- About Us -
Our History
Shortly after the turn of the of the century, the Most Revered James Joseph Hartley, realized the need for a new parish to serve the ever increasing Catholic population on the Hilltop community. Thus, on August 19 of 1906, Bishop Hartley founded that parish and chose St Aloysius for
it's name and patron saint.
The first census of the new parish showed 35 Catholic families within the parish boundaries. This number quickly grew, until by 1920, the number of Catholic households had reached 350. It was obvious that the original church structure, dating from 1907, could no longer handle the rapidly growing Catholic population within the parish and plans for the building of a new church were begun. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1927 and construction was completed the following year. The church was dedicated by Bishop Hartley on April 22 of 1928 .
Our Patron Saint
ST ALOYSIUS GONZAGA was born on March 9 , 1568 in Castiglione delle Stiviere , Italy . His father was Ferdinand de Gonzaga and hi s mother was Martha de Tana Santena .
It was his mother's wish for Aloysius to be a churchman. His father desired for him a career in arms. At the age of five years, he was placed in an army camp of which his father was chief. Within a year he was sent home because of his mischievous conduct. As years went by, the effects of his mother's teachings began to show in him. He hated the vulgarity in speech or acts which ran rampant through the army camp. In 1577, Aloysius pronounced the vow of perpetual chastity. In 1581, he became a paige to the heir of the Spanish throne at Madrid. Finally, his father conceded to his wishes and on November 28 of 1585, Aloysius signed away his right to the title and lands of Gonzaga.He joined the Society of Jesus ("Jesuits") and for the next 6 years he lived at Rome, Naples, and Milan. In caring for the sick, he contracted the plague and died in Rome on June 20 of 1591, at the age of 24. His motto was :
"I was born for greater things."
ST ALOYSIUS, PRAY FOR US !
“ jewel of the hilltop “
CHURCH EXTERIOR
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
CHURCH EXTERIOR
The Church which now serves the needs of the people of St Aloysius Parish is constructed of grey brick and stone and is of a Modified Renaissance design. The tower rises on the northeast corner of the church and is a landmark seen for a great distance from the surrounding area. The exterior walls of the church are inlaid with beautiful red and green tile designs. The roof is covered with red clay tile, a very typical feature of Renaissance style churches. The 3 sets of doors facing W Broad Street are constructed of solid oak and the metalwork is hammered wrought iron.
CHURCH INTERIOR
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
CHURCH EXTERIOR
The exterior beauty of St Aloysius is surpassed only by the interior. The interior space of the church is spanned by the great arched oak beams which help form and give support to the roof. These massive beams, lovely in their own right, were made more impressive during the remodeling of the church, in 1943. At that time the wooden beams were decorated with the colorful painted highlights which can be seen to this day. The pews, recessed confessionals and choir loft are also fashioned of solid oak.
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
These three beautiful altars are of reddish French and white
Italian marble.The grandeur of the altars is enhaced with the bordered insets of colored glass mosaics. The apse above the high altar blends harmoniously with the marble and mosaic work of the altar itself. The beauty of the apse was embellished in the 1943 remodeling with painted murals in vivid color which depict the 12 Apostles. Higher in the Apse, the scene of The Transfiguration.
In the peak of the Apse is a painted symbol of the Holy Spirit .
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
THE HIGH AND SIDE ALTARS
The magnificently stained glass windows of Saint Aloysius Church are the work of the german artist, Dr. Oldtmann, who came from his native land to sketch the designs.
Dr. Oldtmann was the designer of the windows in the Pope’s private chapel in the Vatican and was widely renowned throughout Europe for his artistic work.
There are many who feel that the stained glass windows of our church are unsurpassed in beauty in this country or very few places in the world .
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The fourteen Stations of the Cross depict scenes from the last hours of Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion.
The painted scene of each station is of a baked on glass technique. The set of stations was made in Munich, Germany and is one of only three such sets which exist in the world.