St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church | Roanoke

Here is a detailed historical and architectural profile of St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, now officially designated as the Basilica of St. Andrew, located in Roanoke, Virginia:

🕍 Name and Status

Full Name: Basilica of St. Andrew (formerly St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church)

Location: 631 North Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Virginia

Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond

Designation: Elevated to Minor Basilica status by Pope Francis on September 6, 2023

🏗️ Architectural Overview

📅 Construction and Background

Original church established in 1883 on the same site.

Current structure was built between 1900 and 1902 to replace the original brick church that had become too small for the growing Catholic population in Roanoke.

Designed by William P. Ginther, a prominent church architect from Akron, Ohio.

🏛️ Architectural Style

Style: High Victorian Gothic Revival
This is evident in its use of pointed arches, intricate stonework, and towering vertical elements.

Materials: The church is constructed primarily from buff brick, with limestone and stone foundation detailing.

Structure: Cruciform (cross-shaped) floor plan with a central nave and transepts.

Towers: Twin Gothic towers rise above the main entrance on the western façade.

🎨 Exterior Features

Main Façade:

A large rose window occupies the central position between the towers.

Three recessed pointed-arch portals lead into the church, each framed by decorative Gothic molding.

Above the central entrance is a niche with a statue of St. Andrew, the patron of the parish.

Steeples:

The church’s towers are capped by conical spires, restored in 2014.

These towers are visible from many parts of the Roanoke Valley and are considered city landmarks.

🕯️ Interior Details

🌈 Stained Glass Windows

Created by Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich, Germany.

Subjects include:

The Crucifixion

The Resurrection

The Last Supper

Martyrdom of St. Andrew

Saints Peter, Paul, and other apostles

The stained-glass artistry is vibrant and intricately detailed, providing both color and catechesis.

⛪ Sanctuary and Nave

The altar, pulpit, and altar rail are crafted from amber-colored marble.

Original high altar with reredos was retained even after Vatican II reforms.

Vaulted ceiling includes ribbing and stencil work, especially a grapevine motif that symbolizes the Eucharist.

🎼 Music and Organs

A traditional pipe organ was originally installed; in recent decades, replaced with an electric organ, while the old pipes remain as decorative architectural features.

The church supports an active music ministry with choral ensembles, organ, and cantors.

⛪ Liturgical and Parish Life

📅 Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM

Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (livestreamed), 11:30 AM

Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 12:00 PM

🙏 Devotions and Sacraments

Eucharistic Adoration: Thursdays 12:45 PM to 6:45 PM

Benediction: Thursdays at 6:45 PM

Confession: Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM

💒 Community Ministries

Active youth ministry, faith formation (RCIA), and outreach programs

The church also runs or supports numerous local missions, food programs, and interfaith activities in the Roanoke area.

🎖️ Minor Basilica Designation (2023)

🏅 Significance

The designation of “Minor Basilica” is one of the highest honors a Catholic church can receive.

It recognizes St. Andrew’s:

Architectural beauty

Liturgical excellence

Historical significance

Strong connection with the Pope and universal Church

🎏 Basilica Symbols

Tintinnabulum: A ceremonial bell symbolizing the church's readiness to welcome the Pope.

Ombrellino (Umbrellone): A half-opened papal umbrella in gold and red, representing papal authority.

These symbols are now permanently displayed in the sanctuary and used during major liturgical celebrations.

📜 Dedication Ceremony

Bishop Barry C. Knestout formally read and blessed the Vatican decree on December 3, 2023.

The Mass of Elevation included solemn music, incense, Latin prayers, and symbolic installations.

🗺️ Geographic and Civic Importance

St. Andrew’s Basilica sits atop “Railroad Hill”, overlooking downtown Roanoke.

The basilica is not only a spiritual beacon but also a civic monument, featured in local postcards, guidebooks, and history tours.

It draws pilgrims, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts from across Virginia and the eastern United States.

✅ Conclusion

The Basilica of St. Andrew in Roanoke stands as a model of Catholic heritage in the American South. With its magnificent Gothic Revival architecture, deeply devotional community life, and papal honor, it has transformed from a small parish church in the late 19th century into a national religious and cultural landmark. Its basilica status marks a new chapter in its legacy, celebrating over 140 years of unbroken faith, tradition, and service.