Edwin Forrest Durang
Encyclopedia
Edwin Forrest Durang was an American architect. He kept offices in Philadelphia and specialized in ecclesiastical and theatrical design.
Durang was born in New York
, into a distinguished theatrical family. His grandfather, John Durang
(1768–1822), has been credited with being the first native-born American actor, and his parents, Charles Durang
(1791–1870) and Mary White Durang (b. London, England, 1802), were also well-known for their contributions to the stage. His father and uncle, Richard Ferdinand Durang, were the first to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner
", and his father also worked as the director and prompter at both the Chestnut Street Theater and the American Theater in Philadelphia. After his retirement in 1853, Charles Durang taught dancing and wrote several books on dance and a history of the Philadelphia stage. In addition to her stage work, Edwin Durang's mother wrote six children's books. Durang was named for his father's friend, noted actor Edwin Forrest
.
Little is known of Durang's youth or education, but by 1855 he had set up as an architect in Philadelphia. By 1857 he had begun working with John E. Carver, a residential and ecclesiastical architect. On Carver's death in 1859, Durang succeeded him, emulating his practice by also specializing in ecclesiastical design, mostly for the Roman Catholic Church
. He designed many churches, rectories, convents, and schools throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and elsewhere during a practice of more than fifty years.
In November 1909, Durang was joined by his son Francis Ferdinand Durang (1884–1966), who, in turn, succeeded him after his sudden death in Philadelphia in June 1911.
Edwin Forrest Durang's great-grandson is the American playwright and actor Christopher Durang
(1949–).
in Philadelphia. He contributed to the interior of the Academy of Music
, 1854. He was also responsible for substantial additions and alterations to the Pro-cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul in Scranton, Pennsylvania
prior to the building's reconsecration as the Cathedral of St. Peter in 1883.
Durang was born in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, into a distinguished theatrical family. His grandfather, John Durang
John Durang
John Durang was the first U.S.-born professional dancer of note, best known for his hornpipe dance.John Durang, the son of Jacob and Catherine Durang, was born on January 6, 1768, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but grew up mostly in York, Pennsylvania, where he was educated at the Christ Lutheran...
(1768–1822), has been credited with being the first native-born American actor, and his parents, Charles Durang
Charles Durang
Charles Durang was an American dancer.Charles Durang was born in Philadelphia in 1796, the son of John Durang, the first native-born American professional dancer. Charles made his first appearance in the Chestnut Street Theater at the age of 7 in 1803, and subsequently performed in almost every...
(1791–1870) and Mary White Durang (b. London, England, 1802), were also well-known for their contributions to the stage. His father and uncle, Richard Ferdinand Durang, were the first to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships...
", and his father also worked as the director and prompter at both the Chestnut Street Theater and the American Theater in Philadelphia. After his retirement in 1853, Charles Durang taught dancing and wrote several books on dance and a history of the Philadelphia stage. In addition to her stage work, Edwin Durang's mother wrote six children's books. Durang was named for his father's friend, noted actor Edwin Forrest
Edwin Forrest
Edwin Forrest was an American actor.-Early life:Forrest was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of Scottish and German descent. His father died and he was brought up by his mother, a German woman of humble origins. He was educated at the common schools in Philadelphia, and early evinced a taste...
.
Little is known of Durang's youth or education, but by 1855 he had set up as an architect in Philadelphia. By 1857 he had begun working with John E. Carver, a residential and ecclesiastical architect. On Carver's death in 1859, Durang succeeded him, emulating his practice by also specializing in ecclesiastical design, mostly for the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. He designed many churches, rectories, convents, and schools throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and elsewhere during a practice of more than fifty years.
In November 1909, Durang was joined by his son Francis Ferdinand Durang (1884–1966), who, in turn, succeeded him after his sudden death in Philadelphia in June 1911.
Edwin Forrest Durang's great-grandson is the American playwright and actor Christopher Durang
Christopher Durang
Christopher Ferdinand Durang is an American playwright known for works of outrageous and often absurd comedy. His work was especially popular in the 1980s.- Life :...
(1949–).
Works
In addition to the buildings listed below, which were almost entirely his own projects, he also designed many of the interior furnishings for the Cathedral-Basilica of Sts. Peter and PaulCathedral-Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, head church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is located at 18th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the east side of Logan Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania and listed on...
in Philadelphia. He contributed to the interior of the Academy of Music
Academy of Music (Philadelphia)
The Academy of Music, also known as American Academy of Music, is a concert hall and opera house located at Broad and Locust Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1857 and is the oldest opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose...
, 1854. He was also responsible for substantial additions and alterations to the Pro-cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton is a city in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the largest principal city in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. Scranton had a population of 76,089 in 2010, according to the U.S...
prior to the building's reconsecration as the Cathedral of St. Peter in 1883.
Philadelphia
- All Saints Roman Catholic Church, BridesburgBridesburg, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaBridesburg is the last river-front neighborhood before the Northeast section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States begins. Bridesburg has a significant Polish community and continues to be a destination from incoming immigrants from Poland to live...
. - St. Agatha – St. James Church (formerly St. James Church), 38th and Chestnut Streets, University CityUniversity City, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaUniversity City is the easternmost region of West Philadelphia.The University of Pennsylvania has long been the dominant institution in the area and was instrumental in coining the name University City as part of a 1950s urban-renewal effort...
. - St. Agatha's Roman Catholic Church, 38th and Spring Garden Streets, Powelton VillagePowelton Village, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPowelton Village is a neighborhood of mostly Victorian, mostly twin homes in the West Philadelphia section of the United States city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a national historic district which is part of University City...
. - St. Joseph Hall (1903) and Main Chapel (1884–1891), Chestnut Hill CollegeChestnut Hill CollegeChestnut Hill College is a coeducational Roman Catholic college in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It was founded in 1924 as a women's college by the Sisters of St. Joseph. It was originally called Mount Saint Joseph College and assumed its current name in 1938. In...
. - St. Joachim ChurchSt. Joachim Church, PhiladelphiaSt. Joachim Roman Catholic Church was the first Roman Catholic church founded in Northeast Philadelphia. Established in 1845 in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, the parish still serves the community today....
, FrankfordFrankford, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaFrankford is a large and important neighborhood in the lower Northeast section of Philadelphia situated about six miles northeast of Center City. Although its borders are vaguely defined, the neighborhood is bounded roughly by the original course of Frankford Creek, now roughly Adams to Aramingo...
. - Disston House (1881), 1530 N. 16th Street, North PhiladelphiaNorth Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaNorth Philadelphia, nicknamed North Philly, is a section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is immediately north of Center City...
. - St. Charles Borromeo ChurchSt. Charles Borromeo ChurchSt. Charles Borromeo Church is a historic Catholic church building at Hall and Cushing Streets in Waltham, Massachusetts.The church was built in 1915 and added to the National Historic Register in 1989....
, 900 S. 20th Street; also convent and school. - Arch Street Opera House (NRHP added 1978 — Building — #78002442), now known as the Trocadero TheatreTrocadero TheatreThe Trocadero Theatre, opened as the Arch Street Opera House in 1870, is a historic theater, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the years, it has offered musical comedies, vaudeville and burlesque. Burlesque performer Mara Gaye performed at the Troc in the 1950s...
, 1003–1005 Arch St. (later modified by George W. Plowman and others). - Church of the Gesu and school.
- Monument to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence (1860).
- Philadelphia Art Club (1888). (Competition; lost to entry by Frank Miles DayFrank Miles DayFrank Miles Day was a Philadelphia-based architect who specialized in residences and academic buildings. In 1883, he graduated from the Towne School of the University of Pennsylvania, and traveled to Europe. In England, he apprenticed under two architects, and won the 1885 prize from the...
.) - Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Port RichmondPort Richmond, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPort Richmond, also referred to as simply Richmond, is a neighborhood in the Northeast section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is notable for its extremely large Polish immigrant and Polish American community. The neighborhood is also home to sizable Irish, German and Italian communities as...
(1882). - Roman Catholic High School for Boys (1890), Broad and Vine Streets
Philadelphia suburbs
- Fulton Opera HouseFulton Opera HouseThe Fulton Opera House, also known as the Fulton Theatre or simply The Fulton, is a League of Regional Theatres class C regional theater located in historic downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.-Building:...
, LancasterLancaster, PennsylvaniaLancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
. (NRHP, NHL) - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, completed 1882, in Media, PennsylvaniaMedia, PennsylvaniaThe borough of Media is the county seat of Delaware County, Pennsylvania and is located west of Philadelphia. Media was incorporated in 1850 at the same time that it was named the county seat. The population was 5,533 at the 2000 census. Its school district is the Rose Tree Media School District...
- Our Mother of Good Counsel R.C. Church (1896), Bryn MawrBryn Mawr, PennsylvaniaBryn Mawr from Welsh for "big hill") is a census-designated place in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, just west of Philadelphia along Lancaster Avenue and the border with Delaware County...
. Also rectory, school and convent. - Sisters of Mercy Convent, MerionMerion, PennsylvaniaMerion Station is an unincorporated community in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is contiguous to Philadelphia and is also bordered by Wynnewood, Narberth, and Bala Cynwyd...
. - St. Mary's Catholic Church, LancasterLancaster, PennsylvaniaLancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
(1868). - Saint Thomas of Villanova Church and Augustinian Monastery, VillanovaVillanova, PennsylvaniaVillanova is a community in the United States Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It straddles Lower Merion Township of Montgomery County and Radnor Township of Delaware County. It is located at the center of the Pennsylvania Main Line, a series of highly affluent Philadelphia suburban towns located...
. - Waldron Mercy Academy, 511 E. Montgomery Ave., Lower Merion TownshipLower Merion Township, PennsylvaniaLower Merion Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and part of the Pennsylvania Main Line. As of the 2010 census, the township had a total population of 57,825...
. - York Opera House, YorkYork, PennsylvaniaYork, known as the White Rose City , is a city located in York County, Pennsylvania, United States which is in the South Central region of the state. The population within the city limits was 43,718 at the 2010 census, which was a 7.0% increase from the 2000 count of 40,862...
.
Elsewhere
- Holy Infancy Church, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
- St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church Atlantic City, NJ
- Centenary Methodist Episcopal church, Lambertville, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
- Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Lambertville, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
- Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Michael Ferrall Family Cemetery, (NRHP, added 1997 – Building – #97000533), 145 S. King St., Halifax, North CarolinaHalifax, North CarolinaHalifax is a town in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 344 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Halifax County...
. - Summit Country Day SchoolSummit Country Day SchoolThe Summit Country Day School educates students from preschool through high school in its Montessori, Primary, Middle School and Upper School divisions. It is a private, Catholic, independent high school located in Cincinnati, Ohio.-Background:...
, Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's... - St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 134 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PennsylvaniaWilkes-Barre, PennsylvaniaWilkes-Barre is a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the county seat of Luzerne County. It is at the center of the Wyoming Valley area and is one of the principal cities in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, which had a population of 563,631 as of the 2010 Census...
. - Trinity College (now Trinity Washington UniversityTrinity Washington UniversityTrinity Washington University, founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is a Roman Catholic university located in Washington, D.C. across from Catholic University of America and the Dominican House of Studies...
), Washington, DC; also art gallery and Trinity Hall.
External links
- Biography and portrait at The Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project
- Biography at Plattsburgh State University of New YorkState University of New York at PlattsburghThe State University of New York at Plattsburgh is a four-year, public liberal arts college in Plattsburgh, New York. The college was founded in 1889 and opened in 1890. The college is currently part of the State University of New York system and is accredited by the Middle States Association of...