Gesu is pure Gothic in design. The pointed arch and ribbed-grained
vault, so beautiful in the Renaissance prototype, add their glory and
strength to the church of the Gesu, rising as it does above the bustle
of a busy twentieth century city.
The architect who conceived and designed the church with its Old World
memories was H. C. Koch, a native of Hanover, Germany. He and his son,
Armand, were prominent among local architects at the time, having drawn
the plans for the City Hall and the University of Wisconsin buildings
at Madison.
The majesty of the front of the church is enhanced by a grandly
sweeping frontage of 150 ft. The face is flanked by two towers, one 250
feet in height, the other, 215 feet. Between the two is the main gable,
ornamented with a magnificent rose window. Entrance to the church is
made through a projecting vestibule, the front of which is composed of
three Gothic arches. The arches supported by clusters of four granite
columns. Arches and walls are rightly ornamented Bedford stone. Behind
the arches is a set of stairs, 48 feet wide, by which one enters the
body of the upper church.
