Gesu Church (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Gesu Church

Gesu Church Location in Wisconsin
43°2′18″N 87°55′38″W / 43.03833°N 87.92722°W / 43.03833; -87.92722
Location	1145 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	1887 (Gesu Parish)
Founder(s)	Society of Jesus
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	NRHP
Designated	1986
Architect(s)	Koch, Henry C.; Et al.
Style	French Gothic, Gothic Revival
Completed	1894
Administration
Parish	Gesu
Archdiocese	Milwaukee
Province	Jesuits Midwest Province

Gesu Church is a Roman Catholic church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is run by the Jesuit order, which is a group of priests and brothers. The church is part of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It is a very important building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1975, it was also named a Milwaukee Landmark.

Even though Gesu Church is not officially part of Marquette University, it works closely with the university. Since 1991, the church has helped students and people living near the downtown campus.

History of Gesu Church
Architecture and Design
- Special Features of the Church
Gallery
See also

History of Gesu Church

Gesu Church started in 1849 as a parish called St. Gall's. It served Irish Catholic people who spoke English. As the church grew, a new building called Holy Name Church was built in 1875. By 1887, the Jesuits decided to combine these two parishes into one big church.

Why the Name "Gesu"?

The name "Gesu" was chosen in 1893. It honors the original Church of the Gesu in Rome, Italy. This church in Rome is very special because St. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), is buried there.

Building the Church

The first stone of Gesu Church in Milwaukee was laid on May 23, 1893. More than 20,000 people came to watch this important event. The church was officially finished and dedicated on December 17, 1894.

Famous People Connected to Gesu

Pat O'Brien (1899–1983) was a famous actor. When he was a boy, he served as an altar boy at Gesu Church. He grew up nearby and went to Marquette Academy.
Pat O'Brien also attended Marquette Academy with another famous actor, Spencer Tracy (1900–1967). Both later went to Marquette University.

Today, Gesu Church holds church services every day. On weekends, more than 2,500 people come to worship there.

Architecture and Design

The architect who designed Gesu Church was Henry C. Koch. He created the building in the French Gothic style. He was inspired by the beautiful Cathedral of Chartres in France.

Special Features of the Church

The church has two tall spires, but they are not the same height. This makes the building unique.
There is a large, round rose window in the center of the church.
The church is also known for its stunning stained glass windows.
Inside, you can see special granite columns. These columns were a gift from Harriet L. Cramer. People say they are the only columns of their kind in the United States.