Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Jacksonville) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Location	121 E. Duval St. Jacksonville, Florida
Country	United States
Denomination	Catholic Church
History
Status	Basilica/Parish
Founded	1845
Dedication	Immaculate Conception
Dedicated	December 8, 1910
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	M. H. Hubbard
Style	Gothic Revival
Years built	1907–1910
Specifications
Number of spires	Two
Administration
Diocese	St. Augustine

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a historic Catholic church in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to the city's oldest Catholic congregation, which started in the 1840s.

The beautiful church you see today was finished in 1910. Because of its long history and importance, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1992. In 2013, it received the special title of minor basilica from the Pope, which is a high honor for a church.

History of the Church

The church's story is one of strength and rebuilding. The congregation has had to build its main church not just once, but three times over the years.

Early Churches and Major Setbacks

The ruins of the second church after the Great Fire of 1901.

The congregation first formed around 1845. The first church building was finished by 1847. However, this building was destroyed by Union soldiers during the American Civil War.

After the war, the congregation planned a second church. This new building was completed in 1874. Sadly, it was also destroyed in 1901. It burned down along with most of downtown Jacksonville during a huge fire known as the Great Fire of 1901.

A New Church Rises from the Ashes

After the fire, the people of the church were determined to rebuild. They hired an architect named M. H. Hubbard to design a grand new building in 1905. Construction started in 1907 and took three years to complete.

The new church was officially opened on December 8, 1910. This is the same building that stands in Jacksonville today.

Architecture and Design

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is famous for its stunning architecture. It is a great example of the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and early 1900s and was inspired by the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages in Europe.

What Makes It Gothic Revival?

The church has many features of Gothic Revival design:

• Cruciform Plan: The floor plan is shaped like a cross, which is a traditional design for churches.
• Pointed Arches: The windows and doorways have pointed arches, a key feature of Gothic style.
• High Spires: The church has tall, pointed towers called spires that reach toward the sky.
• Vaulted Ceiling: Inside, the ceiling is very high and curved, which is called a vault. This makes the space feel large and open.

When it was built, its main steeple was 178.5-foot (54.4 m) tall. For three years, it was the tallest point in the entire city of Jacksonville.

Special Status and Recognition

The church has received several honors that recognize its importance to history and the Catholic faith.

In 1979, the church was given a solemn dedication. This is a special religious promise that means the building cannot be torn down or used for anything other than a church.

In 1992, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important buildings and sites that are protected by the U.S. government.

Finally, in 2013, the church was named a minor basilica. This title is given by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome to churches around the world that are special because of their history, beauty, or religious importance.

See also

In Spanish: Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción (Jacksonville) para niños