Our Lady of Guadalupe (Diocese of Charlotte, Cherokee)

Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dedication:	Our Lady of Guadalupe
Venerated Saints:	None specified
Diocese:	Diocese of Charlotte
Deanery:	Smoky Mountain Deanery
Address:	82 Lambert Branch Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Coordinates:	35.47675, -83.32577
City:	Cherokee, NC
Subdivision:	North Carolina
Country:	United States
County:	Swain County
Website:	http://www.stjosephbryson.org
Founded:	1966
School:	Yes
Email:	olgcherokee@rcdoc.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe is in North Carolina (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Charlotte.

It is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

History

Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cherokee, North Carolina, was dedicated by Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh in August 1966. This mission church was the first Catholic church built on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, signifying a significant outreach to the Native American community. The land for the church was donated by Leila Queen, a Catholic convert, and the construction required approval from the Cherokee tribal council. The church's design incorporates elements of Cherokee culture, notably reflecting the sacred Cherokee council house with its seven-sided structure and mosaic floor tiles representing the seven tribal clans.

Special features

• The church is architecturally unique with its seven-sided design to honor the Cherokee culture, specifically reflecting the traditional council house.
• Mosaic floor tiles inside represent the seven Cherokee clans, symbolizing a blend of Catholic faith and Native American heritage.
• Currently, the church is not in operation for regular Masses, but it remains a significant cultural and historical site for both the Catholic and Cherokee communities.
• The mission has been part of broader efforts to integrate Catholic faith with respect for Native American traditions.

Related parishes

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bryson City, NC
• Our Lady of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN