Church of the Immaculate Conception (Rapid City, South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of the Immaculate Conception
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The church in 2017
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 Location in South Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 918 5th St. Rapid City, South Dakota |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001721 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1975 |
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is an old and important building in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. It was first built as a regular church for a local community. Later, it became the main church, called a cathedral, for the Diocese of Rapid City. This happened when the main office of the diocese moved to Rapid City. Today, it is known as the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
History of the Church
The first church, named St. Mary's Church, started in 1881. The building we see today began with its first stone, called a cornerstone, laid in 1909. This church was made of sandstone and designed in the Romanesque Revival style. It was officially opened in 1911.
In 1930, the Catholic Diocese of Lead moved its main office to Rapid City. At that time, St. Mary's Church was renamed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A very important church leader, Cardinal Francis Spellman, visited the cathedral in 1948. He came to welcome William McCarty as the new bishop for the area.
Over time, the church became too small for all the people who wanted to attend. So, a new, larger church was built to replace it in 1962. This new church is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
The original Church of the Immaculate Conception was recognized as a special historic place in 1975. It was added to the National Register. Since 1992, this historic building has been used as a chapel. It is a place where special church services are held in Latin.
Building Design and Style
The church building has a mostly rectangular shape. In the middle, there is a section with a cross-shaped roof, called a cross-gable. Both sides of this cross-gable have chimneys and are topped with a cross. The stone used for the outside walls was dug up nearby.
A tall, square tower stands at the front of the church. It has a pointed, pyramid-shaped roof, called a spire, covered with metal. This tower holds the main entrance. Above the three main doors, there is a round-arched stained glass window. The openings for the church bells, called the bell chamber, also have round arches and a decorative railing.
Along the sides of the church, there are many round-arched windows filled with colorful stained glass. The three windows in the cross-gabled part are taller than the four windows next to them. Most of the windows have patterns made of geometric shapes. The two largest windows show pictures from the Biblical stories. All the window arches are topped with wedge-shaped stones called voussoirs. A rounded part at the back of the church, called the apse, was added later. It is made of vertical wooden boards.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is important because it is a great example of the Romanesque Revival style in Rapid City. It is one of the few buildings left in this style. It is also the last known building in the city made with cut stone. Plus, it is one of only two buildings remaining with rough, rock-faced outer walls.
More to Explore
- Website of Immaculate Conception Church, Rapid City, SD
- List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
- List of cathedrals in the United States
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (Rapid City) para niños
