March 27, 2009
Yo, Philly, Play Ball @ Saint Malachy Church
It will be a strange confluence of baseball, history, ancestry and fundraising.
Saint Malachy’s Church, the historic parish north of Girard Avenue, has been trying to raise the $300,000 it needs to restore its aged organ since 1997, when the church ceiling partially collapsed on the 1869-gem. On April 5 at 4 p.m., they’re again trying to make progress to that end.
Tim Wiles, the director of research at the Baseball Hall of Fame, is author of “Baseball’s Greatest Hit,” a book focusing on the history and cultural impact of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” that ditty about crackerjacks that you sing at baseball games. In his research he found that the grandfather of Philly-native Jack Norworth, who wrote the song, is Henry Knauff, who built the Malachy Church tracker organ.
Wiles says he would love to hear Norworth and Knauff reunite through the returned grace of that 140-year-old organ. So, he’ll be on hand April 5, along with baseball-themed poetry and music from a jazz saxophonist, a barbershop quartet and more, including lots of jabber about the Phillies, who will host their season opener later that day. Admission is free, but a donation reflective of your means would be appreciated. Wiles’ book and other merchandise will be on sale to benefit the cause.
Saint Malachy’s was the long home of recently-retired John MacNamee, the poet, author and Civil Rights-activist whose life was portrayed in 2001 Sundance film festival-entrant Diary of a City Priest. It remains among the city’s most vibrant and diverse parishes, home in its beautiful church north of Girard Avenue in Yorktown, a working class neighborhood south of Temple University in North Philadelphia. The church is serviced by the Girard trolley, the Broad Street line and the 3 bus, among others. On-site parking is also available.
If you’ve never gotten the chance to get inside Saint Malachy’s church, see this as a chance.
Yo, Philly, Play Ball
Sunday, April 5, 4 p.m.
Saint Malachy Church
1429 N. 11th St, Philadelphia, PA
www.saintmalachyparish.com
(215) 763-1305
(no responses)
March 27, 2009, 11:05 am
malachy says:
St. Malachy’s is not on Girard. Its located at 11th and Master, two blocks north of Girard.
March 27, 2009, 11:05 am
Christopher says:
You, my friend, are absolutely right. Note we had the address correct at the bottom, but we’ll fix the error in the post. Thanks!
March 27, 2009, 11:05 am
phillygrrl says:
St. Malachy’s is an INCREDIBLE church filled with INCREDIBLE people. My boyfriend attended for several years and I highly recommend checking out the place.
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