Gesu Church (Miami, Florida)

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Gesu Church
(U.S. National Register of Historic Places)

Location:	Miami, Florida
Added to NRHP:	July 18, 1974

This article is about the church in Florida. For the church in Wisconsin, see Gesu Church.

The Gesu Church is a historic church in Miami, Florida. It is located at 118 Northeast 2nd Street. On July 18, 1974, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

[edit] Description

The Gesu Church is significant for its important role in the religious history of Miami and as a reflection of the City's growth and development. In addition, the buildings are excellent examples of religious architecture and noteworthy for the excellence of its design, craftsmanship, and detailing.

Gesu is Miami's oldest Catholic parish and has served the religious and humanitarian needs of the community for over a century. The growth of the parish closely parallels the development of the City of Miami.

Miami's first Catholic service was conducted in 1872 when Father Dufau, who had been sent to South Florida by Bishop Agustin Verot of St. Augustine, celebrated Mass and confirmed the pioneer family of William J. Wagner. Wagner constructed a small wooden church on his homestead in 1875, and this became Miami's first house of worship.

The Holy Name Parish (now Gesu) was organized in 1896, and a new church was constructed in 1897 on land donated by Henry Flagler. As Miami's population and the Holy Name congregation expanded, the need for a larger church became evident. A cornerstone was subsequently laid on December 10, 1920, on the site of the earlier church, and the new building was dedicated in 1925. Gesu School was added in 1926, replacing an earlier school building constructed in 1905.

Gesu Church continues to serve as one of the three downtown churches and was recently restored to its original appearance. The parish is staffed by the Jesuits of Antilles province. Father Eduardo "Eddy" Alvarez is the pastor.