The Church of Assumption: Philadelphia's Struggle to Save Historic Structures

On a daily occurrence, I pass this abandoned church which looks like something you would see in your common dooms day post human world. The structure is covered in Graffiti, and is riddled with empty 40oz bottles behind the gate blocking its once grand entrance. The church leaves the passersby’s imagination to run. After some research, I found out the church was The Church of the Assumption. It was a former Roman Catholic Church, which was the pride of its neighborhood. The church was built in 1849, and was a place of worship until 1995. After reading many articles, it became apparent that this Church was part of a greater shut down plan by the local Catholic Diocese to shut down a significant amount of Catholic Churches in Northern Philadelphia. One notable person baptized at The Church of the Assumption was Saint Katherine Drexel. In addition to baptizing one of the Nation’s first Saints, the Churches architect was Patrick C. Keely. He has become known as an inspirational architect in American History. After the church was sold it had numerous owners, and legal battles. The last known owner of the structure was John Wei. He claimed he would like to save the structure, however understands the significant structural issues the structure faces. If you ever find yourself on Spring Garden St, the address of the Church is 1121 Spring Garden. (One block west of Union Transfer) Who knows how much longer it will exist.

^{100% of the SBD rewards from this #explore1918 post will support the Philadelphia History Initiative @phillyhistory. This crypto-experiment is part of a graduate course at Temple University's Center for Public History and is exploring history and empowering education to endow meaning. To learn more click here.}

Sources

http://www.phillychurchproject.com/assumption-bvm/

https://philly.curbed.com/building/704/church-of-the-assumption

https://hiddencityphila.org/2012/12/demolition-notice-for-church-of-the-assumption/

Photos: Matthew Christopher