| History of the Church and Stained Glass Windows |
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| 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.
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| It was in 1673 that Father Jacques Marquette, the great
French missionary and explorer, came unexpectedly 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. |
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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. |
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| 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.
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| 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, 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.
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| 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.
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