The basilica was built in neo-Gothic style in 1892, and was completely renovated in 1965 in a most striking manner. Peter Dederichs (1856-1924) a Detroit architect, designed the church. The design of the building forms a Latin cross, eight bays by two. The narrow width eliminates the need for interior vaulting. the slate roof is steeply pitched, with ornament in wood and metal. The west facade is dominated by two towers, one is one hundred fifty feet high, the other is one hundred feet. The two towers serve no structural purpose, but together house 5 bells weighing over 2000 pounds.
The Abbey Basilica of Maryhelp, under the patronage of Mary Help of Christians, is the central figure in the composition of Belmont Abbey and of the Belmont Abbey Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. It is axial in both design and function. The Abbey Basilica is one of only three structures in Belmont, NC individually listed on the National Register of Historic places. The basilica has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. It held cathedral rank until 1977. In 1998, the church was named a minor Basilica by the Vatican.
One of the many noteworthy features of the Basilica is located in the Narthex. It is a massive block of granite believed to a Native American alter and later used as a slave block. Today the granite has been hewed for use as a baptismal font. The brass legend explains the present use: "Upon this rock men once were sold into slavery. Now upon this rock, through the waters of Baptism, men become free children of God."
Please follow this link for lots more interesting facts about the magnificent stained glass German windows, the Nave, the remarkable acoustics, the 1877 Madonna and child statue, the Sanctuary, and the Transepts. This is by far, the most important historic site in Belmont and perhaps the State!
Content Credit: http://
Photo Credit: Matthew Gregory
Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Belmont Abbey
— at Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.Please follow this link for lots more interesting facts about the magnificent stained glass German windows, the Nave, the remarkable acoustics, the 1877 Madonna and child statue, the Sanctuary, and the Transepts. This is by far, the most important historic site in Belmont and perhaps the State!
Content Credit: http://
Photo Credit: Matthew Gregory
Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Belmont Abbey
Construction begins on the Abbey Church of Mary Help of Christians in 1892 and it is completed in 1894. More commonly known as the Belmont Abbey Basilica, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
No comments:
Post a Comment