Then and Now: Answer Edition

We're impressed. In another powerful demonstration of borough knowledge, several Phoenixville Patch reader's correctly identified the location of last week's Then and Now photo challenge, but none quicker than winner Mark Chester.

Below, via the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area, is the full answer.

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Rectory – 148 Church Street

The Slovaks, an ethnic minority existing within the boundaries of the Kingdom of Hungary, came to America to find freedom to continue their language and customs. In 1900 Slovak immigrants to Phoenixville sought to establish a Slovak Parish where they could find the freedom to practice their faith in their own tongue. In February of 1901, the property which had been used as Phoenixville’s first public library was purchased from St. John’s Lutheran Church. The building was renovated and dedicated in November of 1901 under the patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In 1906 the church purchased the residence next door from J. Henry Morris to serve as the rectory. The rectory is a three story, three bay wide brick Italianate building.

In December 1920 the original church was destroyed by fire. The basement was soon rebuilt and services were held there until the present structure was completed in 1923. The building still stands today.