Abandoned Jacksonville: Our Lady of the Angels Church

[Metro Jacksonville]

Abandoned Jacksonville: Our Lady of the Angels Church



Constructed in 1915, Lackawanna's Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church represents one of the earliest catholic congregations to be established within the municipal limits of Jacksonville outside of Downtown.  Metro Jacksonville takes a look inside this abandoned church as it transitions into a new use for the surrounding community.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-oct-abandoned-jacksonville-our-lady-of-the-angels-church

[halimeade]

Wow, pardon my language and no pun intended, but that building has been through hell. I had to do a double take to make sure I was still looking at the same property. I hope there is enough of the original facade underneath all those boards to bring the building back to some semblance of its former self.

[Miss Fixit]

Ennis, what was the original material used in construction of the exterior of the church?  Any idea why it was covered with siding?

How are the City and North Riverside CDC funding this project?

[thelakelander]

^I believe that quote dates back to the 1960s.  Also, the small hall was originally the Lackawanna School.  Dating back to the late 1800s, its said to the the oldest remaining one room schoolhouse surviving in Jacksonville.

[thelakelander]

An photo tour and overview of the surrounding neighborhood:

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-jun-north-riverside-tour

[ChriswUfGator]

i'd love to pick up that old set of statute books and the old cigar boxes in exchange for a donation to help the project.

[Ralph W]

Jump in there for a little adverse possession.

[ChriswUfGator]

Jump in there for a little adverse possession.

I know, right, I must be certifiably crazy for not wanting to take what I know isn't mine. After all, I want it, and it's there. According to the AP guys, that's all that's required. 

[Timkin]

There is alot of cool stuff in that old Church... I hope if the siding is taken off, the facade as it once was is still intact.  The Machine in picture #12 is an old Mimeograph Machine,,and it probably would still work.. those were very commonly used in Churches and Schools to make very inexpensive copies, and I worked on many of them....  Its a shame ...sort of like the plug was pulled, but eveything left in place. I don't know how long this place has sat, but the vandalism  appears minimal , compared to some other buildings that just sit vacant.  I am hopeful that not only the building will be made beautiful again, but that the treasures inside won't end up in a landfill.. Most of it is Antique and has some value.  Great Article!

[iloveionia]

I was estatic to read the "What's next?" part. 
Thank God literally.

[Overstreet]

Mimeograph would date it to the 60s operation. Churches would naturally be a hold out for progress and maybe the 70s.

[Timkin]

Actually I began working on them in 1984... That particular one  looks like a Rex-Rotary and possibly dates back to the late 60's early 70's ..it is a hand-operated one (not electric)    Mimeo finally phased out in the early 90s with the introduction of digital duplicators (basicly a mimeograph in a copier box with whistles and bells ) .  Many Churches back then used either Mimeographs or small table top offset duplicators.  These were common with Schools, Navy Bases, etc.     This particular one is the first I have laid eyes on in probably 15 years .

This particular duplicator is probably from the late 60's .

[nomeus]

well done! always love the history.

[AbelH]

Any thought as to what might be done with the old furnishings? Would love the chance to collect some of the crosses, etc., if they are considering auctioning them off for fundraising.

[Julian]

Just saw this in the daily record's "development today" section:

Other

• Clara White Mission, 430 Crystal St., contractor is AJP Consulting & Construction, demolition of the existing building, $10,500.

I wonder if this is for demolition of the entire church structure or the other structure on the property.