Immaculate Conception Church of the Blessed Virgin

Immaculate Conception Church of the Blessed Virgin

Immaculate Conception Church of the Blessed Virgin HABS

Immaculate Conception Church of the Blessed Virgin

Photo 2 of Immaculate Conception Church of the Blessed Virgin
1906–1908, William P. Ginther. 308 Broad St.

Home to a congregation established by immigrant German steel workers in 1859, this church was originally called St. Mary's. It is one of the first churches that a visitor sees when leaving downtown Johnstown and one of the largest in Cambria City. The contrast between the light yellow brick and the dark brownstone trim adds drama to the Gothic Revival facade. The niche holding a statue of Our Lady of Grace, the gabled portals below, and the gargoyles guarding each door are all in the darker stone to great effect. A tall, square tower with a spire at the southeast corner has a rose window on each elevation. William Ginther, of Akron, Ohio, was a popular church architect who designed over 250 churches in the region.

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