Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Memphis tn

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was completed in 1938 in the Spanish Colonial Revival character. Deferred maintenance and accumulated building alterations accelerated the need for a restoration of the building envelope and select interior areas. Moisture ingression through the failing roof system was starting to threaten the building interior, including ornamental plaster and original artwork.

The initial project scope included a new vented roofing and drainage system, rebuilt cornices, masonry repointing and crack repair, and restoration of interior plaster. Other work was elected during the project to take full advantage of the extensive scaffolding and mobilized forces in place. This work included blasting and abatement of lead paint to expose the copper belltower domes, select limestone replacement, and nave window frame restoration. Replacement limestone pieces were sourced from the original quarry used by the Church 80 years prior.

With the building envelope secured for decades, attention was focused on interior decoration. A new marble ambo and marble statue pedestals were designed and executed as part of this ongoing interior renewal. The adoration Angels renewed the original pentaptych composition in the sanctuary, and Mary and Joseph re-occupy the side-niches. The Coptic cross was utilized as a decorative motif from the Diocesan Coat of Arms – a reference to the City of Memphis and its Egyptian namesake.