Most didn't. A few had disappointing websites, but one had an interesting little website, although it took a few searches before I found it: St Andrew's, in the town of St Andrew's West.
The altar history consists of what appears to be the original contracts. A man by the name of
Zepherin Perrealt was contracted to do the work, and eventually offered to build, free of charge to the parish, a side altar dedicated to Our Lady, on the provision that the parish undertake a a second side altar, whereupon the priest approached a John McDonnell, ESQ., who agreed to pay for the second altar. For agreeing to pay for the altar, and as a recognized benefactor of the church, McDonnell would have a Mass said once a year during his life and after his death for the repose of his soul, and he was also entitled to be buried under that altar after his death.
A fascinating window into a different time. It called to mind the story of John Elmsley, the man who donated land and paid for much of the construction of St Basil's in Toronto. Elmsley left instructions in his will that, after death, his heart was to be removed from his body and buried in or near the altar to Mary at St Basil's.
It makes an interesting question: How common was it for benefactors be buried in whole or in part within or beneath the altars of their churches, and if it was common, what happened when so many of these altars were ripped up and removed?
3 comments:
One wonders if, indeed, a Mass is still being said for him.
It is so sad that the iconoclasts after the Council destroyed such patrimony and generosity. How could they do it? There was no Instruction to do so and in fact, "artistic" and "architectural" values were specifically referred to in any Instruction was only for new construction.
This is such a tragedy and I imagine that they won't have an easy time at their Particular Judgement for this travesty and betrayal. So many pennies by the French and Irish who built these edifices and we come along and tell them they were fools because they gave to the Church for this right after their own food and lodging. They didn't take vacations, they gave to the Church.
The tragedy of Holy Name on Danforth Avenue in Toronto is without compare in this city.
Kyrie, eleison.
I agree. It is with deep sadnes that I see some of the wreckovated churches around here.
As far as the benefactor of St Andrew's...Since St Andrew's has printed his story on their website, I would guess that he is remembered still in their masses. it would be mark against them indeed if they knew about his gift and his terms, and ignored them.
tag you're it
http://puffsstuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/meme-what-would-your-patronage-be.html
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