About the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Providence, Rhode Island:
The parish traces its history to November 12, 1882, when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered here for the first time by Father James Brennan, appointed by Bishop Thomas Hendricken to minister to approximately 500 Catholic families residing on Providence’s East Side. Money was raised and the first church building was built: a two-story wooden structure which opened in August of 1883. As the 1880s drew to a close and the number of parishioners continued to grow, more nearby land was purchased and the cornerstone for this church was laid on June 21, 1896, and after four years of construction, it was dedicated on September 10, 1900.
One of the most beautiful and traditional churches that you will find in the U.S., the present church building follows the design of the early Roman basilicas dating back to the fourth century and is reminiscent of The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. The mosaic floor of the Holy Name vestibule recalls the first churches of Rome, while the Corinthian pilasters, large barreled vaults, and coffered ribs are typical of the Late Renaissance or early Baroque architecture.
The High Altar is constructed of white and green Italian marble, glittering with mosaics, and divided into three sections. The Lamb of God is carved in the center panel, and on either side are the symbols of Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end). The altar piece is Baroque with its Corinthian columns and its half dome synchronizing with the frescoed dome of the apse.
The canopy over the tabernacle has four marble columns supporting a beaded gold roof that evokes images of the Near East. Above the High Altar are two stained glass windows, one depicting the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple, the other the Blessed Trinity. The stained glass windows were designed by Mayer of Munich, Germany. Those in the nave of the church depict the life of Jesus beginning with the Annunciation.
The Lady Chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, with its statute of Mary in a grotto-like structure is off to the right of the right side Altar and has a separate entrance located directly adjacent to the bell tower. As you leave Holy Name, at the rear of the nave, the Baptistry is located in the northwest corner and is dominated by a stained glass window of Jesus being baptized in the River Jordan.
In January of 1965, Holy Name Church was badly damaged by fire. Restoration began immediately, and the church was rededicated in April, 1966.
They offer Masses in both the Ordinary Form (the New Rite) and the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass),
The Holy Name Gospel Choir is one of the true treasures of the parish. Through its inspirational music, the Choir enhances the liturgy on certain Sundays of every month and gives a highly visible sign of and spiritual base for the African American parishoners, who are an integral part of the Holy Name family.
Traveling to The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Providence, Rhode Island:
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus is located on the East Side of Providence at the corner of Camp and Pleasant Streets.
Address: 99 Camp Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Tel: +1 (401) 272-4515 Fax: +1 (401) 272-4616
E-mail: theholyname99@gmail.com