Interior view of Divine Saviour Catholic Church, built in 1907 on the corner of Cypress Avenue and Idell Street. Photo was taken from mid-aisle, looking toward the main doors and an impressively large and colorful stained glass window showing a white dove flying downward with a golden branch in its beak and several 'rays of light' surrounding it. A balcony is also visible along with several rows of shiny pews and wood-paneled walls. In general, the dove as a Christian emblem signifies the Holy Spirit either personally or in His works. It can also signify the Christian soul, not the human soul as such, but as indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Stained glass windows have been described as 'illuminated wall decorations' and were commonly used in churches for decorative and informative purposes. Divine Saviour Catholic Church was erected primarily by and for Polish residents who worked for the railroad and lived alongside the Southern Pacific freight yards that bordered the Los Angeles River. Land was purchased near the car barns for $13,000 and the first church building was completed in September 1907. By 1914 the small Polish mission was largely English speaking. In 1922 a new school was erected, followed by a new church building in 1924. In 1964 the old church was bulldozed and in 1966 the distinctive new building was dedicated. Divine Saviour was the 13th Catholic parish established in the city of Los Angeles. Photo dated: April 2007.
Divine Saviour Catholic Church (Los Angeles, Calif.) Church decoration and ornament--California--Los Angeles Glass painting and staining--California--Los Angeles Catholic churches--California--Los Angeles Church buildings--California--Los Angeles Parishes--California--Los Angeles Los Angeles Photographers Collection photographs Jeff Allen Houses of Worship Collection photographs
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