Immaculate Conception's New Church (continued)

At the time of the dedication the building ended with the large arch at the altar. Sadly, in order to complete the larger church, the first church had to be dismantled. Some of its hand hewn stones were salvaged and used in the retaining wall on the Walnut Street side of the church. The altar alcove and sacristy were constructed in 1891. The ornate altars were carved from white Italian Carrera marble and reddish Tennessee marble. The altars and the beautiful stained glass windows attracted (and still attract) many visitors. Little is known of the stone artisans and the origins of the windows because most building records have been lost.

Over the years many changes were made. The present pews are early 20th century. The wooden altar rail, inlayed with crosses, was replaced by a white marble railing with shiny brass gates, which in turn was partially dismantled to open up the sanctuary to the congregation. The removed altar rail sections, coupled with red Tennessee marble slabs, were used to form supports for the statues of the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart. Around 1910 when the interior of the church was redecorated, a number of very large water color paintings were affixed to the ceiling and walls. Today only three paintings remain in place, on the ceiling over the middle aisle. The large hanging lights in the main part of the church have been replaced at least three times. The confessionals were removed and replaced with a cry room on one side and a Reconciliation Room on the other. In keeping with the recommendations of Vatican Council II, the main altar table was moved forward. The heating system was upgraded from a line of stoves to a steam system to a modern heating and air conditioning system. An elevator from the basement to the vestibule was also added. An electronic organ replaced the old pipe organ.