Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Historic Building Fact Sheet
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has served as an important community gathering place in Flagstaff’s Southside neighborhood for a century. (June 2024) Photo credit: Jake Case
Need to Know Info
| Built | 1926 |
| Address | 302 S. Kendrick Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Coordinates | 35°11’44.3″N 111°39’13.4″W |
| Date Added to NRHP | April 30th, 1986 |
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, established in 1926 in Flagstaff, Arizona, arose from the need for a separate place of worship for the Hispanic Catholic community due to unofficial segregation practices at the existing Church of Nativity.
Despite its origins in racial division, the church has become a significant cultural and religious landmark, built through community effort and resilience during the early Great Depression, and continues to serve Flagstaff’s diverse population to this day.
In-Depth Story
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Resilient History
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, established in 1926, stands as a significant landmark in Flagstaff’s religious and cultural landscape. This article explores the church’s history, from its inception to its role in the community.
Catholic presence in Flagstaff dates back to 1888 when the city’s first Catholic church — named The Church of Nativity — opened on Christmas Day. The early years saw leadership from Jesuit Father Ferrari until 1890, followed by Father Vabre who served until 1924. In 1911, the parish headquarters relocated to St. Anthony’s school on the north side of town, where it remained for nearly two decades.
A pivotal figure in the church’s history, Reverend Edward Albouy, arrived in Flagstaff in 1924. Coming from Winslow, he quickly addressed the parish’s financial challenges, reporting all debts paid by 1926. Albouy’s tenure saw the construction of both Our Lady of Guadalupe and the new Church of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary that broke ground in 1929.
The idea for Our Lady of Guadalupe arose from expressed sentiments within the parish about building a separate church for Spanish-speaking parishioners.
The establishment of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church occurred against a backdrop of racial segregation in Flagstaff’s religious community. The original Church of Nativity had adopted an unofficial policy of segregation. Hispanic community members often found themselves unable to attend services due to reserved seating practices that favored white parishioners.
This mistreatment led the Hispanic community to build Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in 1926. Mrs. Phelomena Babbitt donated land at the northeast corner of Benton Avenue and Kendrick for the new church. Father Albouy himself designed the building, with construction beginning in fall 1925.
The church’s construction faced challenges as the early signs of the Great Depression emerged. Financial constraints meant only the main structure was initially completed. The Hispanic community rallied, collecting money and donating time and labor. Mill workers contributed through payroll deductions. The Catholic Church Extension Society donated one thousand dollars, bringing the total cost to $16,000.
By fall 1926, the church neared completion, coinciding with the Feast of Guadalupe. This timing influenced its dedication to Our Lady of Guadalupe, honoring the Mexican parishioners. On December 5, 1926, the church was officially dedicated, following a blessing of the bell. Father Albouy conducted the first Spanish Mass on December 12, 1926.
Initially, the church’s sole artwork was a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe drawn by Jesus Gil, the bell ringer and caretaker. The late 1930s saw the addition of three wooden saint statues, partially funded by Joseph Dolan. In 1950, the church basement became a meeting place for the Catholic Youth Organization, later evolving into an official youth center. 1953 marked another milestone with the construction of Our Lady of Guadalupe School on Armory Avenue, made possible by Dolan’s generous seven-acre land donation.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of Flagstaff’s Hispanic community. While born from a history of segregation, it has evolved into an important cultural and religious center, playing a significant role in Flagstaff’s diverse religious landscape for nearly a century.
NRHP Reference #: 86000907
