"The Church of Renewal"
"To Build A Parish From Scratch"
The air was brisk and cold as many shivering parishioners and dignitaries assembled at the 35 acre site on the Van Sciver Tract that Sunday Afternoon, January 3, 1965. Archbishop Damiano presided at the groundbreaking ceremonies for Paul VI High School, Convent and St. Vincent Pallotti Church.
This is an apt description of the new, beautiful
church of St. Vincent Pallotti. It is a building modern in design and
incorporating the recent litugical changes of Vatican II.
The outside appearance is one of strength with its heavy flange walls. The frontage boasts a wing spread grandeur like the power of the Holy Spirit hovering over all. The large front pyramid stands symbolic of the Trinity. Through high dark walls, the people of God are corralled as through a valley unto holy mountains for the worship of the Lord.
Once inside there is an unexpected burst of space and light. Immediately all architectural lines focus on one point-the Rock of Sacrifice.
Due to the broad triangular shape, all participants are brought into warm intimacy with the altar. An overall feeling of the ancient drapings of a Semitic tent are caused by the multilevel roof and pryamidic side walls. The side coves readily make shrines for the stations and confessionals.
The atmosphere is "earthy" - a simple blend of brown tones and grey. The stained glass sends soft colors playing in every changing patterns. Their free form, lace-like design complements the angular symmetry of metal and stone.
Beneath the sheath of the front-pyramid lies the
Baptismal Font. This entrance gate to the Christian life is tied visually with
the culmination of that life in the Eucharist.
The squared altar of native rock seemingly protudes into the assembly. The celebrant's chair is in a elevated position behind the altar. And the Divine Reservation is housed in a modest, yet most appropriate position on the center of the sanctuary wall. As pilgrims readying for a journey, communicants will receive the Food of Life at fixed Communion Stations.
The body of the Church forms a natural megaphone for the transmitting of the Word of God from the unpretentious pulpit.
Organ and choir will enhance prayer from the vantage of a most spacious loft.
Indeed, a church today is built for the generations of tomorrow. And due to the creative artistry of the architect this new Church of St. Vincent Pallotti will long serve man to honor God.
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"To Build A Parish From Scratch"
This was the assignment given on February 9, 1953
by Archbishop Celestine J. Damino to Father Bernard P. Hewitt, then pastor of a
seashore parish in Longport, N.J.
Approximately 500 families were divided from the five surrounding parishes of St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights; St. Aloysius, Oaklyn; St. John's, Collingswood; Holy Savior, Westmont' and Christ the King, Haddonfield. And, a 35 acre plot of land on the old Van Sciver Tract was designated as the site.
The problems to be faced were many. Provisions had to be made for-a place to live-finances to begin-a place to meet-a hall wherein to offer Mass. It was a challenge to unite into one parish family people formerly attached to churches in five different communities.
With help from old friends in the area, Father Hewitt initially held a series of "coffee klatches"-one in each area-to meet representative families and to formulate his plans.
Father accepted the hospitality of Monsignor Ladislaus Bazela for three months at St. Aloysius, until he was able to rent a small redwood home on 1101 Lakeshore Drive.
Permission was obtained from the Haddon Township Board of Education to use their High School auditorium for Sunday Masses. The invitation of the Santa Maria Ko f C Council to utilize their Home for daily Masses and parish meetings was accepted. Little over a month after the parish was formed the first Mass was offered-the first vital step toward unifying the parish had been taken.
Parish business began. "Secretary Ladies" were stationed after each Mass so that Father could arrange Masses and Baptisms, visits to the sick, etc. etc.
In order that parishioners could meet their pastor and each other, a "Get Acquainted Party" was planned at Kenny's Suburban House. The affair was a grand success-over three hundred attended. At this meeting, held only one month after the parish was formed, Father Hewitt presented a complete state of officers for the Men's and Women's Clubs, the Parish Trustees, an Usher Captain, a Commentator's Captain, an Altar Boy and a CYO President.
For preliminary finances Father declared a "Pioneer's Club". And each area of the parish voluntarily ran small affairs to raise additional funds.
A thorough survey of all his people, active and inactive, was next on Father's agenda. Thus, the first activity of the newly formed Men's Club was to conduct a "48 Hour Survey". The result showed 505 families in the parish. To help the parish financially the men organized weekly Bingo as well as Dances, Picnics, and Thousand Clubs.
The Women's Club begin its activities with the memorable "Cabaret Night" Dance-this first activity was to be followed by an annual array of Card Parties, Luncheons, Raffles, etc. to help collect funds for the Parish.
Nor were the spiritual needs of the parish neglected, but fostered by guest speakers, retreats, visits to the sick and Communion Breakfasts.
An anniversary party was held in January of 1964. The highlight was Father's announcement of the building plans. All present were astounded to hear that on the 35 acre Van Sciver Tract would be build a 2000 student Diocesan High School, a five story convent, and an 800 seat capacity Church with Rectory to house four priests. The services of J. Armand Nasuit, a local architect, were contracted. He conceived a beautiful complex of modern buildings.
An initial Building Fund campaign was organized to defray the Church construction cost estimated at $651,000. A total of $132,000.00. was solicited in pledges from 305 families.
During these first four years the needs of the parish expanded. Father Jkelly, who served as assistant priest for three years, was appointed a missioner to Brazil. Subsequently Father Ambrose Bryce, Father Vincent Leone, and Father Thomaas Jarka were appointed.
The history of four years of the founding of a parish cannot be told on a few pages.
The real story is that of a community of people-determined in purpose-united by a common faith and love of God. The details of that story, with all its joys and sorrows, laughter and toil, trials and mistakes, are etched in the hearts of the pioneers of St. Vincent's. For those who gave so freely of their time and energy, the richest reward will be knowledge of a job well done-The Church is built.
Praise and recognition should be given. To single out any certain individual, however, would be an injustice; for there were many who worked and sacrificed.
And with the grace of God, through the intercession of St. Vincent Pallotti, this story of labor and devotion will continue.
"St. Vincent Pallotti, our parish patron, pray for us."
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