Patrick Keely, a Pioneering Architect of Catholic Churches in America

Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, image courtesy of Elkus Manfredi

Patrick C. Keely (1816-1896), regarded as one of the great neo-Gothic church architects of the 19th century, designed more than 600 churches and 16 cathedrals throughout the United States between 1846-1896.

Born in Thurles, County Tipperary on August 9, 1816, Keely was the son of an architect and skilled carpenter who built St. Patrick's College and the Fever Hospital in Thurles. The family, spelled Kiely in Ireland, originated from Kilkenny. He emigrated to New York in 1842 at age 25 and settled in Brooklyn.

Inspired by 13th century Gothic design and influenced by English architect Augustus Pugin, he used elements such as Marcello towers and pinnacles, and within a short time was the most sought after church architect in America.

In addition to Catholic churches, Keely also created notable Protestant churches such as the Asylum Hill Congressional Church in Hartford, CT, which included parishioners Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Among his cathedrals in New England are the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Saint Mary's Cathedral in Fall River, and Saint Michael's Cathedral in Springfield and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI.

St. Mary's Church in Charlestown

Other Keely masterpieces in Massachusetts include St. James the Greater Church in Chinatown, St. Mary's and St. Francis de Sales in Charlestown and St. Paul's Church in Hingham. Churches in Lowell include St. Patrick’s Church, Immaculate Conception Church, St. Michael’s Church, according to the City of Lowell.

Keely also designed the FitzPatrick Chapel at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline.

Keely and his wife Sarah Farmer raised 17 children, seven of whom died in infancy or childhood. His sons William, Charles and Patrick assisted him when they became architects, as did his sons-in-law Thomas Houghton and Patrick Ford.

In 1884 the University of Notre Dame awarded its second annual Laetare Medal to Keely, for "changing the style of ecclesiastical structures and modified architectural taste in this country."

Research + Text, Michael Quinlin

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