Modern Phoenix Neighborhood Network

Holy Houses!
Midcentury Modern Churches from the Iconic Age of Phoenix

By Walt Lockley and Alison King

 

 

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and School

3140 N. 51st. Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
View Map and Tour

 

One of several churches designed by Ralph Haver & Associates, this campus is distinguished by hosting a case-study triumvirate of Haver specialties all on the same campus: Residential, Church and School. It is a virtual temple to the superiority of local Superlite block as much as a religious house of worship. Here, the best of manmade materials, style and ingenuity collide.

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

This church has the delightful quality of most closely resembling Haver's Kon Tiki motel with its wide wood-clad overhangs and dramatic angles. Like the Lou Regester building of the same era the ceiling is is rough-hewn 2X4s standing on edge, which have weathered the last 50 years remarkably well, all things considered.

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

A nameplate embedded as a brick in the wall makes this church's provenance clear.

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

The deeply shaded entryway creates a cool outdoor foyer.

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

Jimmie Nunn reports that many of the decorative Superlite blocks so popular in that era were referred to in the industry simply as "Haver Blocks", since Mr. Haver had a hand in designing them.

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

The school campus design hearkens to the Hohokam Elementary school design of the same era.

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

The wooden ceiling intersects all the way through from exterior to interior.

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

Even the pastor's rectory is a compound of mini-Haver homes.

Saint Vincent De Paul Church Phoenix Haver

©2009 Alison King, All Rights Reserved
Photography by Alison King ©2008

 



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