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Designed by award-winning, locally-renowned, architectural firm Diseroad, Wolff, Kelly, Clough, Bucher, whose other local projects include Mill Creek and Groveland elementary schools in the Central Bucks School District, the church features the unique stained glass work of Beyer Studio of Philadelphia.
The seven days of creation are exquisitely depicted in the form of six arched windows situated behind the altar, accented by the seventh day as displayed in a central circular window. This is perhaps the most captivating aspect of the interior, which blends well with the modern exterior architecture. This awesome depiction of Genesis is created to induce prayerful contemplation.
Beyer Studio also expertly refurbished sculptured artwork and restored several of the other windows extracted from defunct churches.
The sacristy windows are nearly 100 years old and are indicative of the German stained glass used in many American churches at the turn of the 19th century. The narthex windows extracted from St. Elizabeth's Church in north Philadelphia are about 130 years old, and the choir practice room windows created by Joseph Beyer incorporate 90-year-old stained glass from St. Carthage Church in west Philadelphia.
The eight smaller arched windows lining the Meetinghouse and Almshouse roads sides of the church are American stained glass designed in the '60s for Sacred Heart Hospital in Norristown.
One of the most impressive features is the free-form rendition of the Crucified Christ suspended from cables in the marble sanctuary before the tabernacle. Philadelphia artist Robert McGovern handcarved and painted the crucifix and the Holy Spirit icon that hangs beneath it.
Several pieces from the original church, now used as a social hall, were purchased years ago from the historic Eden Hall in Philadelphia and are found throughout the new church. The Stations of the Cross from the previous St. Cyril's Church, a gift from the family of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy to Eden Hall, were reinstalled in the daily Mass chapel.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia comprised of approximately 1.5 million Catholics, was founded in 1969 with 125 member families and today serves 2,200 families, totaling over 7,000 members. Each month, an average of nine new families join the parish, and its religious education program serves more than 700 children.
Rev. Robert Powell, the pastor, said the new church facilities will provide an opportunity for expanded growth and added services to the local community. Powell told the congregation throughout the fund-raising and planning phases of the building project that the expansion was as much a symbol of the parish's growth in unity as its growth in numbers.
St. Cyril's seats about 1,100 in the main church, but the building has capacity for another 250 in a daily Mass chapel and more in a "crying room" for parents with young children.
There is a new rectory where Bishop Martin Lohmuller is now in residence, which also serves as an office center with a meeting room.
The old church building, which can seat about 600, is used for social functions.
Over the last four years, the church collected approximately $4.6 million in pledges and donations from the parish community to fund the project.
At the dedication, Powell thanked parishioners for their contributions of "time, talent and treasure" - not just for their financial support. He said their spirit and involvement has been incredible.
Larry Brinkmann, a parishioner since the early days when Mass was held in the Warwick Township Fire Hall, is proud to have witnessed the progression of his church community.
"It's just out of this world. It's a beautiful church and a tribute to Fr. Powell. That's for sure," he said.
