The "Stairway To Heaven" Story

Walking up the stairway to heaven!

It was an ordinary day.  Just knocked on the very last door I could find and was pleasantly greeted by a young woman named Janice.  I stated my plight to her and was told she could give me aide to accomplish the mission for my trip.  All began when I read about the history of one of Lancaster's most beautiful churches in the city and decided to make a visit.  St. Mary's Catholic Church on the corner of Prince and Vine Streets in downtown Lancaster is in the final days of their 275th Anniversary.  The half-block long church has been a spiritual mainstay in the city since 1941.  The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the fourth oldest Catholic Church in the original thirteen colonies.  

The log cabin church of Father Wappeler and Father Schineider.

It was in 1741 that two German Jesuit priests, Father William Wappeler and Father Theodore Schineider, arrived in Lancaster and began Lancaster's first Catholic mission in a log chapel on the same location where the church now stands.  Eighteen years later the chapel was destroyed by arson.  Limestone from nearby fields was gathered by the 100 or so parishioners and a new stone church shortly rose from the ashes on the site of the original log church and the corner stone was laid in 1762.  

The first stone church stands next to the 1852 church.

The congre- gation grew and ninety years later was in need of a larger church to accommo- date the growing parish.  In 1852 the foundation of a wall next to the church, erected next door to the stone church, was laid using stone from the old jail located a block away at the corner of King and Prince Streets.  Two years later the church was consecrated by Bishop John Neumann and Father Bernard Keenan.  Father Keenan was the pastor of St. Mary's from 1823 until 1877 and was a good friend of President James Buchanan as well as Thaddeus Stevens.  

The wall next to the church was built with stones from the
old jail on Prince Street, a block to the north of the church.

Once again, fire struck the church in 1867 with the result being raising the roof from two stories to it's current height.  The original old stone church remained in place until 1881 when it was demolished to make way for the current school and convent which opened three years later.  In the late 1880's pastor Father McCullagh commissioned the creation of the beautiful stained glass windows, marble altars, marble statues of Mary, St. Anne and St. Joseph as well as the relief-sculpltured Stations of the Cross and three altar paintings.  

The wall as it appears today.

Over the years various changes and restorations took place until prepara- tions were finally made for this years celebra- tions by cleaning and restoring the church.  The interior of the church is amazing as Janice ushered me into the church to view the church and take a few photographs.  The stark stillness and silence brought a feeling of spiritual awareness as I focused my camera from the stained glass windows to the choir loft to the beautiful star-covered blue ceiling to the altars.  Amazing experience in a most beautiful place in one of the most historical cities in the United States.  I hope my photos will give you the same spiritual feeling I achieved with my trip today.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The entire St. Mary's Parish with the wall beginning on the right.

Magnificent steeples point toward the Heavens.

This sculpture caught my eye standing next to the main church.  Upon further exploration I found it to be part of an old grave that was being repaired.  

Plaque outside the front door of the church.  Click to enlarge photo to read it.

Inviting doors!

The main Altar of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

The organ chamber and choir loft. Notice the twinkling stars on the ceiling.

One of many beautiful stained glass windows that grace the side walls of the church.

This statuary was carved in Italy.  Mary on the Blessed Virgin Altar was completed in 1889, eight years before it was installed in the church.  

The final of the three altars which stand next to one another in the church. 

A remarkable view from the entrance of the church looking toward the three altars. 

This is the door leading to the Parsonage of the church.  The final door I tried before I was offered aid with my photographic mission.

The "Faces Of Strangers: #46" Story

Teresa

Foreword:  This story was written in October and stored in my queue until I discovered it recently.  Some of he written material will make more sense if you know this fact before reading.

It was an ordinary day.  Standing next to my wife on perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world, according to a myriad of travel magazines, having our photograph taken by a woman we had met twenty odd minutes ago.  Interesting woman with a fabulous accent who had to stop her conversation from time to time to think of the word she wanted to use, but was at a loss for it in English.  Teresa was visiting Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales as were my wife and I.  Carol and I were scavenging for sea shells when we noticed this woman struggling to get around the rock formation that was on the beach a short distance away.  I walked toward her, but she had navigated the rocks and headed our way.  Teresa was from the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil and visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first time with her sister.  I questioned her accent and was told she spoke Portuguese, not Spanish as most people believe is spoken in Brazil. Teresa had a niece who lived in New York and made a few trips to the States in the past.  Enjoyed our homeland and said that the people she knows all look at the USA as the cornerstone of the world's society.  As we talked I noticed she stopped from time to time to search for just the right word she wanted to use in her sentences.  I told her I wished I was able to speak in other languages, but never felt it necessary to do so.  The three of us wandered into the crystal clear turquoise water to cool as we talked.  We shared our thoughts about the island we were visiting and then the conversation shifted to Brazil and the past Olympics.  She expressed her dismay as to the amount of money spent by her country, since so many people live in the extremely poor favelas that dot the landscape near the Olympic venue.  

Carol and I on Grace Bay Beach

Carol asked her what she though of our ongoing elections in the States and she said everyone in Brazil loved President Obama and can't believe that Mr. Trump could possibly be elected President of a country such as the United States.  She and my wife went on and on about politics as I exited the water to retrieve my camera which I had placed in a safe place before entering the water.  As the girls exited the water I asked Teresa if I could snap a photo of her and she obliged.  Then I asked her if she would take one of Carol and I on this beautiful beach and she readily reached for my camera.  I knew instantly she was familar with cameras as she took a few photos, both horizonal and vertical. We thanked her for the conversation and the photos and she departed down the beach as Carol and I continued our search for the elusive perfect beach shell.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "Thru Snow, Sleet And Freezing Rain Came …… Hallelujah!" Story

2015 Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob.

It was an ordinary day.  Snowed a few hours last night with freezing rain coating the snow.  Awoke this morning to a real mess!  Carol asked if I was was still going.  "You bet, wouldn't miss it.  I have waited too long and may never get another chance."  So I trudged downstairs to grab a bite to eat and feed the cat.  When I returned upstairs to get dressed, Carol was almost ready to do.  

I didn't have the oratorio memorized
so I had to print myself a copy.

"I thought you were going to stay home," I said to her.  She replied, "Don't want to miss it.  I'll be ready in a few minutes."  So, half an hour later we put the garage door up and began our journey of crossing one more item off my "Bucket List".  For years I have watched videos and viewed newspaper photos of what is known as a Flash Mob which descended on Lancaster's historic Central Market a week or so before Christmas to participate in the singing of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus for the enjoyment of all the shoppers at market.  This all started six years ago when a fellow by the name of David Gelatt, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, decided that it would be fun to gather as many singers together and perform at market for the benefit of the shoppers at market, thus began the Hallelujah Flash mob.

Lancaster's Central Market on a bad weather day.  Wasn't more than
 twenty minutes later that the Flash Mob brought the place to life.

I had hoped to get a chance to participate as a singer for years, but it always fell on a date when I had other obligations.  This year I decided singing was my main objective and obligation and called a friend from the past, Sam, who I had seen singing in photos from past years, and asked the date of the Flash Mob.  Not long before I got an email with the time of the two rehearsals for the 6th Annual Flash Mob.  

My wife caught me at just the right moment.  

The first rehearsal had about two dozen of us, some with music and some who had the famous oratorio memorized, gather and go through each part and then sang as a group twice, the last being acapella or without any accompaniment.  I had the best time reliving my years long ago when I sang in the church choir  next to my dad and we did the entire Handel's Messiah.  

Final note brought everyone's hands in the air in celebration.
This photo Carol took at Building Character.

The highlight of the Messiah was always the Hallelujah Chorus.  The final rehearsal had about 30 in attendance and I once again totally enjoyed myself.  Did get to meet a few new people as well as see a few others friends from my past.  Well, Saturday morning arrived with snow, sleet and freezing rain.  We were told last night at rehearsal that we would do better than the postal carriers and show up no matter what.  

Yours truly in the background behind the decorated tree.

My lovely wife, who had agreed to come along for encourage- ment as well as to snap a few photos, didn't complain at any time about the weather. After arriving I helped Carol find a place to take a few photos and then began to mingle with the other participants.  At 8:55 AM I pulled out my Santa Hat and five minutes later the first note sounded over the markets intercom. And, for the next couple of minutes the market was filled with the sound of the Hallelujah Chorus.  After we completed our mission, many in the market house, as well as some in the Flash Mob, had tears of joy in their eyes.  I must admit I certainly did!  The experiences at market and the second venue, known as Building Character, were tremendous and well worth getting up and heading out into the bad weather.  Finally had the chance to cross this experience off my Bucket List, but do hope to have another go at it next year.  My only regret was that my dad wasn't standing next to me as we sang, but then again, maybe he was.  Life can be fabulous, at times! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

David (left) and friend Mark hold a piece of slate.  This piece of slate will be part of the new roof for Central Market during repairs to the old roof.  Everyone who sang had the chance to contribute to the building renovation by giving a donation and in turn signing their name on the slate.  Perhaps another 100 years from now our names will be found when another new roof may be needed.

Displaying the slate outside Central Market after we had sung.

Names as they appeared on the slate.  Really neat idea and a great way to raise funds for the new roof.

The 2016 Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob.

The "Boss" David directing the Flash Mob.  Thanks to you for my great time!!

The "Gallery Row: Part II - Liz Hess Gallery" Story

The Liz Hess Gallery at 140 North Prince Street in Lancaster, PA.

It was an ordinary day.  Standing outside the Liz Hess Gallery looking at the painting titled "King of Kings" which is on display at the gallery.  As I'm looking at the remarkable painting I finally noticed it; Liz's signature red umbrella!  There to the far right is the red umbrella being held by a visitor to the manger.  Walked into the gallery and immediately found the original painting that sits on display, waiting for a new owner.

"King of Kings" can belong to you for the highest bid.
Click on the print to view larger size.

"King of Kings" was commissioned by Global Disciples to be created as a Christmas card to be sent to the organiza- tin's contri- butors, staff and clients.  The painting depicts the Nativity scene with royalty from different cultures and religions bowing before the manger.  If you were from a different faith other than Christianity, you would instantly realize something special was happening in her acrylic painting of the manger.  The lion and lamb surround the manger with a celestial star directly above them.  All bowing to the Christ child are kings, queens, princes, priests and a pope while in the background is a servant holding Liz's traditional red umbrella.  People from all religions are meant to be in attendance at this special birth even though Liz didn't mean to offend anyone's religion.  It just all fits together!  

Small prints and cards are for sale which feature "King of Kings".

The traditional Christian creche is missing, but as I said, it just all seems right!  In early November the painting was finished and put on display.  You can visit it at 140 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, PA.  The gallery sits along Gallery Row in the prestigious 100 block of N. Prince.  Liz sells prints and cards of the painting with 50% of all sales going to support Global Diciples.  

A small 3-D box hangs on the wall of the gallery showing
many of Liz's paintings.  This box was made for Liz by
one of her good friends.

The 30 by 40 inch original, which hangs in the gallery, and which I had the chance to view, can be seen online at www.lizhess.com where you can click on "originals" to view the painting.  Liz has the original up for bid with a minimum price tag of $5,500.  The winning amount will be donated to Global Disciples.  The bidding for the painting will end at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.  

One of many of Liz's works that feature her signature red
umbrella.  Check out her website to see more samples.

To place a bid you can call the gallery at (717) 390-7222 or toll free at (866) 752-1121.  The photo I have included in this story was from her website and doesn't give you the same feeling as standing next to the original, viewing it in person.  Just remarkable is all I can say!!  In an interview for the local newspaper, Liz stated that "There have only been two or three times in my life as an artist where I have felt the divine burst of energy as I paint and this would be one."  I apologize for not viewing it earlier in the Christmas season and giving my readers a chance to view it and possible bid on it.  Remember, you have until next Wednesday to submit a bid (of $5,500 or more) if you care to be the owner of this painting.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "Gallery Row: Part I - The Exhbitors" Story

My altered Polaroid print featuring PCA&D.

It was an ordinary day.  Parked my car in front of Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) on North Prince Street in the heart of downtown Lancaster, PA and headed south on Prince St. to visit a few of the fabulous art galleries located on what is known as Gallery Row, the 100 block of North Prince Street.  Lancaster celebrates First Friday once a month and Gallery Row is one of the prime locations for many of those who visit downtown on First Friday.  

Wall across from PCA&D telling visitors
the location of Gallery Row in Lancaster.

The city is a nationally recognized art center with PCA&D anchoring the thriving and eclectic art district.  Historic shops, art galleries, small eateries and many restored homes line the 100 block of N. Prince where the largest concentration of galleries reside in the city.  PCA&D features a Main Gallery which has not only student art, but regionally and nationally known artists and designers.  As I walked south, I did some window shopping at galleries known as as Mio Studio, City Folk Gallery, Freiman Stoltzfus, Liz Hess Gallery, Red Raven, Artisans Gallery and Christine David Fine Art Gallery.  Most offered samples in their windows of what you may find in their gallery.  A brief description of a few will follow while tomorrow I will concentrate on the Liz Hess Gallery and the magnificent painting that she is offering at silent auction with the proceeds supporting Global Disciples.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

A changeable billboard gives information about special events and artists in the many galleries along Gallery Row.

Mio Studio is to the far north end of Gallery Row, across from PCA&D.  They carry a selection of handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry and fine art.  Featured jewelry artists are Mayra Orma Muniz and Erica Millner who bring the art of San Juan Puerto Rico to the shop on Gallery Row.  

Farther south on Prince St. is City Folk Gallery which represents highly respected regional and national artists working in a variety of media.  Imaginative sculpture and decorative objects for the home share space with French and American antiques in this gallery.

Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery features work of an artist who is a native of Lancaster, PA.  Mr. Freiman was born into an Amish-Mennonite family and developed a love of travel and adventure.  He studied at the National Academy as well as Art Students League, both in New York City.  His work reflects his Amish heritage with originals, printed works, stationery, signed books and Christmas ornaments during Christmas season.   

The Red Raven offers a diverse array of artistic styles with work of local and regional artists, including Luigi Rist and CX Carlson.

Artisans Gallery is tucked along the side of another gallery and features regional and international artists working in a variety of media, including photography, oil, watercolor, jewelry and sculpture.

At the far end south end of Gallery Row stands Christiane David Gallery.  Christiane is a Belgium born artist who features an eclectic array of watercolors, acrylic and oil paintings.  Color is everywhere in her work.  Christiane received the 2006 Empire Who's Who Registry of Executives and Professionals in art. 

The "Reliving The Good Years One More Time" Story

Plaque displayed in a showcase near the Manheim
Township High School gymnasium which featured
photos of members of the Class of 2009 Hall of Fame.
The 1972 Rifle Team is featured on the plaque.

It was an ordinary day.  Just finished running a couple of cases of #10 envelopes and a case of 28 lb. paper through the AB Dick printing press in the high school print shop for the Manheim Township School District Office.  After cleaning the press, and myself, I thought I would head to the high school athletic office to ask the secretary for a list I needed to help identify the students from the Manheim Township Middle School who were on athletic teams that I planned to place their photo in the Middle School Yearbook.  Just before I entered the gymnasium I saw the showcase that displayed photos of individuals and teams who had been inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame (HOF) at the high school.  

State Championship banners displayed
on the wall of the gymnasium.

Yep, there was a photo of the members of the 1972 High School Rifle team that had won the 1972 State Championship and had been picked for entry into the HOF in 2009.  Only eight of the dozen or so members were able to attend the HOF football game ceremony.  Some had moved from the area during the past 37 years as well as one member had died.  We all had a great time that evening and our photo is displayed in the showcase outside the gymnasium.  I managed to snap a photo with my phone and headed once again toward the office.  On the upper level of the gymnasium are a series of showcases that display all the trophies won since the school district began.  I found the case that contained the rifle trophies and after attempting to take another photo, knew I needed to have it open due to reflection from the glass.  

Trophy case displaying trophies won
by the high school rifle team.

Then I turned and looked at the large banners on the gym walls that listed all individuals and teams that have won State Championships.  There, on one wall were the three banners; one for the 1972 Rifle Team and two for the 2011 and 2012 Golf Teams.  Pretty neat to know I was responsible for one of those banners.  I found my way to the athletic office, got my information I needed and asked if someone could open the display case for me to take a photo of the trophies.  Earliest one was from 1937-38, two years after Manheim Township entered a team in the county rifle league.  There on the bottom shelf was the 1972 team Lancaster County League trophy as well as a District trophy and State trophy.  Sitting in front of them was a plaque that was awarded to the 1972 team as Lancaster Newspapers Team of the Year.  I still get chills when I think back to the five years I coached the rifle team and how we won the state title.  Not bad coaching job for someone who had fired a real gun probably half a dozen times in his entire life.  I'll tell you, I never tire of reliving the happy times in my life and those five years were some of the best!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

Lancaster Newspaper awarded the rifle team the Team of the Year award.

The "As Times Goes By" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Searching through file after file of photos I have accumulated of the city of Lancaster, PA since I began writing my blog in 2009.  I have used many photos to illustrate my stories of historical buildings and historical events over the years, but from time to time come across additional photos of places I have already written about and rather than discard them, I put them in a file on my desktop.  Happened to open the file the other night and had the best time looking at all the photos I have collected and never used.  So ... today's story features some of these photographs that otherwise would have been discarded.  If you have not been a reader for years, you may appreciate some of the following.  A very brief description accompanies each photo.  If you care to read about the building or event that the photo illustrates, type the name of the photo into the small white bar at the top left of my blog when you first open it.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Please click on photos to enlarge them.

Penn Square in Lancaster, PA sometime in the early 1870s.  Notice the absence of motorized vehicles.  The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was not constructed in the center of the square until 1874 and therefore cannot be seen in this photograph.

Lancaster's first U.S. Post Office built in 1789 on North Duke Street.

Wheatland, home of Lancaster's United States President James Buchanan was built in the early 1830s.

Lancaster County's first Courthouse which was built in the 1850s.

This is Fulton Hall which later was renamed Fulton Theatre.  It is in downtown Lancaster and still hosts stage shows and concerts.  Was built in the 1850s.

Lancaster's downtown Train Station.  It was built in the 1860's. It is no longer in this location, having been moved the north of the city.

The Stevens House built in the 1880's was one of Lancaster's first rooming houses.

This is City Hall which was built in the 1890s and served as our Nation's Capitol at one time.

The YWCA located at the corner of North Lime and East Orange Streets and was built in the early 1900s.

This F.W. Woolworth Department Store is flying many Red Cross Flags.  The building was Woolworth's first department store and was built between 1914 and 1918.  Not sure about the reason for the flags, but could be during WWI.

This event is taking place on the steps of the Lancaster County Courthouse on November 11, 1918 to celebrate the Armistice.

This photograph dated 1925 displays Lancaster's Police Department standing on the same steps as the previous photograph. Additions had been added to either side of the courthouse before this photo was taken.

This photo, taken recently from perhaps the roof of Lancaster's Convention Center, gives you a good view of Lancaster's first skyscraper, The Griest Building.  In the center foreground is what was once City Hall.  Dead center in the photo can be seen Lancaster's Historical Farmer's Market which is the oldest Farmer's Market in the United States.