Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Macon, Georgia

“In this building of bricks, mortar, glass, and artistic genius, something more is at work than the lavish display of ornate beauty and the skills of those who made this edifice into a landmark and a magnet for tourists. God’s presence is in this holy place and in this holy place the human and divine intersect in a mystical communion of love and life…”

“Father Allan J. McDonald

This was our first visit to Macon, Georgia a lovely city about three hours west of Augusta. Joe and I were walking downtown looking for the cherry blossoms that Macon is known for this time of year, when we noticed standing up on a hill, a magnificent church with twin spires. The church stands out in Macon’s skyline and is the third tallest building. This church is Saint Joseph’s Church (commonly known as the Jewel of the South) and we heard they were doing tours this weekend during the Cherry Blossom Fest. As we walked towards the church, the beautiful sound of church bells started ringing. That lovely sound seemed to blanket the city and beaconed us to go there. As we walked up the thirty or so marble steps, we looked up at the beautiful dark brick work that fronts the building with the twin, cross-topped spires rising up 200 feet in the air. The details in the brick work done on this building is just amazing. On top of the left tower there are three massive bronze bells that were installed in 1903 and that is what we were blessed enough to hear ringing that day. They are known as the Jesus, Mary and Joseph bells and are rung three times a day; 8 am., noon, and 6 pm. every day. We entered through one of the three Gothic doors and entered the parish.

Once inside, we noticed there were quite a few people in the pews and a greeter came up to us and told us they were getting ready to do the Signs of the Cross and a tour would follow. She was very welcoming and made us feel right at home. We decided to stay for the service and we were so glad that we did. The priest went in front of each marble monuments showing the stages of Christ on his way to Crucifixion and then saying a prayer. I found myself flooded with emotions as the priest read the scripture of what Christ went through. I can not imagine how Mother Mary could bear watching her son go through all that or how Christ endured it. It is very humbling.

While sitting in the original pews and looking around this beautiful church, we noticed all the loving care that was given to it. The beautiful Gothic arches throughout the church were painted with beautiful details and colors. There was so many meticulous details to take in and heavenly beauty was everywhere we looked. The spectacular stained glass windows were made by Mayer and Company by Munich artist who are known for their amazing details and vibrant colors. That day sitting in this striking church, the sun shone through those sixty or more tall stained glass windows and bursts of colors shone all around us. A feeling of comfort and peace came over us.

The foundation of this church was laid in August of 1889 and on June 16,1892 the basement of this church was used for services until 1903. The upper church was begun in 1900 and completed in 1903. This church was built in Romanesque Neo-Gothic architecture and the Macon Daily Telegraph reported that “the Macon Catholic Church is one of the finest in the South, a lasting monument to the generosity and faith of the people of Macon.”

The altar, white carvings, statues and pillars were all made from the Carrara quarries in Italy – the same quarries that Michelangelo used for the marble of his famous sculptures. The altar was made from red and white Carrara marble, carved in Poland, and dedicated in 2006. The former alter is the back drop for the new alter and has a carving of the last super and Crucifixion above it. It is very impressive looking and we were in awe looking at all the details.

The chapel on the left side of the high altar is dedicated to Jesus with an image of the crucified and risen Lord showing his heart representing his love for us. There is beautiful carvings and mosaic work on the angels. During the restoration, the painting behind Jesus was created which makes the statue stand out even more.

On the right side on the high altar is Our Lady’s Chapel with a beautiful carving of Blessed Mother Mary holding our Lord Christ as a child. This is adorned by a beautiful painting behind it also done during the restoration. The mural behind that statue is painted with vibrant colors.

On the tour, we were told this church was built by the same architect that built Sacred Heart Church in Augusta, Georgia which is now Sacred Heart Cultural Center. In January 2004, the parish began a major restoration and renovation. They removed all stained glass, restored them, cleaned them, and replaced them. They expanded sanctuary and renovated it. On July 1, 2006, Bishop J. Kevin Boland dedicated the church’s altar in a High Mass. Macon should be proud of what they did here as it is a breathtaking church to see and is a legacy that will live on forever.

Our guide pointed out the amazing Rose Window behind the organ. She states the stained glass window symbolizes One God and has the letters A. M. D. G. which stands for AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM, in Latin which means For the Greater Glory of God.

The original organ was dedicated November 15, 1903 and was built by the Pilcher Organ Company of Louisville, Kentucky. By the 1980’s, the original organ had deteriorated and was in much need of either major work or replacement.. In 1985, the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo, New York built a new organ and agreed to use portions of the facade and console as well as some of the pipes. The new organ has 53 ranks over five divisions and has 3,000 pipes. What a beautiful sound it makes that fills the church with heavenly music.

We now know why they call this church “the Jewell of the South” after our visit to this beauty. It truly is a jewel and a place you should not pass up visiting while in Macon. There are many organ recitals through the year that are worth going to. I’m sure you will be as moved by not just the architecture of this building but of all the amazing art works and beauty. This building was inspired by the word of God. Stop by and take it all in. Bye for now. stjosephmacon.com.

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