St. Matthew Parish / Holy Spirit Church
Across from 110 North Ave.
10 am - 4 pm
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: YES
Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms: YES
Public Restrooms: YES
Photography Allowed: YES
YOUR EXPERIENCE
DOORS OPEN volunteers will be on hand to welcome you at the massive and original carved wood entrance doors to this beautiful catholic church. Feel free to walk around the interior while appreciating the stained glass and religious statues. Plus, don't forget to look up at the incredible choir loft and organ! Knowledgable parishoners will be on hand, as well as pamphlets explaining the physical history of the building.
ABOUT THIS BUILDING
The foundation stone of the present Holy Spirit Catholic Church was set on the 19th April, 1914. Despite the bad weather that day, many of the 650 parish families were there to witness a parade in celebration of the new church, which was undertaken by the Rev. Bishop Canevin. The Celebration was launched with a parade through the main streets of Millvale. On April 24, 1915 the three bells arrived in Millvale from St Louis. The largest weighs 2,000 pounds and is named George, the second weighs 1,100 pounds and is called Maria, and the third weighs 700 pounds and is named Anton. The church is 155 long by 60 feet wide, and 80 feet wide at the transept. It has seating space for 900 people. The sanctuary is semi-circular, and behind it is an Ambulatorium, or walk-way, for the altar boys, so that they can go out of their sacristy to the Priest’s sacristy without passing in front of the high altar. This Ambulatorium is separated from the sanctuary by polished granite columns with marble capitals. The front of the church is on a short road which connects North Avenue and Howard Street.