Tour of the Church
Exterior Architecture
The architecture of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is English Perpendicular Gothic or Lancastrian Gothic. The nave includes a side chapel typical of many historical Gothic churches. The church is constructed of Indiana limestone, which is rough sawn. The main facade faces West Walnut Street with a prominent rose window and two pylon sculptures near the roof line. On the right is St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and on the left is St. John Eudes. These saints initiated devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Heart of Mary.
Below the main door are carvings symbolizing the four evangelists. On either side of the door are symbols which represent the life and resurrection of Christ. The door itself, which was installed during recent renovations, contains images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both are encircled by a large heart.
Main Altar
The altar of sacrifice is in the middle of the sanctuary, placed there after recent renovations. On this altar, made of oak, is a grape and vine motif, symbolizing the Eucharistic sacrifice. Immediately behind the altar of sacrifice is the tabernacle altar, over which is a four-column canopy (or baldachin). Behind this altar is a huge mural, the central focus of which is a figure of Christ. Rays shining forth from Christ indicate his divinity. Below Christ are saints, including doctors of the church, who are important to our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The bottom area of the mural reveals a mass of human figures; these figures indicate the race of man.
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Crucifix |
Main Altar Mural |
Stained Glass
The upper stained glass windows were designed by Helen Carew, a native of Pennsylvania now residing in Lancaster. They depict saints who best represent the occupations and professions of the church members.
The side chapel, which is the Mary Chapel, contains windows equally striking but of a different style. Predominately blue, each portrays in the upper portion an event from the life of Mary and in its lower portion apparitions of Mary throughout the world.
Sacred Heart Shrine
Placed at the left side of the church near the priests' sacristy is a life size Italian hand-carved statue of the Sacred Heart. It is surrounded by stained glass windows inscribed with petitions from the Litany to the Sacred Heart.
St. Joseph Altar
Also on the left side of the church is an altar to honor Joseph, the foster father of our Lord, the patron of the universal church, and the patron of workmen.
Above the altar is a statue of Joseph holding the tools of his trade. Paintings on each side of the statue commemorate events in his life.
Our Lady's Chapel
The side chapel to the right honors Mary. This chapel houses the baptismal font and features a late Renaissance-style painting. A triptych woodwork surrounds the picture. Pictured beside Mary on the left is Eve, indicative of the fall of man and the promise of a Redeemer. St. John the Baptist, Precursor of our Lord, is on the right. Interestingly, the artist included scenes from Lancaster County and Pennsylvania, including the old courthouse and the first Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
Other Features
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The Pieta. |
Shrine of St. Theresa of the Little Flower. |
