\ Now hanging above the doors, before entering the Sanctuary
Donated by Dr. LeRoy and Mrs. Irene Byrd
Written by Dr. Byrd
In the year 1975, two years following the untimely death of a daughter and son we decided to memorialize their absence and created an unusual crucifix under the direction of noted Spokane architect, Dan Murray and Spokane’s quintessential home builder, John Roehm. The laser corpus and cross thus created is unique. It adorns the entrance to St Joseph’s.
Our parish at that time also served as Mater Cleri High School Seminary, under guidance by (Bishop) William Skylstad and (Monsignor) John Steiner, Fr. Joseph Danneker and Joe King, all intimately involved in allaying our angst, along with many parishioners. We, therefore, consider the crucifix a reflection of our parish’s love and support for one of their families.
Our children at the time Angela (Johnstone) – Special Education – District 81 Spokane O’Neill Byrd - Realtor – Missoula MT Alicia (Sullivan) – Rowan Research, Spokane Stephen Byrd – Real Estate Loans – Spokane Ann Marie Byrd – Catholic Charities, Spokane Dan Byrd – Manager, Cathedral Plaza – Spokane Aimee (Plese) – Plese Real Estate – Assumption Parish BVM John Duane Byrd –Texas A & M, College Station, TX
Angie Byrd (married to John)– First Pastoral Youth Minister at St Joseph Parish, under Sister Kathleen Reynolds and Fr. Jim Mangan.