THE TEN MOST BEAUTIFUL CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN NASSAU COUNTY
10: Cure of Ars in Merrick. This church sits on a large green field. It looks like a small keep or castle from the Middle Ages. There are statues all around the building and many places for quiet reflection. The interior is extremely well done; a feast for the eyes with beautiful stained glass and an inspired color scheme. There can be no question that this church has been lovingly tended by its congregation.
9. Saint Joseph’s of Garden City. Big and impressive, Saint Joseph’s blends concrete details with brick in a very pleasing manner. It has a lovely rose window that looks impressive both inside and out. There’s also a small looking but handsome green steeple. The interior is filled with marble and the ciborium over the altar is my favorite in all of Nassau County. The entire alter area is gracefully done. St Joseph’s is a beautifully designed church that gives a feeling of peacefulness.
8: Saint Ignatius the Martyr of Long Beach. This big church sits right on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. I must say that this is the church that gave me the biggest surprise; not only because of its location by the water, but it's absolute classic beauty. The outside is a lovely brick building with a magnificent bell tower. The front has wonderful columns that lead you in to the church. The interior reminds me of being in one of those old traditional churches that you would find in Italy. The columns are on both sides the of the aisles and the smaller windows high up make me think of an early Romanesque type church. Over the altar, the ceiling is painted with dark blue and glimmering stars. It is a wonderful old world church that sits on the edge of the Island.
7: St. Mary's of Roslyn. A little red brick church that sits on a little hill across the street from the waters of the Long Island sound. Adorable is the word that comes to mind when describing this church . Though small , it feels much bigger with its steeple reaching way up to the sky. You climb up the stairs to the lovely wood front door. Inside, while smaller than most churches, it overflows with charm. Beautifully appointed from its fine wood work and handsome altar, it also has a wonderfully decorated ceiling. This church is a visual delight.
6: St. Joachim’s church in Cedarhurst. The exterior of this old wood church is very eye-catching due to the red and cream colors of the church. The design is almost of a grand house except with an attached bell tower. The interior is light and airy with many windows that let in lots of sun light. The wall colors are light and give brightness, even on a cloudy day.
5: Saint Hedwig’s of Floral Park. Of all of the churches on this list, Saint Hedwig is the hardest to explain why it deserves to be included in the Top 10. Its exterior is quite simple. It has a nice high steeple, yellowish brick walls, and a steep roof. It seems like the type of church that should be located in a small village in front of the town square instead of on a busy road. Maybe it's the statues, or maybe it’s the colors of the church itself that seem a bit more vibrant, but when I walk in the front door it simply makes me feel like I am in a special place. It’s a bit hard to explain; it just gives me a warm feeling. Sometimes you just like what you like, and I like St. Hedwig quite a bit.
4: Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne. All of the next four churches on this list could have been chosen as number one. I think they're all beautiful and special in their own way. Our Lady of Lourdes has a Spanish motif that is carried throughout the entire interior and exterior of the church, making it one of the hidden architectural gems in all of Nassau County. The church stairs lead you to three beautiful wood doors. There is a large bell tower, red tile roof, lots of wrought iron, and stucco walls. It seems almost like a transplant from 17th century Mexico. The interior is a treasure trove filled with wonderful tiles and beautiful windows. It has a cozy and cool feel to it. Nestled away from the main roads, it's a wonderful hidden gem.
3: Our Holy Redeemer of Freeport. This is the church that inspired me to visit all of the other churches in Nassau county. I had missed the mass at my local parish and decided to drive a few miles to Our Holy Redeemer. I had seen my share of lovely churches before, but this one was so very special. It was so close to my home yet the fact that I had never seen it before gave me pause. I thought to myself , “What else have I been missing?“. The exterior is a beautiful brick facade with two pinnacles in the front and home to one of the best bell towers in Nassau County. The interior, with its yellow vaulted roof and soft blue colored arches on both sides, is filled with beautiful statues. This large church has a sedate and peaceful feeling that is perfect for quiet worship. This is truly one of the greatest churches of Long Island.
2: Saint Aloysius of Great Neck. This church is way up north on the Great Neck peninsula and is one of the true beauties of Nassau County. It has an almost Byzantine design with large Greek columns in the front and an octagon style dome toward the back. The brick work is filled with lovely details and patterns. The interior is ornate, dark, and mysterious. With beautiful paintings, big arches and small chapels, I feel like a person could spend a lot of time in this church and not see everything. It is a deep and thought-provoking church.
1: Saint Catherine's of Sienna in Franklin Square. This beautiful church has a dramatic green copper steeple that rises high up into the sky. It has a steep roof with slate tiles. The large wood doors lead into a lovely interior. The stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful and interesting examples I have ever seen; they are true works of art. The alter is backed by a large white marble reredos that is quite lovely. The large, life-sized crucifix is breathtaking in its realism and emotional impact. It is a simple yet magnificent church.
I sense some bias here
ReplyDelete