Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe

Nicholas J. Clayton
1898-1903





Although Clayton is primarily associated with architecture in Galveston during the last three decades of the nineteenth century, he designed several parish churches in other Texas and Louisiana cities, many of which are now demolished. This cathedral, originally called Sacred Heart Cathedral, is now attributed to Clayton, even though it was supervised by J. Edward Overbeck. The cathedral is a fairly formulaic example of the Victorian Gothic church with nave (lighted by clerestory), side aisles, transept and choir; with tripartite front and twin towers; with rose window above the main entrance.

Views of the front

The towers are of different heights and designs. See this original drawing of the intial design.
 
Even though the pointed arch identifies the church as a Victorian interpretation of Gothic architecture, the red brick exterior with contrasting stone trim resembles Romanesque Revival architecture. See H. H. Richardson's works on this site.


Work Consulted:
Jay C. Henry. Architecture in Texas 1895-1945. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993.

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© 2003 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

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