Basilica of St facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of St. Paul |
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 Location in Florida
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| 29°13′03″N 81°01′37″W / 29.2175°N 81.0270°W | |
| Location | 317 Mullally Street Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Gerald A. Barry |
| Style | Mission Revival |
| Completed | 1927 |
| Construction cost | $250,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1,150 |
| Length | 181 feet (55 m) |
| Width | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Number of domes | One |
| Dome height (outer) | 123 feet (37 m) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Orlando |
The Basilica of St. Paul is a special Catholic church in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. It's known as a "Minor Basilica." This means it has a special connection to the Pope. The church also serves as a local parish for the Diocese of Orlando.
Contents
History of St. Paul's Church
The first Catholic families moved to Daytona Beach in 1881. Priests from DeLand would visit a few times a year. They would hold church services in people's homes.
In 1886, Daytona Beach became a mission of St. Teresa Church. This church was located in Titusville. Services then started happening every Sunday. They were held in either the opera house or the armory.
Building the First Church
The first priest to live in Daytona Beach was Rev. John F. O’Boyle. He arrived in 1895. He bought land and built the first church in 1898.
In 1923, Rev. William J. Mullally took over. He planned to build a new church and a school. The school opened in 1925. It was the only Catholic school on Florida’s East Coast at that time.
The Current Basilica Building
The current church building was finished in 1927. It cost about $250,000 to build. The dome and cross on top of the church were added in 2006. They replaced older ones that were damaged by strong storms in 2004.
On January 20, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI gave St. Paul's church a special title. It was officially named a "Minor Basilica." Bishop Thomas G. Wenski held a special ceremony later that year.
Architecture and Design
The Basilica of St. Paul has a Mission Revival style. This style often features smooth stucco walls and arched openings. The church was designed by Gerald A. Barry, an architect from Chicago.
When it was built, it was the tallest building on the mainland. It was also one of the first buildings in the area to have central heating and air conditioning. Above the main altar, there is a large painting called a fresco. This fresco shows the story of St. Paul's conversion.
