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Mary Anne | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Immaculate Conception Church tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Immaculate Conception Church

These photos trace the last few days of Immaculate Conception Church in Holyoke, Massachusetts. I hope they have captured some of the sadness I felt at the destruction of this beautiful old structure that was built in the early part of the last century by French-Canadian immigrants.
You can see photos of the church's past glory here: http://www.immaculateconceptionpreservationfund.org/pageFour.html
June 5, 2006
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comment | share
Michelle da Silva Richmond 12-Mar-2017 13:13
I just found these photos and frankly, they break my heart. I attend IC school in 1957 - 59 and I obviously attended this church. I lived down Ely St. and this beautiful church was right at the end of it.
Apparently my great-great-grandfather from Quebec helped design it. He must be spinning in his grave.
Guest 08-Jul-2008 20:28
I too am very sad to see this incredibly heart wrenching destruction of something so beautiful and memorable. I attended both the immaculate conception school and this church between 1962 and 1968 until our family left to go to Canada. I have since moved to New York with my family, where I live and work, and I was feeling nostalgic and stumbled upon this site looking for information on the church and school, and was surprised to see its demise. I do appreciate that you took the time to post these wonderful photos, they really capture the essence of the church. If there are any former classmates out there, My name is Terri McCrary - terrimccrary@yahoo.com
Guest 22-Mar-2008 17:22
I moved from the area mor than 30 years ago, but will be in South Hadley on Easter Sunday. I searched out Immaculate Conception online, thinking I could go to Easter Mass at this beautiful church. I am sorry to learn that it no longer stands; why can't we save such a beautiful and holy place? Thank you for the photos. God bless.
Guest 22-Jan-2008 22:27
It is so sad to see such a beautiful work of art disappear under the weight of the wrecking ball. I moved away from the area many years ago, but visited the church on occasion and had the opportunity to play the grand Casavant organ (I am a trained organist.) What a glorious church it was! I was saddened to see what happened to this treasure. I happened to come across this website by accident. With the destruction of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (and its beautiful organ)a few years ago by fire, Holyoke has lost two architectural gems that are on par with anything in major US cities and Europe. It's hard to know from the outside what went into a decision such as this. It's such a difficult situation when a parish in decline is faced with such a daunting task. It does seem, however, that there was quite a bit of support from historical preservation groups. I'm afraid it appears the path of least resistance was chosen. It's certainly not the first time, and unfortunately, not the last.
God bless all of you who so lovingly tried to save your precious church.
borisalex15-Feb-2007 04:42
America is a great country, but it shows the best and the worst, what humans are capable to do. I used to live in the states and now I´m back home in Germany. Believe me nobody would destroy a church here!!!! Yesterday was the 62 anniversary of the bombing of Dresden trough the allies were also churches were destroyed, but we rebuild them!!
Thank you for documenting this gruelsome act.
Greg de Villier 25-Jul-2006 03:58
No one will ever know the time and effort that was dedicated in the hope of preserving and rescuing the Magnificent Immaculate Conception Church from the ignorant,narrow minded,pompous attitudes of the present "bishop" and his constituents that make up the ruling power in the diocese of Springfield,MA. What we, the people that make up the diocese, that paid for her construction so many years ago, have lost is something irreplacable, for our children, and generations yet to come! We have lost part of our heritage! My finacial support for the diocese of Springfield has ended!
Guest 02-Jul-2006 18:26
How very sad. I used to travel by this glorious church often. I would've never imagined it was too badly damaged for repair. Pity on the church for not saving this historical landmark.

http://www.immaculateconceptionpreservationfund.org/

Ozzie
alexeig17-Jun-2006 06:22
This is very sad indeed. Why was it destroyed? A thought provoking and very well shot gallery. Voted,
Ann O'Leary 14-Jun-2006 21:33
Mary Anne or Maryanne, What a wonderful thing you have done taking these picture. It is sad to see as you said but we can keep these photos for posterity thanks to you. I have passed them on to family and friends. Ann
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