St.
Catharine's Church
The publication, "Guide to St. Catharine Church" relates how Martin Maloney (1847-1929)
was inspired to build the church in Spring Lake after the
tragic loss of his daughter, Catharine, from tuberculosis in
1900 at the age of 17.
Catharine,
her parents and other relatives are entombed in the family
crypt beneath the Sacred Heart chapel on the north side of the
nave of St. Catharine Church.
The Church of Maria del Popolo is said to have the design of St.
Catharine's.
The copper roof and dome, the bell
tower and the exterior of the Church, the walkways and plaza
were completely restored in 1994-95. The
interior is currently being restored. The bell is inscribed: Erected by Martin Maloney in
memory of his daughter Catharine, AD 1900.
Martin
Maloney and the Church
Martin Maloney was a devout Catholic whose good works earned
him the title of Papal Marquis.
Maloney, his wife Margaret and three daughters were
summer residents of Spring Lake in the early 1890's.
Their Spring Lake estate, Ballingarry, was built in
1897.
Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer designed both
Ballingarry and later the church.
Maloney built the Church as a memorial to his beloved
daughter, Catharine.
Prior
to the construction of St. Catharine Church, Catholics
worshipped at a modest frame structure, St. Ann Church.
The parish was renamed when Mr. Maloney deeded the land
and the building in 1901.
Mr. Maloney continued to commission works of art for
the 320-seat church over a 27-year period.
St.
Catharine - St. Margaret Parish
St. Catharine Church is the principal Church of St.
Catharine - St. Margaret Parish.
St. Margaret Church, Ludlow and Third Avenues in
Spring Lake has served the parish since 1931 as an additional
worship space for the ever growing year-round population as
well as those who arrive at the Jersey Shore for the summer
months.
While many people view the parish as serving only the
borough of Spring Lake, in reality the parish boundaries
include Spring Lake, spring Lake Heights, South Belmar and
Wall Township. The
parish also includes St. Catharine Elementary School, 2nd and
Salem Avenues, Spring Lake; St. Catharine Cemetery, West
Chicago Blvd., Sea Girt; and St. Anne Cemetery, Allenwood
Road, Wall Township.
More
about St. Catharine Church
There are three publications available at the rectory
-
"Guide to St. Catharine Church"
-
"Following
the Light" by Sr. Carole MacKenthum, RSM Meditations
on the Stained-Glass Windows of Saint Catharine Church.
Published by Providence House
-
"A
Centennial History of Saint Catharine Church" by
the St. Catharine Centennial Research Committee. An in
depth history of the church, its art and architecture as
well as Martin Maloney. Published by Providence House
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