Thursday, November 13, 2008

Presentation Bell Tower

1970: “A 62-foot bell tower has been erected beside Our Lady of Presentation church, English Woods. The tower, designed by Father Albert J. DeFrancesco, administrator, is made of welded heavy-duty steel embedded in 15 tons of concrete. The cross atop the tower was made by Cheviot Welding Service and was modeled after the cross atop the church. Father DeFrancesco said the cost of the tower, about $5,000, was paid for by ‘a lot of little donations over the years.’ He also expressed gratitude to individuals and companies who assisted with services and materials.” (The Catholic Telegraph, November 13, 1970)

Note: Our Lady of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish was founded in 1943. The church, which was at 2012 Westwood Northern Blvd., was completed in November 1950. The parish united with St. Leo in 1985, and the property was sold to Willing Spirit Baptist Church.