The Cathedral of the Plains- Victoria, KS
It is always exciting to stumble upon something wonderfully incongruent with its surrounding environment. Something utterly unexpected. Like finding a grand Romanesque Basilica in Victoria, Kansas. Rising from the plains, it dominates the landscape, and stands as a testament of the faith of early German settlers.
Designed by John T. Comes of Pittsburgh, and constructed between 1908 and 1911, The Basilica of St. Fidelis was nicknamed the The Cathedral of the Plains by Secretary of State Williams Jennings Bryan following his 1912 visit. Built of native limestone blocks, each church member was expected to donate $45 and six wagon loads of stone to help construct the building. Construction ultimately required over 3000 wagon loads of stone, with each massive block cut and dressed by hand.
Built in the shape of a cross, and measuring 220 feet long and 110 feet wide at the transepts, it was the largest church west of the Mississippi at the time of its dedication. Visible for miles, the 141 foot tall twin bell towers house massive bells weighing 1300 pounds. Nestled between the towers, just above the 13 foot round window, a statue of St. Fidelis keeps watch over the congregation and the surrounding plains.
The ornate interior of the Basilica, with a seating capacity of over 1100, boasts Austrian hand carved Stations of the Cross, as well as an Italian marble alter. In 1916, 48 German designed stained glass windows were installed, at a cost of $3700. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the Basilica is every bit as beautiful today as when it was constructed, and well worth the detour from the Interstate.
One Comment
Pingback: