Saint Joseph of the Holy Family Church

The parish committee of this African-American congregation asked for an Afro-centric approach to the liturgical design of this historic Romanesque church in Harlem, New York. In preparation, Lawrence Hoy studied African tribal art to create a beautifully expressive, yet timeless design that respected the African-American heritage of the congregation. The mandala form for the Blessed Sacrament screen was derived from examples of Yoruba tribal art for the symbol of totality. The designs for the altar, ambo and presider’s chair were also derived from studies of African tribal art. The Blessed Sacrament screen serves as a portable, foldable wall to create a Blessed Sacrament chapel. When open after mass, the screen creates an area for private devotion around the tabernacle.