Adolphus Druiding


Adolphus Druiding was a German-born American architect who was known for his work in creating Roman Catholic churches, schools, rectories, and convents. Druiding's work represents a significant body of German Catholic architecture in the United States between the end of the Civil War and 1900.

Early life and career

Druiding was born May 29, 1838, in Aschendorf, a province of Hanover, Germany. He studied at the secondary school in Papenburg and at the Polytechnic School in Munich where he graduated with honors. He worked briefly at a French architect's office and then entered government service in Munich. After this he studied in Berlin under Strach, Adler, and Local. He built one church in Schoenwalde and was employed erecting government stations in the Netherlands.

Architectural practice

In 1865, after completing his work in the Netherlands, Druiding came to the United States where he practiced designing Roman Catholic churches throughout the Midwest.
Druiding was noted as an aggressive businessman who was prepared to assume projects large and small.

Legacy

Druiding was one of approximately 20 American architects involved in the design of Roman Catholic ecclesiastical architecture during the later 19th century. His church buildings have been documented in books on church architecture and are listed on some National Registers.

Works

Alabama

Arkansas

District of Columbia

Iowa

New York

Ohio

Illinois

  • St. Hyacinth Church in Chicago
  • St. George Church in Chicago
  • St. John Cantius Church in Chicago
  • St. Hedwig Church in Chicago

Indiana

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

South Dakota

  • St. Paul Church in Marty

Wisconsin