Ok, so you’re probably thinking, “But this is a project about old Philly churches! What are you doing in Jenkintown?” No, I haven’t lost my marbles. You see, it’s the dreaded Upper v. Lower Church conundrum. I had the poor timing to start this thing in the winter, dooming me to countless lower churches. We got lucky the past two weeks, but I can’t keep depending on nice priests or weddings. Thus, it’s a desperation move. Immaculate Conception B.V.M. doesn’t have a lower church, so it’s a good stopgap to buy me some time while I plot the best way to continue. (Short of putting everything on hold for 3 months.)
Besides, it’s not as though this church is a slouch. Suburban churches are usually the ugliest things going, but this is one of the better examples. Jenkintown is old enough that this church was built back when they actually knew what they were doing. The result is a fairly interesting Romanesque-style church. To that end, we get semi-circular arches and windows, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, sculptures on the exterior face, and, yes, lots of stone. But we also get some plaster work, too, and the balance between the two is a little odd and not entirely organic. It's not helpful that the plaster is mostly unadorned.
Still, this church has enough of the things the Project admires. It's a little smaller and plainer than others, but it's nonetheless worthwhile—especially by suburban standards.
Size Rating: 7 out of 10
Ornamentation Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Overall Design Rating: 7 out of 10 crosses.
