Built in 1887, W. Phila. Catholic church closes
The Archdiocese yesterday announced the closing of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, at 63rd and Callowhill.
IT OPENED its doors at 63rd and Callowhill streets in 1887, becoming Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in 2005, and those doors now have closed.
The once-church, then turned worship site, officially closed Friday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced yesterday.
The West Philly church had seen its fair share of changes.
In January 2013, it merged with St. Cyprian Parish, at Cobbs Creek Parkway and Cedar Avenue, remaining open as a worship center. It was used only occasionally for Masses, funerals, weddings and more.
The Archdiocese said the building is too expensive for St. Cyprian to maintain, at $35,000 per year, not including additional repairs. The building also has no "architectural, historical, or artistic significance," according to the Archdiocese.
The formal request to close came from St. Cyprian's pastor, Monsignor Federico A. Britto, and its councils.
As of Friday, the Archdiocese said in a news release, the church is under "profane but not sordid use," meaning it can be used for secular, but not sacrilegious, purposes.
The future of the building will be determined by St. Cyprian Parish's pastoral and finance councils.