stunning piece.
Assorted tall metal candle holders originally used in the main sanctuary. Very sturdy. Could be spray painted a new more inspiring color. Would make great bird bath stands.
This is a special find. A bell/gong from the church. This was used during special services and events. Made of bronze it has a sacred sounding tone when rapped with the wooden mallet.
We would like to take the opportunity to that the community at the Cathedral for their dedication to reuse by offering these materials to Restore of Philadelphia. Let’s give them new life!
ReHouse Blog 