With their hearts in their hands: Forging a Mexican community in Dallas, 1900-1925. Page: 33
This thesis is part of the collection entitled: UNT Theses and Dissertations and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
the northeast corner of Ross and Pearl Streets (like Cumberland Hill, in the heart of
Little Mexico) and the selection of architect Nicholas Joseph Clayton to design the
Cathedral building. The first drawings Clayton submitted featured two steeples, one
large and one small; however, this design proved to be too expensive. Clayton revised
his drawings and resubmitted them twice. Finally, Bishop Dunne approved the revised
plans. Ground broke for the cathedral in the fall of 1895 and Dunne authorized
construction to begin in 1896. On June 17, 1898, builders laid the cornerstone of what
would eventually be Sacred Heart Cathedral.34
Everything about the cathedral was grand. Twenty-eight parishes in the Dallas
Diocese donated the windows of the church, which were "exceedingly admired." The
Ladies of the Altar Society ordered green carpet for the Sanctuary of the cathedral and
purchased vestments from France for the Pontifical High Mass that would follow the
dedication of the structure. Dioceses from across the country donated various items to
the cathedral, like the bishop's throne, a delicately carved main altar, the altar rail, and
the organ. The altar of the Blessed Virgin was made of Italian marble, as was the
statue placed in the altar. Two to three thousand electric lights in the sixty-foot-high
ceiling and along the perimeter of the walls lit the interior space. Bishop Dunne
proclaimed that there would be no church south of St. Louis and west of the Mississippi
River to rival Sacred Heart (see figs. 2.1 and 2.2). Construction of the cathedral
finished in 1902 and on October 26, 1902, a dedication ceremony attended by over one
34 "Sacred Heart/Guadalupe Cathedral of the Dallas Diocese Since 1902,"
compiled by Frances James, Sacred Heart/Guadalupe Church File, Folder 6A, Box 16,
Dallas County Historical Commission Files, T/D DPL; "New Catholic Cathedral," Dallas
Morning News, June 6, 1898; "Work of Seven Years," Dallas Morning News, September
16, 1902. The Dallas diocese was founded in 1890. "Catholic Century," Dallas Morning
News, July 15, 1990.33
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This thesis can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Thesis.
Mercado, Bianca. With their hearts in their hands: Forging a Mexican community in Dallas, 1900-1925., thesis, May 2008; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc6076/m1/38/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .