Basilica
A sunken outdoor worship garden built by David and Stephen Boothe as a gathering place for many faiths.
A Gathering Place in the Open Air
The Basilica was one of the brothers’ ambitious outdoor projects: a sunken garden intended as a worship and gathering space. The walls were built with stone purchased in Alabama and capped with smooth Connecticut stones, with a wrought iron gate and a tall stone pulpit. Beginning in 1928, David and Stephen organized outdoor Easter sunrise services on the grounds, drawing ministers, musicians, and large crowds. The services eventually ended, then returned after 1955 on a more modest scale. The Basilica remains a reminder of the brothers’ desire to make the grounds available to many faith traditions and public gatherings.
What to Look For
- Sunken garden form and stone enclosure
- The tall pulpit and space for gatherings
- Connections to the three crosses on the grounds
- The history of outdoor Easter sunrise services
- Views back toward nearby museum buildings
Preserving the Basilica
Preserving outdoor gathering spaces keeps Boothe Park’s civic and spiritual history visible. The Friends of Boothe Park support the care of the grounds, landmarks, and stories that give the park its unusual character.