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Processions in 1914. The image at the left is at the corner of Mermaid and Stillwell Avenues when streetcars and elevated lines converged at a surface terminal before the 1918 BMT elevated terminal was constructed. To the right is a procession proceeding down Mermaid Avenue.
The Original
185 feet
185 feet
(Brooklyn Public
Church Tower
1925-1989
1925-
Library Collection)
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In 1914, the Gargiulo family owned a produce market as well as its restaurant as seen in this sponsorship page from the parish journal.
In 1914, the Gargiulo family owned a produce market as well as its restaurant as seen in this sponsorship page from the parish journal.
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In 1945, the processional statue of Our Lady of Solace had been stolen as a prank. Thirty years later, it was found in the basement of an abandoned clubhouse. The pastor in 1975 was Father Daniel O’Connell.
In 1945, the processional statue of Our Lady of Solace had been stolen as a prank. Thirty years later, it was found in the basement of an abandoned clubhouse. The pastor in 1975 was Father Daniel O’Connell.
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Above are excerpts from the 1949 Dinner Dance Program welcoming incoming pastor Father Merritt Yaeger. It was held at The Chop Sticks Restaurant on Ocean Avenue (no relation to the Golden Chop Sticks on Ocean Avenue). The Shrine Statue on the second page looks a bit different from today. The crowns weren’t added until the 1960s and the silk background draperies were removed during the 1970s.
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full-size in separate windows.)
full-
The Golden Jubilee Journal. The church building was also celebrating its silver anniversary but, strangely, the journal made no mention of the fact. The Peter C. La Bella Funeral Home is still at the same address today. The church was photographed from the third floor of a building directly across the street that has since been replaced by a delicatessen and health clinic. Note the original rectory at the west end of the church that is now the site of the main parking lot.
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It’s 1984 and The Chop Sticks on Ocean Avenue is long gone. In 1965, Gargiulo’s had been acquired by the Russo family who have taken the legendary restaurant and catering facility to great new heights with its Neapolitan cuisine and warm hospitality
It’s 1984 and The Chop Sticks on Ocean Avenue is long gone. In 1965, Gargiulo’s had been acquired by the Russo family who have taken the legendary restaurant and catering facility to great new heights with its Neapolitan cuisine and warm hospitality
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From the 1972 monthly publication The Church Bulletin, one a staple in every parish. The cover (not seen in the full-size image) shows the church with the tower at is original height. The original rectory has been torn down.
From the 1972 monthly publication The Church Bulletin, one a staple in every parish. The cover (not seen in the full-
(Click the image above to see it full-size.)
Many thanks to Mary McClelland for submitting this remarkable historical find. It is a 1912 Baptismal certification of her grandfather’s baptism at Our Lady of Solace by Dr. Brophy (the founder and pastor). It states, “This is to certify that William Brown was born Oct. 22, 1 904 - baptized Aug. 2, 1905.…Baptized by Dr. Brophy.”
Many thanks to Mary McClelland for submitting this remarkable historical find. It is a 1912 Baptismal certification of her grandfather’s baptism at Our Lady of Solace by Dr. Brophy (the founder and pastor). It states, “This is to certify that William Brown was born Oct. 22, 1 904 -
(Click the image above to see it full-size.)
Father Walter Kerwin, second Pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Solace and former pastor of St. Sebastian's in Woodside, Queens. The current church was built in 1925 during Fr. Kerwin’s tenure. Photograph taken from 1914 parish journal.
Father Walter Kerwin, second Pastor of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Solace and former pastor of St. Sebastian's in Woodside, Queens. The current church was built in 1925 during Fr. Kerwin’s tenure. Photograph taken from 1914 parish journal.
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Father Thomas Sala, Assistant Pastor. Photograph taken from 1914 parish journal.
Father Thomas Sala, Assistant Pastor. Photograph taken from 1914 parish journal.
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Father Francis A. Froelich. Pastor. Photographed in 1940.
Father Francis A. Froelich. Pastor. Photographed in 1940.
