Basilica of St. Fidelis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
St. Fidelis Catholic Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
View of the church from the northwest in 1997
Location	Victoria, Kansas, U.S.
Area	3 acres (1.2 ha)
Built	1908-1911
Architect	John T. Comès; Joseph Marshall
Architectural style	Romanesque
NRHP reference No.	71000315
Added to NRHP	May 14, 1971

The Basilica of St. Fidelis, often called the Cathedral of the Plains, is a large Catholic church in Victoria, Kansas, U.S.. It was built in the Romanesque style, which uses round arches and strong walls. In 2014, it became a Minor Basilica, a special title given by the Pope. Its two tall towers reach 141 feet high.

Building the Cathedral of the Plains

This amazing church was built between 1908 and 1911. The main architect was John T. Comès from Pittsburgh. Another architect, Joseph Marshall from Topeka, helped with changes and oversaw the work.

Building such a big church needed a lot of effort from the community. Every church member who was 12 years or older was asked to help. They were asked to give $45 each year. They also had to haul six wagon loads of Fencepost limestone and four loads of sand every year. Some families brought as many as 70 to 80 wagonloads of stone!

The church earned its nickname, The Cathedral of the Plains, in 1912. This name was given by William Jennings Bryan, a famous politician who visited the town. In 1916, 48 beautiful stained-glass windows were installed. These windows were made by the Munich Studio of Chicago. They cost $3,700 back then, but today they are worth over $1 million. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Keeping the Church Beautiful

Starting in 1994, the church began many projects to restore and protect it. The church community spent over $265,000 to make the outside waterproof. They also replastered and repainted the inside. New sound, electrical, and heating systems were put in.

A beautiful marble floor was installed in the main worship area for $60,000. Old carpets and linoleum floors in other parts of the church were replaced. In 2006, the church roof was re-shingled, which cost $137,000.

In 2011, the parking lot and sidewalks were replaced for $225,000. They also spent $70,000 to fix cracks in the plaster ceilings and walls. In 2013, new glass coverings were put on the stained-glass windows. These new coverings are made of strong, clear glass. They protect the old windows from Kansas storms.

In early 2014, the Vatican, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, approved a special honor for St. Fidelis Church. On June 7, 2014, Bishop Edward Weisenburger officially named it a Minor Basilica.

• 

  Plaque outside the church (1997)

• 

  Front of the church (1997)

• 

  Nave of the church (2011)

• 

  Convent next to church (2018)

The Capuchin Friars

Since the late 1800s, the Catholic community in Ellis County, Kansas, including St. Fidelis Church, has been cared for by the Capuchin Order. The Capuchins are a special group of Franciscans, who are Catholic religious brothers and priests.

Next to the church, there is a three-story building called a Friary. This is where the Capuchin priests live. Today, it is home to many retired and older Capuchin priests.

See also

In Spanish: Basílica de San Fidel (Victoria) para niños