Thesis Defense Announcement

College of Communication and Fine Arts announces the Final Thesis Defense of

Brooke Wagster

for the Degree of Master of Arts

August 5, 2019 at 1:00 PM in Art and Communications ,Room 244A

Advisor:Fred C. Albertson

Gothic Revival Comes to Memphis: Saint Peter Catholic Church and Patrick Keely

ABSTRACT: St. Peter Catholic Church, built between 1852 and 1858, marks the introduction of the Gothic Revival style in architecture to Memphis, Tennessee. This thesis examines this church in relation to the larger body of work attributed to its architect, Patrick Charles Keely. It is clear that St. Peter Catholic Church, with its crenellated octagonal towers joined by a parapet, is an anomaly among Keely-designed churches and has its closest affinities with the Old Louisiana State Capitol Building, completed in 1852. It is suggested that St. Peter may reflect a rare attempt by Keely to create a regionally-oriented Gothic Revival style. The research gathered for this thesis was also presented in an exhibition, held at St. Peter Catholic Church from June 16 to July 6, 2019. Six posters combined text and images to highlight Gothic Revival architecture, the career of Patrick Keely, and the distinctive features of St. Peter Catholic Church.