Jeremiah O'Rourke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeremiah O'Rourke
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| Born | February 6, 1833 |
| Died | April 22, 1915 (aged 82) |
| Alma mater | Queen's College, Cork |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Cecilia Dunn |
| Buildings | |
Jeremiah O'Rourke (1833 – 1915) was a famous Irish-American architect. He was known for designing many Roman Catholic churches and important government buildings, like post offices. He started his own architecture firms in Newark, New Jersey.
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Early Life and Learning
Jeremiah O'Rourke was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1833. He was one of eight children. In 1850, he finished school at the Government School of Design, which was part of Queens College, Cork.
After school, he moved to the United States. He found work in Newark, New Jersey, drawing building plans. In 1860, he married Elizabeth Cecilia Dunn. He even designed and built his own home in Newark.
In 1870, a local bishop sent O'Rourke to England and France. He went to study beautiful European churches. This trip helped him learn new ideas for his designs.
A Career in Architecture
Jeremiah O'Rourke opened his own architecture firm in Newark, New Jersey. He became very well-known for designing Catholic churches and other buildings in the New York and New Jersey areas.
In 1886, he became a member and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. This is a special group for architects.
From 1893 to 1894, O'Rourke worked for the United States government. He was the United States Supervising Architect in Washington, D.C.. In this job, he designed several federal post offices across the country.
After his time with the government, he returned to his private work. He started a new firm called Jeremiah O'Rourke & Sons. His sons, William, Joseph, and Louis, joined him. They continued to specialize in designing churches and other religious buildings.
Jeremiah O'Rourke passed away in Newark on April 22, 1915.
Famous Buildings He Designed
Churches and Cathedrals
Jeremiah O'Rourke designed many beautiful churches. Here are some of his most well-known church projects:
- St. John's Church in Orange, New Jersey: This church was finished in 1868. It has a tall, 200-foot spire. O'Rourke said this was his favorite design.
- St. Joseph's Church in Newark: The first stone was laid in 1872.
- St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Wharton, New Jersey: Built between 1872 and 1873.
- St. Mary's Church in Plainfield, New Jersey: Dedicated in 1880. It is made of red brick with white and black brick details.
- Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan: Built from 1876 to 1884.
- St. Michael's Church in Newark: The first stone was laid in 1878.
- St. Aloysius Church in Newark: Started in 1880. This church is made of brownstone.
- Holy Cross Church in Harrison, New Jersey: Started in 1886. This church looks like a cathedral and is made of brownstone.
- St Marys Roman Catholic Church in Rahway, New Jersey (now Divine Mercy): Completed in 1888. It has a long main hall with stained-glass windows.
- St. Anthony's Church in Jersey City, New Jersey: Built in 1892.
- Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey: Dedicated in 1892.
- Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark: This was O'Rourke's biggest project. He was the main architect from 1899 to 1910. It is now one of the largest cathedrals in North America. The original plan was for an English-Irish Gothic style, but it was changed to a French Gothic style.
- St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral Rectory in Newark: This building is next to the Pro-Cathedral. It is in the Tudor Gothic style.
- Church of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, New Jersey: Completed in 1953.
Post Offices
As the United States Supervising Architect, O'Rourke designed several important post offices:
- Old United States Courthouse and Post Office in Duluth, Minnesota: Built in 1894.
- Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, D.C.: Built in 1899.
- Old Post Office in Buffalo, New York: Built in 1901.
- Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Savannah, Georgia.
Other Buildings
O'Rourke also designed other types of buildings:
- Saint Michael's Hospital in Newark: Built around 1868. It has a Gothic Revival chapel.
- Immaculate Conception Chapel at Seton Hall University: This chapel was fully restored inside and out.
- Columbus Hall in Orange, New Jersey: Built in 1893. It was originally St. John's School and included a theater.
- Hotel Lorraine in Manhattan: Completed by 1930.
