Storm Damage - St. Mary Norwalk

In the recent storms that moved their way through Ohio, Norwalk was hit particularly hard, with many damaged buildings and homes. The First Baptist Church (Oasis of God) had one of it's turrets blown off (see picture from wkyc.com). It was reported that winds of up to 100 mph blew through the area.


St. Mary's in Norwalk was also damaged. Much of the masonry at the top of the tower was disturbed. Some even fell to the ground and onto the church roof, causing damage to the roof and plaster ceiling inside. The damage is severe enough that the streets surrounding the church are closed in case of further structural failure, and all masses and other events have been moved to the school gym. See the Norwalk Reflector article below:

http://www.norwalkreflector.com/article/3743856

Interestingly enough, this is not the first time the steeple has suffered wind damage. A wind storm in the 50's damaged the original ornamentation at the base of the steeple. See the below blog post for a picture.

http://catholictoledo.blogspot.com/2007/04/st-mary-norwalk_20.html

Plans for the future of the steeple and tower are to be determined. See below for pictures of the exterior damage. Note the masonry that is shifted, missing or pulling away from the structure. Extensive interior damage was also noted by engineers. I do not have any pictures of interior damage at this point in time.

I will post an update once further plans are outlined. Until then, updates of the situation can be followed on the parish's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Mary-Mother-of-the-Redeemer-Catholic-Church/188089864270

(Photo: Mike Doughty)

(Photo: Mike Doughty)

(Photo: Janotta & Herner)

(Photo: Janotta & Herner)

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In other news, this is what it looks like when a steeple starts to come down:

St. James Catholic Church, Chicago IL. (After a long delayed promise of posting, here is one picture. I will make a detailed post when demolition is completed.)

St. Mary, Norwalk

150 Years

St. Mary's in Norwalk is celebrating 150 years this year. There are festivities planned for every month.

St. Mary Norwalk

St. Mary Norwalk

Post Card from 1910 I was given to scan. Check out the postage!

St. Mary Norwalk

St. Mary Norwalk

A view from the attic...probably looking North. (not sure, didn't take the picture) This is above the transept.

St. Mary's Plaster (pt. 2): The Rest

St. Mary's Plaster (pt. 1): Subtle Differences

I have never noticed this up until a few weeks ago, but the plaster works are not all the same in their particular shape. (if that makes any sort of sense) The labeled areas are what i'm talking about in this post.

Starting first with the red circles. (left first, then right) Notice the change in pattern between the two. They are directly opposite each other in the church.

Same thing for the blue circles (the two below, left to right).

The two below are noted by the arrows. (they alternated back and forth down both sides of the body of the church)

Now, I'm not one to analyze things like these (i hate analyzing to begin with) But does anyone catch any symbolism in any of the plaster works?

Next post...the rest of the various works of plaster around St. Mary's.

Dinner Theatre

St. Mary's in Norwalk will be presenting a dinner theater on November 15 @ 6:00pm and November 16 @ 3:00pm. This dinner theater is in replacement of our yearly festival. Tickets are available after the weekend masses or at the Rectory during rectory hours. Call Lynn at the rectory for tickets. 419-668-7925
Tickets are $20 a person and that includes dinner.

For more info, contact me ((Alex) afries52@neo.rr.com ) or go to the website. www.stmarynorwalk.org . I'm in it, so doesn't that just make you want to come? ;-)

St. Mary Norwalk

Immediately after the most recent renovation. Regardless to say, the pews didn't stay that way for long.

St. Mary Norwalk

The windows in the tower.

Bell Concert

This Sunday, 3:00pm @ St. Mary's in Norwalk, there will be a free public concert featuring our new Digital Carillon. The Performance should be about a half hour, and you can even sit in your car and listen!

New "bells"

Here at St. Mary's we got our bell back in working order. New bolts, new hammer, and new motor. In addition to that, we have a new digital Carillon system from Chime Systems. It sounds beautiful! Just like the real thing! Anyway, i thought i would post some pictures on it, and of other interesting things i found in the belfry while i was wandering around.

In the coming days, Check out St. Mary's website (www.stmarynorwalk.org) and click on the bell for more pictures and information about it if you are interested. (Note, it's not up just yet)

Interesting...July 1920 was probably when the plaster was re-done.

Above and below is the original ceiling on the choir loft level of the church (in the staircase) Despite the water damage, you can still see original designs along the border of the ceiling.

Just moments ago

Just from my house and at St. Mary's this evening. Thought it might be interesting to viewers. These are tonights storms rolling in.

except for that picture ^ That is from two years ago when Norwalk was flooded. That storm front moving in just reminded me of it.

St. Mary Norwalk