Basilica of St John
United States·Des Moines·Des Moines
The Basilica of St. John is a Minor Basilica of the Catholic Church located in Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 1905, the current church building, constructed between 1926 and 1927, is a notable example of Lombardy Romanesque Revival architecture. It was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1989.
Key Facts
- ›Established as St. John's Parish in 1905, with its school being the first building constructed.
- ›The current church building was designed by Maginnis & Walsh and built between 1926 and 1927.
- ›The church is constructed of Indiana limestone in the Lombardy Romanesque Revival style.
- ›It was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II on October 4, 1989.
- ›The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- ›The basilica houses a Casavant Frères pipe organ, Opus 2723, installed in 1963.
Lombardy Romanesque Revival, Romanesque Revival
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Maginnis & Walsh, John Normile
About Basilica of St John
Basilica of St. John
The Basilica of St. John is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica situated in the Drake neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. It currently serves as an active parish church within the Diocese of Des Moines and is recognized for its architectural significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
History and Establishment
St. John's Parish was established in 1905, with its initial territory carved out from St. Ambrose Parish. The purchase of lots on University Avenue marked the beginning of the parish. The school was the first building erected, with a chapel on its second floor serving as the initial church. The parish became part of the newly established Diocese of Des Moines in 1911. The basement of the present church was completed in August 1913, serving as the place of worship until the upper church was finished.
The cornerstone for the current church was laid on September 19, 1926. The church was constructed for $480,000 and was dedicated by Bishop Thomas W. Drumm on December 4, 1927. The baldachin and high altar were added in 1929. Significant additions, including stained glass windows designed by Conrad Pickel Studio, were completed between 1947 and 1953, with further renovations and additions occurring in 1983.
Architectural Significance
Designed by the Boston firm Maginnis & Walsh, the Basilica of St. John embodies the Lombardy Romanesque Revival style, characterized by its basilica form reminiscent of Northern Italy. The church is constructed from Indiana limestone, featuring a random ashlar pattern on its exterior. The building measures 138 by 80 feet, with a 115-foot campanile on the west rear. The interior is finished with plaster cast and travertine marble, boasting a barrel-vaulted coffered ceiling covered in gold leaf that rises 50 feet above the floor. The main nave is complemented by side aisles, and the apse features a mural by Des Moines artist Dominic Damiani.
Designation as a Minor Basilica
In recognition of its spiritual and architectural importance, Pope John Paul II elevated St. John's Church to the status of a Minor Basilica on October 4, 1989. The formal dedication liturgy for this designation took place on December 31, 1989, presided over by Bishop William H. Bullock. The church continues to be an active center of worship and community outreach, notably participating in initiatives to combat homelessness.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of St. John established?
St. John's Parish was established in 1905 by Bishop Henry Cosgrove of the Diocese of Davenport. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day of that year.
Who designed the Basilica of St. John?
The architects who designed the present church were from Maginnis & Walsh of Boston, known for their work on the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The local architect supervising the project was John Normile.
What architectural style is the Basilica of St. John?
St. John's is designed in the basilica form of the Romanesque Revival style found in Northern Italy, specifically Lombardy Romanesque. The exterior is primarily Indiana limestone.
What is the capacity of the Basilica of St. John?
The church has a seating capacity of 900 people.
When was St. John's designated as a Minor Basilica?
Pope John Paul II elevated St. John's Church to a Minor Basilica on October 4, 1989. The dedication liturgy was presided over by Bishop William H. Bullock on December 31, 1989.
What are some notable features of the Basilica of St. John's interior?
The interior features a barrel-vaulted coffered ceiling covered in gold leaf, side aisles flanking the main nave, and a mural of Christ the King in the apse. The baldachin and high altar are made of Italian marble.
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