Maryland Historical Trust Inventory No. Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties Form

1. Name of Property (indicate preferred name)

historic St. Casimir Church

other

2. Location

street and number 2736 O'Donnell Street not for publication city, town Baltimore (City), Maryland 21224 vicinity county

3. Owner of Property (give names and mailing addresses of all owners) name Archbishop of Baltimore street and number 6601 Frederick Road telephone 410-547-5555 city, town Baltimore state MD zip code 21228 4. Location of Legal Description courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Land Records Division liber FMC/6195 folio 1282 city, town Baltimore, Maryland tax map 1 tax parcel tax ID number 01/08/1882/022 5. Primary Location of Additional Data Contributing Resource in National Register District X Contributing Resource in Local Historic District Determined Eligible for the National Register/Maryland Register Determined Ineligible for the National Register/Maryland Register Recorded by HABS/HAER Historic Structure Report or Research Report at MHT X Other: Attached data to support information on MIHP form and for record purposes only 6. Classification

Category Ownership Current Function Resource Count district public agriculture landscape Contributing Noncontributing building(s) X private commerce/trade X recreation/culture buildings X structure both defense X religion sites site domestic X social X structures object education transportation objects funerary work in progress Total government unknown health care vacant/not in use Number of Contributing Resources industry other: previously listed in the Inventory 1

7. Description Inventory No.

Condition

excellent deteriorated X good ruins fair altered

Prepare both a one paragraph summary and a comprehensive description of the resource and its various elements as it exists today.

St. Casimir Church is a unique structure, and has much to offer as far as architectural elements, unique roofing structure, and a rich cultural history, dating back to its original structure of 1902. St. Casimir Church, as it stands today, was built between 1925 and 1926. The Church occupies a large lot, bordering on O'Donnell Street and Kenwood Avenue, in the Canton community of Baltimore City. The Church measures 225 by 75 feet, with a seating capacity of 1400. The Church's design is of the early 15th Century neo- Renaissance style, fireproof, composed of iron and brick on the interior, and the exterior is composed of Indiana limestone. The façade is 80 feet from base to gable. Also novel for its day was the heating system, as radiators cannot be located. Grills were built to conceal the agencies of heating. The austerity of the Church's lines and its fidelity to tradition is an admirable example of the basilica so characteristic of the early days of the Christian Church, as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Church has served as an anchor in the historic renewal of the Canton community for 105 years. After its construction in 1926, the Church remained for a long time one of the largest in the eastern . In 2002, it celebrated its 100th anniversary as a thriving parish with great festivities and social celebration. St. Casimir continues to thrive, with a long, prosperous cultural heritage, and has approximately 1,000 parishioners.

St. Casimir Church, as it stands today, was built between 1925 and 1926, and was built to address the expanding Polish Catholic immigrants that were coming to America at the turn of the century. The original St. Casimir Church was a simple two-story structure, made of red brick and served as the Church and school building. The original Church is used today as a parish social center, and was completed in 1902.

In 1924, the Church's fifth Pastor, Father Benedict Przemielewski O.F.M. Conv. S.T.D. ("Father Benedict") called on the local architects of Lamdin, Palmer and Willis to draw up plans for a new church. The church was designed by Edward Palmer, a noted Baltimore architect, who, along with his firm, also built other religious institutions in the area. Also instrumental in the design was Father Benedict, who was influenced by his studies in the arts, architecture and sculpture in Italy. Father Benedict oversaw the complete design and furnishings of the Church. The Church was awarded a prize medal, by the Artistic and Architectural Societies, as the best architectural monument built "to make Baltimore a more beautiful city" in 1926. A display commemorating the designation can be found in the vestibule.

Some important architectural features of the Church are as follows:

• Twin Bell Towers: The twin bell towers, with their gleaming gold domes, contain 23.5 karat gold gilding, are 110 feet tall, and contain niches with nine-foot statues of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua that crown the Indiana limestone exterior. Each statue is nine feet high and weighs three tons. The statues were donated by the Women's Parish Guilds, and were sculptured by Hans Schuler. Schuler was born in Germany, and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art's Rinehart School of Sculpture, in Baltimore, Maryland. Schuler was eminent among sculptors of his generation in Baltimore. Upon entering the Church, these beautifully sculptured statues give the impression that they are located in a transept that extends farther than it does in reality.

• Lighting: Father Benedict selected the original lighting fixtures that maintained harmony with the Church. The fixtures were adorned with figures of angels – Bernini-like angels, with the interior of the fixtures to simulate ropes, being fashioned to represent the cord of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order, of which Father Benedict is a member. The selective lighting displayed Father Benedict's study of various models, and control in the entire design of the Church, down to the minutest detail. The original lighting system has been updated to provide improved lighting.

• Stained Glass Windows: The windows were constructed with 14 large steel sash with leaded glass. Their rich amber glass, in the center of which are to be in relief darker figures of various had to be the pure Renaissance of the period, and not suggestive of Gothic. The windows tell the story of the spiritual triumph of Poland's sons and daughters.

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• Murals: Father James Cholewka, who succeeded Father Benedict in 1939, decided to decorate the interior of the Church with characteristically significant murals. Three different artists contributed their talents in this endeavor: Anton Albens of Philadelphia produced the murals above the sanctuary, George Nowikoff of Baltimore is responsible for the panels above the pews, and an unknown Italian artist produced the choir murals. One of the murals on the choir represents St. Cecilia and the angels, copied from paintings by the great master Michelangelo. The mural panels on the right side of the Church depict the growth of the in America, and those on the left indicate the development of Catholicism in Poland. The central plafond (ceiling mural) represents "The Triumph of the Saints of the Franciscan Order." It is a copy of the II Bacicco's masterpiece found in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles, in Rome, Italy, the headquarters of the Conventual Franciscans. The work was done by George Nowikoff of Baltimore, Maryland and his students. The murals were cleaned in 1985 with Fr. Ferdinand Cisek as pastor.

• Roofing Structure: The Church, as large as it is, has no obstructing columns or pillars in its interior. Each of the 1400 seats has a full view of the Church. The roof structure is a series of fabricated steel trusses, which permit a clear span without columns, which would have been desirable for a large congregation. The exterior Indiana limestone provides the stability without the need for supporting columns.

• Wood-Carved Furniture: The Church contains magnificent wood-carved furniture and wood trimmings throughout, including walnut doors. The sedilia, or presider's bench, has the Franciscan coat of arms on the headrest, and stylized figures of the evangelists as armrests and shoulders. The pre-dieus have the same Franciscan coat of arms, flanked by Franciscan saints: Saints Francis and Bonaventure on one, Saints Clare and Elizabeth of Hungary on the other.

• Donatello Altar: The main altar is the only true reproduction in the world of the original altar in the Basilica of Anthony in Padua, Italy. The original was an 1895 creation gathering a series of bronzes by the 15th century Florentine artist Donatello. The altar was erected in St. Casimir's Church in August, 1939. The altar is constructed of black, gold and yellow imported Tuscan marble (black and gold, Tarni and yellow Luman from Italy, and Vitrolelis from France). The frontal itself is composed of children singing and playing music. In the center is the Pieta flanked by two crying angels. The retable has two miracle reliefs of Saint Anthony and between on the tabernacle door, a Sorrowing Christ surrounded by crying angels. Above the retable is the Madonna with Saint Francis and Saint Anthony on either side; and the crucifix surmounts the whole composition. The Madonna and Child occupy the central position. There is a Byzantine element in this liturgical Madonna. The altar is a flashback to approximately 550 years, to the time of Donatello, the famous sculptor, who was born in approximately 1386 and died in 1466.

Donatello is perceived as the greatest sculptor of the early Renaissance, before Michelangelo. The parishioners had solicited a unique piece of artwork for their altar, and contributed their own money to purchase the altar. In 1937, Father Benedict placed an order with the Giuseppe Tomasi Studios, who then had offices in New York City and Pietra-Santa, Italy. The altar was shipped from Italy to New York City, and then transported to Baltimore in large trucks. Mr. Tomasi directed the work from New York, having a special code of directions, In Florence, Italy, the work was supervised by Mr. Tomasi's mother, which was a family tradition through the ages. The marbles were quarried in two-ton blocks. The altar is composed of fifteen tons of marble, practically all in the form of solid block. Each of the bronze statues which rest upon the altar weighs approximately 400 pounds. Never before have the sculptures been reproduced in Donaltellian bronze. The cross and life-size body of Christ weighs approximately 800 pounds. It is perfectly balanced and fastened to the throne of the Madonna and Child. Inset in the altar are two modern bas-reliefs: that of the Conventual Franciscans on the right, and of Archbishop Curley of Baltimore on the left. The statue of St. Casimir is also modern motif. The altar has served to attract sculptors, artists, and architects from all parts of the country to see this unique art work. Baltimore City can pride itself in possessing the only exact replica of the original, with all its beautiful carved marbles, mosaics and the reproduction in actual size, of Donatello's superb bronzes.

The Church, and its surrounding buildings, are in very good condition. Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Inventory No. Historic Properties Form

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8. Significance Inventory No. Period Areas of Significance Check and justify below

1600-1699 agriculture economics health/medicine performing arts 1700-1799 archeology education industry philosophy 1800-1899 X architecture X engineering invention politics/government X 1900-1999 X art entertainment/ landscape architecture X religion 2000- commerce recreation law science communications X ethnic heritage literature X social history community planning exploration/ maritime history transportation conservation settlement military other:

Specific dates Architect/Builder Lamdin, Palmer and Willis

Construction dates 1926

Evaluation for:

National Register Maryland Register X not evaluated

Prepare a one-paragraph summary statement of significance addressing applicable criteria, followed by a narrative discussion of the history of the resource and its context. (For compliance projects, complete evaluation on a DOE Form – see manual.)

St. Casimir Church, as it stands today, was built between 1925 and 1926, and is named after St. Casimir, a Polish saint who lived from 1458-1483. The original St. Casimir Church was erected in 1902, and still serves as a parish social center. The Church measures 225 by 75 feet, with a seating capacity of 1400. The design is a masterpiece of early 15th Century neo-Renaissance style, fireproof, composed of iron and brick on the interior, and the exterior is composed of Indiana limestone. (See: University of Baltimore, Special Collections, Langsdale Library, Tube No. 756, for plans and blueprints of architects. See: University of Baltimore, Special Collections, Langsdale Library, Architects: Lamdin, Palmer and Willis, St. Casimer's Church for information regarding contractors and details of construction). The façade is 80 feet from base to gable. Also novel was the heating system, as radiators cannot be located. Grills were built to conceal the agencies of heating. The Church is architecturally significant as a fine and highly intact example of an early twentieth century structure. Instrumental in the design was Pastor Benedict, who was influenced by his studies in the arts, architecture and sculpture in Italy. Father Benedict oversaw the complete design and furnishings of the Church. The Church was awarded a prize medal, by the Artistic and Architectural Societies, as the best architectural monument built "to make Baltimore a more beautiful city" in 1926. A display commemorating the designation can be found in the vestibule. Its historic integrity is enhanced by the retention of all of the original buildings, including the original Church built in 1902. The U.S. Postal Service created a St. Casimir stamp to commemorate the faith community's 100th anniversary. The Church's history, architectural elements, unique roofing structure, and cultural significance reflect that it is an asset to the Canton community; Baltimore, Maryland; and the entire nation. There is no church in the Unites States that can offer the unique collective resources that St. Casimir has to offer: a reproduction of a Donatello altar, fabricated steel trusses in the roof that permit a clear span without columns for a large church, novel twin bell towers with nine-foot statues sculptured by Hans Schuler, stained glass windows and murals that tell stories of history, and a recipient of an architectural award for making Baltimore a more beautiful city. The Church was also one of the largest in the eastern United States for sometime after its construction in 1926. The Church is the anchor of the Canton Historic District.

St. Casimir Church, and all of its surrounding buildings, are in very good condition, and retain a high level of historic integrity. The murals were cleaned in 1985. Renovations made between 2001 – 2002 (in time for the Church's 100th anniversary in 2002), amounted to nearly $400,000 and included repairs to the roof, replacement of snow guards, masonry repairs, and nearly a mile of pointing, which replaced the mortar that held together the stone. The domes were sandblasted and reapplied a thin layer of 23.5-carat gold, and a permanent ramp was installed for handicapped accessibility. The bells were repaired to currently ring after more than 20 muted years.

History and Cultural Significance

In 1868, small groups of Polish immigrants sought refuge in Baltimore and arrived at the Broadway pier in Fells Point. Some of these Poles and their offspring were to be future parishioners of St. Casimir's. By 1870, a community of Poles had already formed in the Fells Point section of Baltimore. These Poles, predominantly Roman Catholic, sought to build a church of their own. As Mary Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Inventory No. Historic Properties Form

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Nowak, author of "The Polish Parish," writes in her paper: "The need for raising money for a Polish Catholic Church was the first step in establishing a Polish community. Religion played a dominant role in the life of the Pole. Back in Poland, religious persecution existed as churches were closed, clergy executed, and property was confiscated. Along with the search for freedom, the immigrant in America was in need of religious connections. Not being able to speak English and not familiar with American customs made it hard for the foreigner to adjust to the new kind of life. As a result, the immigrant looked upon the clergy, who was usually more educated and more assimilated into the American culture."

As more Poles arrived, the Polish community began to expand into a section of Baltimore called "Canton." It was realized that a distinct unit could now be established which would serve the expanding community. Reverend Thomas Morys, the pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka in Fells Point, purchased from the "Canton Company" a tract of land sixty feet wide and three hundred and thirty feet long located in the center of O'Donnell Street, between Kenwood and Lakewood Avenues. Soon after, a combination, two-story structure, made of red brick became the original St. Casimir's Church and school building. In 1902, Saint Casimir was a mission parish under the jurisdiction of Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church. By 1904, the mission parish of Saint Casimir was financially stable and was canonically declared a parish. The parish began to grow as more and more Poles arrived in Baltimore, and settled in the Canton area. Some of these Poles, if they had no existing family members or friends in America, suffered separation anxiety from their homeland and insecurity. The church was the place where families were joined together. It was the church that gave character and distinction to the neighborhood. The Poles built their own church, and it replaced a little of the county they left behind. "As one historian observed, the centrality of the church in the lives of the Poles was demonstrated by the erection of elaborate and often expensive structures by immigrants who earned relatively low wages."1 His Eminence, James Cardinal Gibbons, having no priests of the Polish extraction in the diocese, decided to entrust the St. Casimir Parish to the Polish Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual from Buffalo, New York. Thus, the Franciscan heritage was born to St. Casimir's Church. Formal acceptance took place in June 1906.

Father Benedict, the Church's fifth pastor, began his administration in September 1920. From the onset of his pastoral duties, Father Benedict was constantly encouraged by his parishioners to build a new and larger church. The school enrollment had increased to great proportions so that it was impossible to accommodate the children in the seven classrooms. There was also need of better living quarters for the Sisters. Father Benedict purchased four private homes on the northeast corner of O'Donnell Street and Kenwood Avenue to serve as the school. The homes were reconstructed into one large building consisting of six classrooms, three on the first floor, and three on the second.

After the completion of the school, consideration was then given to the Sisters' Convent. Two private homes were purchased, remodeled and an addition built, making a comfortable convent. With the school and the convent buildings taken care of, Father Benedict began to consider seriously building a new church, which would be the current St. Casimir's. A committee was formed of parishioners to collect pledges, lower the parish debt, and start a fund for the building of the new church. All of the Church's unique resources are a credit to the parishioners, who requested and contributed for over one hundred years to make this Church a thriving institution. Culturally, the Church has always served as a central place to congregate, pray, and socialize; and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2002. The Church serves as an historic centerpiece in the Canton community of Baltimore City.

9. Major Bibliographical References Inventory No.

(1) http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/ (MD Dept. of Assessments & Taxation – Real Property Data Search), 11/20/2007 (2) Enoch Pratt Library, The Maryland Room, Churches, Baltimore, Saint Casimir's Church (3) http://www.stcasimir.org/history.htm, 10/3/2007 (4) The Baltimore Sun (copies of newspaper articles), Enoch Pratt Library, The Maryland Room, Churches, Baltimore, St. Casimir's, Maryland Special Vertical File (5) Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, http://sanborn.umi.com/sanborn/image/fetchimage?state=md&reelid=reel05&lcid=3573&i, 10/6/2007 (6) http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=108:3:10236567779800301765::NO::P3_FID:1709475, 10/31/2007 (7) http://www.marylandartsource.org/artists/detail_000000175.html, 11/13/2007 (8) Nowak, Mary; The Polish Parish, Enoch Pratt Library, Cathedral and Mulberry Sts., Baltimore, MD, The Maryland Room, Maryland Vertical File: "Poles in Baltimore"

(9) University of Baltimore, Special Collections, Langsdale Library, Archives of Maryland Polonia, Series XXXII. Religion, A. Churches & Congregations, Box 2, St. Casimir, Folder Nos.: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and Architects: St. Casimer's Church, Tube No. 756 for plans and blueprints of architects: Lamdin, Palmer & Willis (10) Hollowak, Thomas L. 1996, revised 2002. A Brief History of Baltimore's Polonia. Baltimore: Historyk Press.

Footnote 1: Hollowak, Thomas L. 1996, revised 2002. A Brief History of Baltimore's Polonia. Baltimore: Historyk Press, Sources 6. John Bodnar, Roger Simon, and Micahel P. Weber, Lives of Their Own: Blacks, Italians, and Poles in Pittsburgh, 1900-1960, (Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1982), p. 75.

10. Geographical Data Acreage of surveyed property Acreage of historical setting 0.271 Acres Quadrangle name Saint Casimirs Roman Catholic Church, USGS Baltimore East (MD) Quadrangle scale USGS 7.5 minute series

Verbal boundary description and justification St. Casimir Church premises address:

2736 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD 21224

Legal Description: 0.271 Acres Map 1, Section 8, Block 1882, Lot 22

11. Form Prepared by name/title Christine Rentz

organization date 12/10/2007 street & number 4118 Ardley Avenue telephone (Bus.) 410-338-9501 (Home) 410-325-3112

city or town Baltimore state Maryland 21213-2108 Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Inventory No. Historic Properties Form

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The Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 supplement.

The survey and inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constitute any infringement of individual property rights.

return to: Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Department of Planning 100 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032-2023 410-514-7600

Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Inventory No. Historic Properties Form

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