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Selah, WA
$0.65
Title
Miraculous Staircase
Artist
Jeff Swan
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, there was no way to access the choir loft twenty-two feet above. Carpenters were called in to address the problem, but they all concluded access to the loft would have to be via ladder as a staircase would interfere with the interior space of the small Chapel.
Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.
The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today.
The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails�only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers relative to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction.
Over the years many have flocked to the Loretto Chapel to see the Miraculous Staircase. The staircase has been the subject of many articles, TV specials, and movies including "Unsolved Mysteries" and the television movie titled "The Staircase."
Uploaded
November 24th, 2015
Statistics
Viewed 446 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/20/2024 at 12:48 AM
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Sales Sheet
Wenatchee, WA - United States
The original staircase had no hand railing, just the stairs! The railings were added years later at the request of the sisters. Definitely a sacred space. I loved visiting. Great photo Jeff. L
Sykesville, MD - United States
What a gorgeous place, Jeff. Lovely, intricate details, and beautiful use of light in your capture. L, F
Jacksonville, FL - United States
Hi Jeff, wonderful chapel. The staircase of magnificent. I just saw a show this week regarding the staircase building feat. It's a beautiful place and a beautiful inspiring story. Great work! Best regards, Sharon
Hockley, Es - United Kingdom
Wonderful capture of this stunningly beautiful Chapel Jeff, can't get over the shear beauty of it! In addition the intriguing story behind the construction of that beautiful and magnificent spiral staircase. Thank you so much for sharing Jeff!.....l/f
Calgary, AB - Canada
Fantastic composition Jeff... I've became aware of this miracle by St. Joseph a while back... personally believe it and never tire of it! Never actually seen such a good image of it... 😊lf
Cuenca, Az - Ecuador
I have read this story many times. It is nice to see the real thing. Well done. V/L/F
Green Valley, AZ - United States
Excellent shot with wonderful composition & light. So beautiful l/f
Fennville, MI - United States
I can imagine going up it . . . the drifter did a magnificent job and it even adds to the beauty of the chapel! Beautifully captured Jeff! vf
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