The architect, Thomas Walsh, had drawn the preliminary plans for the new church. He also designed DuBourg Hall which for a long time was the sole school building on the new Saint Louis University campus. He died before the construction of the upper part of the new church was begun and the project was taken over by the Chicago architect, Henry W. Switzer.
Ailse View
St. Francis Xavier College Church
Photographer: Pedro Szekely 1
By this time, Father Henry C. Bronsgeest, S.J., a Dutchman, had been appointed pastor. Fr. Bronsgeest was familiar with churches all over Europe and decided that, of all the possible examples that might be emulated, the one he wanted as a model for the College Church was the Cathedral of Saint Colman, in Cobh, Ireland. Saint Colman's was designed by E.W. Pugin, the son of Augustus Welby Pugin, the famous architect who, more than any other, was responsible for the Gothic revival in the 19th century.
Father Bronsgeest's pastorate extended from 1888 to 1914. It is by far the longest in term in parish history. It was said that from cornerstone to steeple cross, the College Church is a monument to his zeal for the house of the Lord. He raised the necessary funds and oversaw the entire construction of the upper Church.
Altar View
St. Francis Xavier College Church
Photographer: Unknown 2