Editor’s Note: Beautiful churches sitting vacant and decaying are a dime a dozen in Philly–almost literally. Yet the most exceptional structures still manage to bob to the surface and command our attention. A few years ago Church of the Assumption on Spring Garden Street became the focus of preservationists and the surrounding community. And right now, few buildings are as lovely–and compelling–as the the former St. Bonaventure Catholic church in Fairhill. The building at Ninth and Cambria was erected in 1894, and designed by noted architect Edwin Forrest Durang. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia closed the church in 1993 and sold the building 1997 to a congregation that lacked the resources to care for it. The church has suffered from more than a decade of neglect since then. Scrappers have torn off large chunks of copper flashing on the roof, causing significant water damage, some of the masonry is falling and…we’ll have an expanded story on this vulnerable building in coming days. For now, Chandra Lampreich’s images will do.
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
Photo: Chandra Lampreich
I remember it well many years back when it was in beautiful condition and was beautifully used.
beautiful pictures . such a grand church being eaten away by the elements and urban decay . so sad indeed
Chandra Lampreich has managed to capture her ceiling images and turning them into beautiful abstract pieces of art, even at this stage of the church’s deterioration.
Awesome pics, Chandra! Love your work!!
Great pictures of a truly beautiful church. It would be tragic to see this demolished.
Stunning photography!
Beautiful structure, nice shots. Keep it up.
My memories spending every morning at the 7 AM service as required by our attached catholic grade school. This was my life’s foundation and molded me in many great ways. The loss of impact to other children will be lost forever. How sad.
Fantastic photos.
My Father was an Alter Boy there till he was 21 which was unheard of in his time, he was born in 1914 and lived in the neighborhood till he married my Mother.
PS. Tell Chandra I also am a Antonelli graduate first class of associates degree in photography