You know those old-timey maps of the world, where unknown or unexplored parts were depicted with sea monsters and the like?
That’s how the Project felt when planning this week’s trip to Lansdowne’s St. Philomena.
I had only ever heard passing snippets of information relating to Lansdowne, and, despite residing surprisingly close to the Philadelphia border, it was an area that I really had no knowledge of, to say nothing of actually having been there.
For all I knew, it actually was a place full of sea monsters and other mythical beasties. Here be dragons!
It turns out that Lansdowne is a populated area much like any other. And that its church, St. Philomena, is one of the more respectable suburban churches you’re likely to come across. It’s a fairly nice non-cruciform Italian-Renaissance design. The nave is non-columned , although the sanctuary itself is, oddly, vaulted and columned.
That sanctuary is the highlight here, with very lovely main and side altars, and nice paintwork in the apse. There’s also a nifty baptismal font, respectable stations of the cross, and a fully-functioning organ. Rock on!
Beyond that, though, you get white paint, some plainer patterned stained glass windows, and wooden beams. Not exactly the makings of an all-star church, especially where the wooden beams awkwardly abut the marble vaults near the front of the church. I mean, really?
Yet, it all comes off surprisingly well. And even the wooden beams have barrel-vaults between them, so they’re not nearly as odious as usual.
Not spectacular, but still very good, especially by suburban standards.
Size Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Ornamentation Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Overall Design Rating: 7.5 out of 10 crosses
