St. Joseph Church, built in 1868 at 623 E. Commerce St., is nestled among hotels, stores and office buildings in downtown San Antonio.
We had been walking and walking, all along the river walk, and over to the Cathedral, and passed the church on our way back to the parking garage.
Did we want to go in? Of course!
I find some of the most interesting treasures, by taking the time to explore historic buildings. They might look unassuming on the outside…but when you step in, it’s like leaving the world behind and stepping back in time.
In this case, I felt like I was stepping back to December, when I was in Germany and Austria!
Captions were written in German as well as in English!
But that was the late 1800s when Masses were said in German and the city's modern suburbs were nameless countryside. Today, at weekday Masses the church enjoys waves of downtown workers and out-of-town visitors who hail the historic structure as a treasured, sacred icon.
Beautiful sanctuary!
Beautiful stained glass --
Our Lady of Guadalupe
My quilters eye took over..check out the flying-geese like details inside the arch!
Other side of the arch --
And the ceiling…star shaped!
Organ loft --
I’m glad we stopped to take a look inside St Joseph’s Parish!
Steeple dwarfed by hotels and parking garages –don’t let them pass you by!
I’ve now gone through ALL the photos I took while in San Antonio, and it’s been fun reliving each stop along the way.
We’ve arrived back home from the cabin. The Hubster changed his clothes, reloaded his suitcase and is off to Wilmington on business this week – which leaves me free to quilt late into the night and sleep in in the mornings if I want to! Whooopie!
There is a certain Split 9-Patch quilt that has been hanging over the rail of my longarm with backing already pieced – just waiting for a time to get it pinned in.
That’s on the agenda for tonight, after my dinner date with dear son Jeff ---we’ve got some catching up to do!
Have a great Sunday evening, everyone ---
Did you go in the old house next to the church? Its all so beautiful. Love the church.
ReplyDeleteI love old churches and old buildings of any kind so thanks so much for sharing your photos and stories of your adventures. The one time I was in San Antonio was during the brief time each year when the old historic homes were open to the public and we were able to go through a few. It was fantastic! I hope to return again someday to see more of the area.
ReplyDeleteThe big building that surrounds St Joseph's was originally Joske's Dept Store. The very fond nickname of the church was St Joske's. And it remains that to this day, even though Joske's is long gone. It was years before I ever knew the real name of the church. Glad you enjoyed your trip to SA, Bonnie. Y'all come back soon!
ReplyDeleteMy son was married in that church last July. A lovely wedding in a lovely church. I do, however, detest the mall next door. Awful place.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, when can we pre order your new book? Looking at your pictures! -sisgray_71@ yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and so happy you shared them. May get to San Antonio this summer.
ReplyDeleteWell! I think Hubster changed his clothes, reloaded his suitcase and is off to Wilmington on business this week and also leaves me free to quilt late into the night and sleep in in the mornings if I want too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Sunday tour! Old churches are so beautiful, and look ... well... holy in a way. Serene.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us once again.
Smiles, JulieinTN
texas hill country church is most beautiful. i think god is there
ReplyDelete