BASILICA OF ST. JOSAPHAT

Milwaukee, WI

This Catholic church is a minor basilica built in the Polish cathedral style, with labor from the Polish immigrant community. It is named for Josaphat Kuntsevych, a Slav martyr and saint. It was constructed with 200,000 tons of materials salvaged from the demolition of the Chicago Custom House, a Court House, and a Post Office, purchased for $20,000. Six large granite columns, carved stone capitals, ornamental bronze railings, lighting fixtures, and doors from the demolition were used. Architect Erhard Brielmaier designed the church in brick, but when the salvaged material was secured, he then changed the design to sandstone. When construction funds ran low, Brielmaier financed much of the work personally. He loosely modeled the design on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The design is reminiscent of my earlier basilica sketches from Montreal, Asheville NC and Cusco, Peru.

When the church opened, the 80’ diameter dome was the 5th largest in the world (St Peters in Rome is the largest at 125’ diameter). The stone building sits on German cement foundations with railroad tie reinforcing. The dome is clad with weathered copper. When built, the 2,400 seat capacity was the largest in the city. Like most buildings of this vintage, the structure has endured damage from fires, winds and storms.

As I arrived for this early morning sketch, the sun was not cooperating, as it came from the left, leaving the front on the building in shade, not well defined. So I moved the sun to an afternoon position, to place the front façade in the full light of day. Much better.