Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pawhuska,
Oklahoma is known by many as "The Cathedral of the Osage."
Perhaps it has been given this title not only
because of its large cathedral-like appearance, but also because of its
importance in the life and history of the Osage.
It was in 1673 that Father Jacques
Marquette, the great French missionary and explorer, came undexpectly
upon a band of Osage Indians in what is now the
state of Missouri. In the years that
followed, many other Jesuit missionaries, known as "black robes",
visited the Osage villages, introducing them to the Christian
Faith.
In 1847, Father John Shoenmakers
established a permanent mission and schools for the Osage at what is
now St. Paul's, Kansas. Known as the "Apostle to the
Osage," Father Shoenmakers worked for
some 36 years among the Osage until his death in 1883. By that time the
Osage had been moved southward into Indian
Territory or what is now Osage County in
the State of Oklahoma.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church was
established in 1887 to serve the Osage Catholics of Pawhuska. The
present Gothic-Style brick church is the third
church built by the parish. Begun in
1910, it was not completed until 1915.
The original plans for the church was to
have large stain glass windows, but the First World War delayed those
plans. It was not until after the war, or in 1919
that the windows were commissioned.
Twenty-two windows made in Munich, Germany adorn the walls of the
church today. Two large windows on opposite
ends of the transept measure 9 feet
across and soar 36 feet high. The north transept window is known as the
"Osage Window." It depicts the early missionary
Father Shonmakers with a band of Osage in
authentic Osage dress. The window on the south transept depics
Christopher Columbus and the Spaniards firs
encounter with the Native Americans.
Other windows depict Biblical figures and scenes. To view a few of the
magnificent stained glass windows, click
here.
The quality and beauty of these windows
has been widely praised. Their artistry and detail is truly
exceptional. Each year visitors of all faiths visit Immaculate
Conception as a historical monument of
the Osage, and to view its beautiful windows and interior. Today,
Immaculate Conception continues as a living and active
parish of 140 families, most of whom are
Osage.