SAINT RAPHAEL'S RECTORY

SAINT RAPHAEL'S RECTORY. Located at 231 Bluff, this square three-storied red brick GEORGIAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE building was constructed by Bishop Clement SMYTH in 1858 to complement the new cathedral. The rectory has over twenty rooms and eight baths. Each of the entry's solid oak doors weigh four hundred pounds. The unusual doors with beveled and stained glass were purchased by Anton A. "Tony" FREUND for the total sum of five dollars each when a mansion belonging to Augustin A. COOPER located where the FEDERAL COURT later stood was torn down. Above the doors is a semi-circular fanlight of stained glass.

The rectory has enjoyed continuous maintenance since it was built. The hallways are decorated with oil paintings of religious subjects, copied by the students of great masters, purchased by Archbishop Francis J.L. BECKMAN. In the library, over the fireplace, is an Italian carved fifteenth century relief of the crucifixion, the oldest item in the building. The first floor features two original marble fireplaces. The main staircase is lit by a beautifully colored stained glass window from Munich.