Basilica Of St. Adalbert

I Attended a most wonderful concert at the Basilica of St. Adalbert in Grand Rapids Michigan.

This beautiful church provided a magnificent setting for a performance by The Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids under the direction of Dr. Mark Webb. Jonathan Tuuk was the organist and the accompanist was Carol McNally, two truly gifted musicians.

The Saint Adalbert Aid Society was formed in 1872. At that time the purpose of the fraternal aid societies that sprang up in the primarily ethnic areas of the city, was to assist new immigrants in settling in the area, finding housing, and employment.  With the help of the Saint Adalbert Aid Society, and on the initiative of the many  Polish people of this area, two lots were purchased in 1880 at the corner of Fourth Street and Davis Avenue, NW, and in June of 1881 construction of a small wooden church was begun.  Thus, St. Adalbert Parish was soon established. In 1891 the original  church was enlarged to accommodate the every growing Polish population.  In 1892, the Society constructed a large meeting hall, which remains in use by the Society and its members today.

BASILICA comes from the Greek meaning "royal" or "regal" or "house fit for a king."  A basilica church is usually of Romanesque style, with the altar set before a rounded wall called the Apse.  Over the altar is a raised Baldachino, or canopy, resting on four pillars. In order to obtain the honorific of "Minor Basilica," the parish church must have played a significant role in the furthering of the Faith of a particular area. St. Adalbert Basilica is the only church of this rank in the State of Michigan, and one of the very few in the United States. St. Adalbert was raised to this honor on the occasion of the centennial of the parish in grand ceremonies on February 16, 1980.

Looking straight up into the coffered dome.

 Salvation is Created (in Russian) by Pavel Chesnokov

Was the opening piece that was sung in a room just to the left of the alter. This produced a muted sound that effectively prepared you for the beautiful music that followed. Please enjoy a version of it by clicking play below:

Information about the Chamber Choir Of Grand Rapids

Basilica Of St. Adalbert