St Joseph Catholic Church: A blending of old and new
Architectural blending — A long wall connects St. Joseph’s new Monolithic Dome church with the original church, a small, traditional structure that now serves as the Parish Hall. Both the connecting wall and the stemwall of the dome are made of cut face block that looks like brick.
Bells, bells, bells — A white, bell tower topped by a cross extends above the dome. It houses carillon bells computer programmed to chime at certain times.
Straights and curves — The focus of the entire sanctuary is the rectangular altar table that sits on round pillars in the center of a raised, circular platform.
Beloved, familiar items — Two religious statues and four stained glass panels, that were part of St. Joseph’s original church, now adorn the wall in back of the altar at the new church.
Comfortable seating — Curved wooden pews, upholstered with a cushiony soft green fabric, help create an intimate atmosphere while providing ample seating.
Baptismal font — Father Monaghan found a local artisan to design and craft a font whose lines and shape complement that of the dome.
Ceiling — This sparkling white, acoustical, drop-in ceiling is an assembly of rectangular tiles within a circle. Heating and air conditioning equipment sits in the space between the ceiling and the top of the dome.
Arched openings — The connecting wall between the new dome-church and the old church has three arched entrances that open onto the covered patio/walkway.