Most Holy Name (Archdiocese of Newark): Difference between revisions

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==Architecture==
==Architecture==
The current church building at 99 Marsellus Place, Garfield, NJ, is a mid-20th-century (likely 1950s–1960s) Roman Catholic parish structure, reflecting the postwar era's emphasis on functional, community-oriented design. This is based on visual analysis of publicly available imagery from the parish's Facebook page (e.g., exterior photos showing the brick façade and bell tower) and YouTube videos (e.g., interior tours during Masses and events), the architecture includes:
The current church building at 99 Marsellus Place, Garfield, NJ, is a mid-20th-century (likely late 1950s) Roman Catholic parish structure, reflecting the postwar era's emphasis on functional, community-oriented design. This is based on visual analysis of publicly available imagery, parish website photos, and Facebook/YouTube content.


===Exterior features===
===Exterior features===
* The façade is constructed of red brick laid in a running bond pattern, with a central projecting portico sheltering the main entrance doors.
* The façade is constructed of red brick laid in a running bond pattern, with a central projecting portico sheltering the main entrance doors.
* A modest bell tower rises above the entrance, topped with a cross, providing vertical emphasis typical of the period.
* A prominent bell tower rises approximately 60 feet above the entrance, topped with a cross, creating a dramatic vertical accent.
* Tall, narrow vertical windows flank the entrance, allowing natural light into the nave while maintaining a traditional, symmetrical appearance.
* A statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague is perched high upon the 60-foot tower, designed to soften the dramatic verticality and symbolize Christ's sovereignty over the world, with the young Jesus holding a golden globus cruciger and right hand raised in blessing.
* The roof is low-pitched with a gable or parapet, finished in dark shingles.
* The roof is low-pitched with a gable or parapet, finished in dark shingles.
* Side elevations feature large rectangular stained-glass windows, visible in photos from parish events, which suggest biblical or devotional themes.
* Side elevations feature large rectangular stained-glass windows, visible in photos from parish events, which suggest biblical or devotional themes.
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===Interior features===
===Interior features===
* YouTube videos show a central nave with side aisles, a raised sanctuary, and a prominent crucifix above the altar.
 
* The interior appears to have wood or stone elements, with warm lighting from stained-glass windows.
* The interior features a central nave with side aisles, a raised sanctuary, and a prominent crucifix above the altar, as seen in video thumbnails and event photos.
* The space is designed for large congregations, with pews arranged to focus on the altar, and includes devotional statues (e.g., of the Holy Name of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) as seen in interior shots.
* Stained-glass windows, designed by the renowned Bavarian artist Franz Mayer in his Munich studio, unfold progressively the principal mysteries of Christianity, climaxing in the reign of Christ and His Blessed Mother as King and Queen of heaven and earth.
* The sanctuary includes a tabernacle and altar, with minimal ornamentation consistent with mid-century Catholic design.
* The sanctuary includes a main altar with traditional elements (likely marble or stone), devotional statues (e.g., of the Holy Name of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph), and a layout suited for large congregations.
* The space is designed for good acoustics and visibility, typical of mid-century Catholic churches, with warm lighting from the stained glass.


==Art and devotional features==
==Art and devotional features==


Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Devotional elements typically include representations of the Holy Name of Jesus, often depicted with the monogram "IHS" (from the Greek for Jesus) surrounded by rays of light, a symbol popularized by Saint Bernardine of Siena.
The church interior is renowned for its progressive stained-glass windows, designed by the Bavarian artist Franz Mayer in his Munich studio. These windows unfold the principal mysteries of Christianity in a narrative sequence, culminating in scenes representing Christ and the Blessed Mother as King and Queen of heaven and earth, providing a visual catechesis for worshippers.
 
A notable devotional feature is the restored statue of the Virgin Mary on the church grounds, which underwent a major restoration effort and was formally rededicated in July 2020 as a symbol of the parish's continued protection under Mary's care.
 
The Franciscan heritage of the parish, originating from its association with the Franciscan Province of the Most Holy Name, is reflected in various depictions and influences of Saint Francis of Assisi throughout the parish campus, emphasizing humility, community, and care for creation.
 
The Infant Jesus of Prague statue, perched high upon the 60-foot bell tower, is perhaps the building's most iconic exterior feature. It softens the dramatic verticality of the tower and depicts the young Jesus holding a golden globe (the globus cruciger), symbolizing His sovereignty over the world, with His right hand raised in a gesture of blessing.
 


==Related parishes==
==Related parishes==

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