Reinhart Legacy Part 3 - Churches

[Doug Loudenback]

One of my problems is that I start a series but don't get around to finishing it for a long while ... and the Reinhart series is exhibit #1. I did Part 1 and Part 2 in May 2008, more than a year ago, and have just now gotten around to doing Part 3, and Part 4 hasn't yet been done but it will probably be my next article. Part 3 is here: Doug Dawgz Blog: The Reinhart Legacy Part III ? Churches

Reinhart & Donovan built numerous downtown (and other) buildings, many of which are still standing (e.g., Plaza Court, 100 Park Avenue, many others) and some of which are gone (e.g., the Biltmore Hotel). That stuff was covered in Part 2.

Part 3 focuses on the churches that the company built, in and out of Oklahoma. But, in the main, it focuses on 2 church buildings constructed in Oklahoma City in the 1920s ... Our Lady's Cathedral, and, receiving much more attention, Little Flower Catholic Church on Walker just north of Capitol Hill.

Click on images below for larger views.

Our Lady's was constructed in 1922-23 by the company:








The company built Little Flower on South Walker in 1927.









I've tried to present a mix of historic and contemporary photos for these 2 churches, particularly Little Flower. Enjoy the show!

[Midtowner]

Again, well done Doug!

[Generals64]

Doug:.........you're stuff is so fascinating to us old timers. My wife (School Teacher) has told one of her History teachers about this Nostalgia Site and she is attempting to put together a lesson plan on South Side OKC for the beginning of school....Maybe these younger kids will realize where their Southside roots came from.

[Doug Loudenback]

Thanks, Midtowner & Generals64. I'd always been told how beautiful Little Flower was/is, but until I stepped inside the church in October 2007 I had no idea of what to expect. I was bowled over. I was a bit sad that one can't just walk in and see it ... I had to call and make an appointment, sort of. I understand, though, that with few staff members that they'd need to take care so that those gems don't get ripped off. When there, I was treated most courteously and got to go anywhere I wanted.

BTW, General, missed you at the southside meeting. I was looking forward to talking with you.

[Midtowner]

If you think your visit was interesting. Try attending mass. You won't (in all likelihood) understand a word of what's going on, but it can be a very different cultural experience.

[papaOU]

If you think your visit was interesting. Try attending mass. You won't (in all likelihood) understand a word of what's going on, but it can be a very different cultural experience.

Let me get on my soapbox.........

That language problem is a direct result of Vatican II!!!!!!

I think if you check Little Flower may have at least one bilingual or English mass.
I grew up in the Sacred Heart Parish and they have a bilingual on Saturday's and an English 9:15 Sunday morning.

[Doug Loudenback]

For those interested, I've located an excellent 1981 article, Mission to the Immigrants: Establishment of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in Oklahoma, 1914 - 1929 by Michael M. Smith at OkSister.com. The article traces the establishment meanderings of the Order of Discalced Carmelites and its coming to Oklahoma City. It is thoroughly documented and really tells the Little Flower (and more) story very well, through 1929.

[hagrid]

If you think your visit was interesting. Try attending mass. You won't (in all likelihood) understand a word of what's going on, but it can be a very different cultural experience.

Do you mean because the Mass is said Latin? Or because of spanish. There ARE still english masses.

We have attended Our Lady, and it is beautiful. I really like the catholic church on 4th next to the Murrah memorial.