Centers Of Our Highest Aspirations

Years ago in Fresno I used to roam the city's architectural scene with a retired art professor, the late Ara Dolarian, who especially liked churches. He said churches are often designed with our highest human aspirations in mind. Hence the great cathedrals of Europe, the soaring spaces in even the most humble of worship centers and the design lines often pointing heavenward.
Raised as a Catholic, I am often in awe of great older churches in the older parts of older cities. One of those in Sacramento is St. Francis of Assisi Church, dedicated in 1910. That's a century ago. It's still one of the loveliest places in Sacramento, a pioneer city with several majestic pioneer churches in its downtown district.


I found this description in the church's Web site:
The church’s architecture is modeled after that of the Old Mission of Santa Barbara. The interior is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles; over 40 stained-glass windows and numerous murals decorate the ceilings and walls, portraying saints and Biblical scenes. The beautiful carved wooden staircase and railing to the second floor organ loft came from the 1906 remodeling of the State Capitol. Installed in the loft is a 1915 Austin electro-pneumatic pipe organ. The church’s bell, cast in New York in 1859, was initially placed in the tower of St. Rose Church in 1895, and later transferred to the belfry of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where it continues to toll daily.

I should mention that St. Francis has also done some of the best-looking affordable housing projects in Sacramento. It's near the church and called St. Francis Terrace. It's 48 apartments for very low-income people, often retirees, Here's a couple of views:




Here's another antique classic in the same old neighborhood, the Pioneer Congregational Church opened in the year of the California Gold Rush, 1849. It is still very much active. This picture was taken just as sunrise broke over the city.