While I do not often focus on the liturgical architecture in the English speaking "new world" (for no other reason than the fact that most of it is already quite familiar to many of our readers by virtue of being the "native" architecture), from time to time it is good to look at some of the most noteworthy examples and, falling into this category I believe, is the chapel of Ancilla Domini located in Donaldson, Indiana -- nicknamed by locals "the chapel in the cornfield."
The chapel, which was completed in 1923, is attached to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, a congregation of sisters that was founded in Germany in the nineteenth century, and to what would become Ancilla Domini College. The German roots of the congregation no doubt explains the definite German influences that can found within the chapel, such as stained glass by Francis Xavier Zettler of the Royal Bavarian Institute of Munich, and wood-carved statuary, all of which was sourced from German workshops.
The Annunciation forms the primary sculptural group found within the reredos of the high altar. Various angels are placed in other, smaller niches.
The side altars, impressive in their verticality, are dedicated to the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph.
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| One of the side altars |
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| Detail from side altar of St. Joseph |
To either side of the main altar are statues of tunicled angels holding lamps -- these were likely originally positioned next to the high altar reredos, functioning effectively as vigil lamps for the tabernacle.
Also surrounding the high altar are various murals depicting angels and symbols of Mary's Queenship. These were originally executed by DaPrado Studio in Chicago and recently restored by Daprato Rigali Studios.
Finally, looking back toward the narthex, we can see the beautiful organ with its carved wooden case and gilt image of the Holy Spirit.
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