St. Josaphat Basilica, Milwaukee, WI, P. 2-4. CAP at Orchard Lake

St. Josaphat Basilica, Milwaukee, WI, p. 2-4. CAP at Orchard Lake. St. Josaphat Basilica, officially designated a landmark of the city of Milwaukee, is an imposing, richly ornamented Neo-Renaissance edifice. Erected between the years of 1896 and 1901, it reflects the genius of its architect-contractor, Erhard Brielmaier. The original plans for the parish church called for a brick structure trimmed with terra cotta. While these plans were in progress, the pastor of St. Josaphat Parish, the Reverend William Grutza, learned that the old Federal Building in Chicago was to be razed and that salvaged materials were up for sale. Aware of the considerable savings to be realized were such salvaged materials to be used in the construction of the new church, Father Grutza arranged for their purchase for the sum of $20,000.00. This included stone for the exterior walls, polished granite columns for the front portico, massive doors, hardware, bronze railings and light fixtures, which were transported on 500 flat cars from Chicago to Milwaukee. Inspected, measured, sorted and numbered, all these materials eventually found their place in the new fabric. The challenge thrust upon the architect, however, was immense. Mr. Brielmaier was forced to scrap his plans for the original edifice and design a church to be built entirely from the available salvaged materials. The degree of his success is measured even to this day by the Basilica as it stands, a monument to his genius. The large dome of the Basilica, a facsimile of Rome's St. Peter Basilica, was constructed with a steel framework, an architectural first in our country. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1897. On July 21, 1901, the* dedication of the church took place with Sebastian Cardinal Martinelli officiating. At that time, the interior was all but devoid of painted and sculptured ornament: walls, columns, and ceilings were painted alabaster white. In 1904 the first painting was installed, the "Martyrdom of St. Josaphat," executed by J. S. Zu- kotynski of Chicago and located behind and above the Main Altar. Most of the present artistic ornamentation dates from a SI25,000 project that began in September, 1926, under the direction of Gonippo Raggi, a Roman artist, and was largely completed before the con- secra¬tion of the church in 1928. The rich beauty of the gold-leaf and blue hues are captured in the color photos which follow, together with the magnificent paintings that bring us scenes from the Old and New Testament, as well as the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the history of Poland. 1 The church was consecrated on November 18, 1928, by Bishop Paul Rhode of Green Bay, Wis- con¬sin, in the presence of George Cardinal Mundelein of Chicago. This liturgical distinction was soon followed by a unique honor. On March 10, 1929, Pope Pius XI elevated St. Josaphat Church to the dignity of a Minor Basilica, only the third time that a church in the United States had been so honored. The papal decree is preserved in the sacristy of the Basilica. The actual ceremony of elevation took place on January 25, 1931, in the presence of Archbishop, later Cardinal, Samuel Stritch. This simple outline presents the basic St. Josaphat Basilica story. Yet, one interesting highlight must be added. This great temple of God was erected and paid for by the offerings of simple, uneducated Polish immigrants who flocked to America at the turn of the century to escape the oppression of bondage in their occupied homeland. Our shores had beckoned with the promise of bread and homestead, freedom and the chance for self-betterment. Through great sacrifice, here in Milwaukee, they constructed this magnificent temple of God. Truly, the Basilica is a monument to their faith. The Minor Conventual Franciscan Fathers, who undertook the administration of St. Josaphat Parish in 1910, are proud to make this book available as an expression of their appreciation of the generous devotion of all parishioners down through the years. 2.

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