St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church is unique among Detroit churches in a few ways.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Its ornate front facade is sandwiched between two buildings on Washington Blvd.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Alanna St. Laurent Photography (www.alannastlaurent.com)
Its most unique feature is the three-level sanctuary
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A large semicircular "well" in the main floor allows everyone seated on the lower level to see the priest and the main altar.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The old church only seated 728 people but with the new three-level design it was able to seat about 2,100 people
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The church's three entrances have solid bronze doors with sculpted tympana.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Alanna St. Laurent Photography (www.alannastlaurent.com)
A tympan can be see above each of the entrance doors, depicting the Creation, the Crucification and the Pentecost. This image shows the Creation.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A tympan can be see above each of the entrance doors, depicting the Creation, the Crucification and the Pentecost. This image shows the Crucification above the left entrance door, with the frieze underneath showing devotional worshipers.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A tympan can be see above each of the entrance doors, depicting the Creation, the Crucification and the Pentecost. This image shows the Pentecost.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The twelve apostles, most holding symbols of their martyrdom, stand in their niches above each side door - all behind pigeon-proof screens.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Six apostles above the right side entrance door.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Front facade detail
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Symbols of three of the evangelists, here the ox of Saint Luke
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Symbols of three of the evangelists, here the lion of Saint Mark
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Symbols of three of the evangelists, here the eagle of Saint John
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Detail shot of church patriarchs from two of the doorway arch capitals
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Detail shot of church patriarchs from two of the doorway arch capitals
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A rooftop angel points to a scroll of Divine Law
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Another rooftop angel pointing to a scroll of Divine Law on the left side of the roof with the David Stott building in the background.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The cross high above the main entrance as seen with a telephoto lens
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The cross, high above the main entrance, looked at from a different angle
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org