Guardian Angel Cathedral

Guardian Angel Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It is just off the Las Vegas Strip, near the Encore Las Vegas hotel. Since the creation of the Diocese of Las Vegas in 1995, Guardian Angel has been the seat of the bishop, previously having been a parish of the Diocese of Reno.

Guardian Angel Cathedral
Location in Nevada
Guardian Angel Cathedral (the United States)
36°07′50″N 115°09′49″W
Location302 Cathedral Way
Las Vegas, Nevada
CountryUnited States
DenominationRoman Catholic Church
Websitewww.gaclv.org
History
StatusCathedral
Founded1963
Founder(s)Rev. Richard Crowley, CSV
DedicationGuardian Angel
Architecture
Architect(s)Paul R. Williams
StyleModern
Completed1963
Specifications
Capacity1,100
Number of spiresOne
Administration
DioceseLas Vegas
Clergy
Bishop(s)George Leo Thomas
RectorRev. Robert Stoeckig

History

St. Viator Church was built on the site of the former city dump in 1955. The ground proved to be unstable and the church was condemned and torn down six months after it opened.[1] The Rev. Richard Crowley, CSV, now churchless, approached Moe Dalitz to donate land on the Las Vegas Strip.[2] Although Jewish, Dalitz liked the idea of having a church convenient for his casino workers. He donated land near the Desert Inn in 1961. Dalitz was familiar with the work of Los Angeles architect Paul R. Williams and approached him to design the new church. Guardian Angel Shrine was opened in October 2, 1963. In 1977 Bishop Norman McFarland of the recently re-designated Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas chose the shrine as the co-cathedral. The diocese was divided in 1995 and the Diocese of Las Vegas was established.[3] Guardian Angel retained its status as a cathedral. The cathedral was renovated for $1.3 million in 1995.[1]

Architecture

Architect Paul R. Williams used an A-frame design for the church structure.[1] A four-sided spire capped with a cross is located to the front left of the cathedral. At its base is a statue of the Holy Family. There is a large mosaic over the main entrance of the cathedral by Los Angeles artist Edith Piczek. It represents the Guardian Angel with three figures: Penance, Prayer and Peace. She also created the mural on the rear chancel wall, which is titled The Final Beginning. The stained glass windows, which depict the Stations of the Cross, are by her sister Isabel Piczek.[4] They are located in 12 triangular niches that bisect the A-frame. A large crucifix is suspended from the ceiling above the altar and in front of the chancel mural. There is seating for 1,100 people in the cathedral.[1] The pews on the main floor are divided into four sections across the nave, and a deep gallery above the main entrance. The Blessed Sacrament is housed in a chapel to the right of the altar, and the Lady chapel is located on the opposite side of the cathedral.

  • Exterior detail
  • Main nave toward altar
  • Rear gallery
  • Chancel mural: The Final Beginning
  • Stained glass window: Station 14

References
  1. "Guardian Angel Cathedral, Las Vegas, NV". Paul R. Williams Project. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  2. "Viatorians celebrate 50 years in valley". Las Vegas Sun. September 17, 2005. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  3. "Diocesan History". Diocese of Las Vegas. Retrieved 2015-12-24.
  4. "Guardian Angel Cathedral Stained Glass Windows Photo Gallery". Guardian Angel Cathedral. Retrieved 2015-12-24.

See also
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