Another week in the bag. Friday once again, brings us another old photo. Today’s photo is dated June 11, 1931, and features St. Clare’s church at Tecumseh and Victoria. Designed by Albert Lothian, St. Clare’s is Windsor’s only art deco church, and arguably Lothian’s masterpiece.
This photo shows the original front doors, which have since been replaced. Note the bricks and pieces of wood holding the front doors open. This photo was shot during construction, the church was nearing completion, but not yet done. The light over the front door isn’t installed yet either.
Now home to St. Peter’s Maronite, this one was planned for demolition during the great church purge in the 1990’s. Thank goodness that St. Peter’s needed a new home. Otherwise this may have been a photo in the “Lost Windsor” category.
Have good holiday weekend. Happy holidays to everyone, whatever it is that you celebrate. Be safe, and enjoy the time with your families.
Posting will continue as normal next week, however next Friday is the 31st. So rather than an old photo, the annual year in review post will be up instead. See everyone back here Monday!
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A real beauty in a city that doesn’t have much left.
We went inside during Doors Open Windsor a couple of years ago. It is wonderful. The details inside are beautiful. Thank goodness this community saved the church. They seemed very proud of it and its design and heritage. Lothian, the architect apparently designed everything – all the inside designs and furnishings. Everything has the same art deco theme and is in great shape. I heard that he even designed the priests’ vestments – which have long since been lost.
We took lots of pictures – here’s one of the front:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14936681@N07/4735099012/
Thanks for posting this!
I just noticed that a building-eater is parked on the lawn in front of St. Anthony Of Padua on Parent. Maybe it will feast on Christmas Day.
St. Anthony may end up being the last demolition of 2010 or the first one of 2011…
I drove by St. Anthony this morning, the building eater was on and the operator was looking over the site. Today could be the day.
Never noticed the brick work on the front of the old St. Clare Church. Really beautiful and the craftmanship is incredible. I love the inlayed cross.
Paula, it’s very understated. The building is amazing. I urge everyone to spend some time looking at it. It’s a beauty.