I was browsing various sites for images not yet shared with you on this site. Below is one I particularly liked, showing St. Joseph’s, now burned-down and turned into a park, as seen from East Avenue in downtown Rochester. You can really get a sense as to how grand that church was, as well as how beautiful and prosperous downtown was back then. Anyone that goes to Our Lady of Victory, Blessed Sacrament, Corpus Christi, etc. knows what a daunting prospect it is to launch oneself into the bowels of urban depravity for the sake of Mass. Note that above the street are the wires and guide-lines for the trolleys which once traversed Rochester. They were discontinued in 1936, and the subway followed suit in the late 50’s.

http://www.rochester.lib.ny.us/rochimag/rmsc/scm03/scm03071.jpg

More amazing images of St. Joseph Church from local author, Rich Marcisewski. This set shows workers clearing away the rubble as part of the process of creating the St. Joseph park.

The images below are of St. Joseph Church downtown immediately following the devastating fire which ravaged the interior of the building. These photos come courtesy of Rich Marcisewski:

Continue the trip down memory lane:

Remember to order a copy of Mr. Marcisewski’s book.

More images of the former St. Joseph Church in downtown Rochester, courtesy of Rick Marcisewski:

The fire that destroyed this church lasted from October 17th to 18th of 1974.

The photographs in this post of the former St. Joseph Church come to us courtesy of reader, Rich Marciszewski. Mr. Marciszewski is the author of The Oasis of Grace- A History of Saint Joseph’s Church and Park, Rochester, New York. This 60 page book tells the story of St. Joseph Church, and includes over 100 photographs of this most beautiful Rochester landmark. Be sure to order your copy today. The entire proceeds will go to the Landmark Society with the purpose of preserving St. Joseph’s for years to come. The front exterior of the church building continues to stand to this day, just down the road from Our Lady of Victory. The interior has long been hollowed out after a damaging fire. The memory of this great church lives on, in the images below, and in this book.

Below are the images that Mr. Marciszewski has shared with us. Click on any image to see the full size picture. Enjoy!