St. John's is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in New Jersey. It includes fantastic architecture, award winning bells, a wooden reredos, art work and an historic 1879 pipe organ by E & G.G. Hook & Hastings
A beautiful church, indeed. I lived down the hill from the church on Ashland Avenue, West Orange.I remember going here to MIdnight Mass as a teenager in the early 70's and my aunt was in the choir at the time. It took on an even more magical presence at those midnight masses. My mother and father were married here in the 50s.
So many good memories of that place. Attended church there for many years, received 1st Communion and Confirmation. and was a choir boy and an alter boy. I even had the privilege to play that magnificent organ and the bells in the steeple a few times. (Thanks to the organist, Mr. Austin Schneider, a true mentor of mine) My wife Suzanne and I were married there in 1981 by the wonderful Father Dante DiGirolamo of Castevecchio Calvisio, Italy. I worked there as a maintenance kid in the late 1960's. I know every nook and cranny of that place and have seen more of that church than most lifelong parishioners! It was and is an amazing place with so much history. Hopefully, it will be properly maintained and used by parish families for another 150 years. I would hate to see it fall into disrepair or worst. A real treasure from the past...
John, I created this video. I attended St. John's, graduated in 1962. I was assistant organist to our late friend, Austin Schneider. They do the best to maintain the church. The magnificent pipe organ is still kept in recital condition. The bells, a bit problematic. I'm sure we would have met, since i played the organ there until 1969. Contact me, and we can chat! John Igoe jpicatons@gmail.com
Having moved away, I can sincerely say I haven't found another sanctuary like St. John's. Thanks for your research, I've never found much about the history of this church.
