Arts and Crafts
Place of Worship

1859  Church of the Immaculate Conception and Rectory
Designed by Alfredo Taylor

In 1924 architect Alfredo Taylor was asked to enlarge the small frame Catholic church to accommodate a growing parish. His design completely changed the shape and size of the 1859 church and offered a stronger image of Catholicism. Walls are rough cast stucco which, at the time of consecration, were described as burnt sienna and yellow ochre in color, recalling the Italian campaniles of Taylor’s birthplace. The same treatment was applied to the adjacent rectory, built in 1891 after Norfolk became an independent Catholic parish. Use of stucco draws on the Arts & Crafts idiom, while the rubble stone ties the building to the site. In contrast, the bell tower is without ornament except for the rose window. The gable roof of the bell tower is a later alteration.

Historic District Walking Tour Map Index: 38