Due to getting out late Friday, I had to adjust our
sight-seeing schedule. I decided a visit
to the Basilica of Saint Joseph
Proto-Cathedral would be just the thing to do.
I found the
simplicity of it striking. Very peaceful
and beautiful.
We arrived just as a
docent was starting a tour for a couple of people, so we joined in. Before too long they slipped out and we had a
private tour. Suited me fine. We had a great visit and learned quite a bit.
It was started in
1816 and ready for its first Mass in 1819. It was completely done in 1823. Each column is a yellow popular beam. It was plastered for shape and faux painted to
look like marble.
The docent said this
organ is used for most of the music for services.
The
walls have beautiful stained glass windows and masterpiece oil paintings by the
likes of Rubens, Murillo, and Van Dyke to name a few. Unfortunately, most are in desperate need of
restoration and have gotten so dark they are hard to see.
Stained
glass detail.
The
alter. The gilded bronze tabernacle was
a gift at its dedication.
I
love this painting. What personality it
shows!
Lovely
still life.
Another
view of the interior.
Peaceful
glow of candles.
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