"Immaculate Conception Church - Brownsville, Texas" Waymark

In 1852, Father Pierre Y. Kerralum, a French architect, came to Brownsville to join the 'Calvary of Christ.' By 1856, the parish had outgrown its small chapel in Brownsville. Father Kerralum designed this Gothic Revival church for the oblates, finishing construction in three years.

Inside the Cathedral, eight piers run along the nave supporting the roof, and the rib vaulted ceiling is covered in blue canvas lined with gold leaf. The interior is lit with bronze chandeliers imported from Paris in the late 19th century. Unfortunately, the original altar and pulpit were replaced during a remodeling in 1960.

Most of the church’s exterior is in its original condition, including the 38 stained glass windows; only the roof tiles have been replaced. On the grounds, in front of the cathedral to the north, is an odd sight - the vault of the locally important Simon Celaya family.

A three-story rectory was added adjacent to the church in 1861. Throughout the years, the rectory became a refuge for priests fleeing from many of Mexico’s numerous revolutions. The rectory also held the first American seminary for the Oblates of Mary. When the roof of the rectory blew off during the 1933 hurricane, the roof was lowered and the third floor became attic space. Today, the first floor of the rectory contains offices; the second floor contains the priests’ residences. The last addition to the church grounds was the Madonna chapel, built in 1958.