At the heart of the Old Testament the Biblical authors mention a place which is most sacred to the Lord and His people; it is the gold covering of the Ark of the Covenant. Of this place God said to Moses: “There I will meet with you.” (Ex 25:22)
Since the late 1840’s when a Catholic Church was built at the Irish Settlement, the Catholics of Potter County have gathered together to worship and to encounter the One true God. In 1883 it was decided to erect a church on the land donated by the Keating family. The church was named St.Eulalia in commemoration of a deceased member of the Keating family and in honor of the Saint whose name she bore.
In 1903 a new brown stone edifice was built and an ornate high altar was donated by Mrs. John Shay in memory of her parents, the late John and Catherine Ryan. It is within these sacred walls and before this holy altar that Catholics today come together to worship God and to encounter His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Breaking of the Bread.
In the Eucharist our Blessed Lord makes himself substantially, truly, and really present. This encounter and communion with the Risen Lord is at the heart of our Catholic faith. It is the reason why the first settlers built a Church here in Potter County and it is for this very same reason why St. Eulalia’s Parish is now embarking upon a major restoration of our Church.
“Ad maiorem Dei gloriam”
“To the Greater Glory of God”
Restoration of the Church Structure
Restoration of the high altar involves the repair and replacement of the spindle woodwork and repainting of its gold trim. Additionally, the pulpit will be restyled to be consistent with that of the high altar. Throughout the church, all woodwork including doors and window casings will be stripped and refinished. The pew seats and backs will be replaced while retaining the ends of the pews to maintain the original architectural style. The arc-style sanctuary steps will be reconfigured to create more seating space and to allow for easier navigation. Carpeting throughout the Church will be replaced and cracks in the plaster repaired.
Upgrade of Sound and Lighting Systems
Our current sound system and lighting will be upgraded, and a new, high quality organ purchased. The addition of video cameras as part of the project will allow us to broadcast mass and other church celebrations to the elderly, shut-ins, and others unable to attend these functions in person. Those unable to attend will be able to watch via streaming video on our website.
Decorative Painting and Spiritual Restorations
As the old adage goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Thus, the artists from New Guild Studio in Braddock, Pennsylvania created a decorative paint scheme for the interior of St. Eulalia Church that is full of theological beauty and breathtaking to behold. The Church building represents the faith community that worships there and the Church Universal. It manifests the splendor of the faith and captures the beauty of all things Catholic.
The colors are rich and vibrant, symbolizing our faith, which ought to be rich in good works. Decorative stenciling will grace the walls of the Apse and the arches of the Nave, representing a faith that is alive and active. The decorative paint scheme will include a bright but distinguished red sunburst in the sanctuary complemented by a deep blue hue on the ceiling of the Nave that will be illumined with six hundred gold stars. This contrast between the sanctuary and the body of the church is to portray the great movement of life going from darkness to light, from night to day and from doubt to belief.
The artists sought to convey a theology of hope and renewal. The fiery red design is reminiscent of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles in tongues as of fire and emboldened them. The sunburst orients the mind’s eye upon Christ, the Rising Son, the dawning of the daystar, the second coming of Christ and the triumph and victory that awaits the faithful disciples who persevere in living the Christian faith.
Last, but certainly not least of all, there will be paintings of ten virgin martyrs along the center aisle, including an image of St. Eulalia and the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Queen of Martyrs. The idea of having images of the virgin martyrs in the church will strengthen our awareness of being in communion with the saints as we celebrate Holy Mass. Honoring the virgin martyrs also speaks volumes of the dignity of women and the honor and reverence that is due them.
Additional Upgrades
Additional upgrades will include an update to the heating system, including the removal of the wall registers to widen the side aisles. Ceiling fans will be eliminated with the addition of air conditioning. The back sacristy will be reconfigured into a reconciliation room, and a grotto style Infant of Prague shrine will be constructed along the back wall. A new sign in front of the church will allow for promotion of services and events.
The preliminary estimate for this project is $700,000.