IMO, Assumption is the most beautiful church in the city. Built in 1845 by the architect T. Elliott, the sanctuary and steeple were added in 1874. The church was one of the first batch of buildings designated in Windsor in 1978. From 1859-1869 Assumption served as the cathedral of the see of Sandwich, before it was moved to London.
A view from the front entrance.
The interior decoration of the church is second to none in this city. It is truly a work of art.
A group on a tour during Doors Open
The West Altar with the statue of the blessed virgin. It was installed in 1850, and is possibly from the previous Church like the pulpit below.
A view of the light fixtures that grace the interior. They were installed to replace the gas lights in 1915.
A view of the paintings on the ceiling.
Looking back towards the choir loft.
This pulpit, was carved 1793, and was located in the previous church. It was moved to the present church once it was built, and was installed in its present location in 1848.
The communion rail was installed in 1925, and carved of Italian marble. It was a gift to the church from the McKee family.
The main altar was imported from Caen, France in 1887.
A view from the loft.
Another view looking towards the altar.
Some of the great artwork contained in the church includes this Pieta. It was donated to the Church by the family of Louis Mailloux in 1890.
The stations of the cross are all works of art as well. The oil paintings were acquired in 1883.
Another statue.
The information above came from the handout given at doors open, highlighting the history of the church.
Sadly the diocese in London claims the church is in need of over 9 million dollars in repairs. Given the track record of the diocese and their disregard of Windsor’s heritage, it is likely they would love nothing more than to close the church. Watch for the offer to sell this one for a dollar too…
I’m sure ME can chime in with some more information, as I know he is a member of the parish.
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Assumption is truly a marvel. Unfortunately the trend in the City of Windsor is to completely disregard anything of value in the West End. Destroy neighbourhoods such as Indian Road, close all the schools (Rooney, Sacred Heart, St. Edward's...) and now the most historic building in the city.
If the Diocese of London, the city and the provincial government cannot get together to restore Assuption they should all be ashamed. It is stunning that Sandra Pupatello can sit in cabinet, yet sit on her hands when it comes to doing anything for her city. She is a disgrace and it is time she gets run out of Windsor.
Amen to that!
I don't appreciate reading all the "Diocese bashing" in the comments. We need to pull together in prayer and be prepared to sacrifice as parishoners for the sake of our church, God's Home. Money is not a big problem for God but division is the work of Satan. So thank-you for all the lovely pictures which express such beauty and peace. Let us pray for the right direction to take and for the right people to take us there. God Knows.
Like most of us, incl. the bishop and the priests, are grieving about the loss of our beautiful old churches, having to contend with hall-type buildings. When all is said and done, it is our Lord Jesus Christ alone who has reason for sadness at the incessant negativity of His children, tearing "the diocese" apart for this that and the other. Who is the diocese, if not all of us. We are the Body of Christ. We are the families that have not raised sufficient priests, holy priests, who teach us to glow with love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist!
No priests, no Eucharist, no Church. "Stay with us Lord, and help us to heal our hearts from bitterness and focus on the gift of Yourself in the life-giving sacraments of the Church and Your Word guiding us to forgive when we are injured." Let us pray with loving/forgiving hearts so that God can work miracles. (2000years ago Jesus said that he could not work any miracles in Nazareth "because of the hardness of hearts").
WOW....clearly this Paula chick works for the Diocese...what an attitude to have ...........
Hmm... "division is the work of Satan". From where I'm sitting the diocese is the body causing most of the division...
I Agree Chet!!! Seems either this person works for the Diocese and is trying to paint them in a better picture, or is a very uniformed person.
For jesus sake please pray for Mufide and all family members and the soul of my mother Nedime
My entire family history on my father' side is documented in Assumption Church Records dating back to the 1700's. Assumption and St. Anne's in Detroit are sister Parishes both
were built by the Jesuits. The original St. Anne's church was built for French settlers of Detroit back in the early part of the 18th century. The Current St. Anne Church building was built in the late 19th century. Assumption was originally on Boblo Island and was a Mission church for the Natives. The Iriquois nation torched the church and the new parish was rebuilt where it currently is today. Both St. Anne's and Assumption have all the records for the first French families of Windsor and Detroit in their archives.
In the 80's, I was involved in a project to teach 'CONSTRUCTION TRADES' to people who had no skills and were running out of U.I.C. (as it was known then) or on Social Assistance. The "Archdiocese of Toronto" brokered a deal (60 / 40) with the government to renovate over 12 structures owned by the 'Archdiocese', geared to make people's futures better, by teaching skills and restoring fantastic architecture, statuary, woodwork and other art. All this, while teaching people valuable skills. These folks went from being a weight on the system, to being proud and productive members of their city! Ontario does not stop at London, so please Archdiocese of London…We were here before you and most of us know 9.5 million is an over exaggeration, especially when you consider the role of regional people that know and love that edifice and will volunteer. DO THE RIGHT THING!!!.