Murphy & Hindle
Ambrose J. Murphy | |
|---|---|
 Saint Paul Church, Cranston, Rhode Island | |
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | May 27, 1949 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Architect, partner in Murphy and Hindle, Murphy, Hindle and Wright and Ambrose J. Murphy |
Ambrose J. Murphy (1869–1949) was an American architect operating out of Providence, Rhode Island, who specialized in designing religious structures. Throughout a professional span exceeding four decades, he created numerous buildings for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and the Fall River Diocese.
Early life and career
Murphy was born on July 12, 1869, in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he most likely completed his formal education. He commenced his architectural journey working under his uncle, James Murphy (1834–1907), a prominent ecclesiastical architect in Providence. Subsequently, he briefly served as a draftsman with the firm Martin & Hall.
Architectural practice
In 1900, Murphy joined forces with Franklin R. Hindle to establish the firm Murphy & Hindle. This partnership expanded in 1907 when Benjamin W. Wright became a member, forming Murphy, Hindle & Wright. The partnership ended in 1917, after which Murphy practiced independently. Beginning in 1918, he collaborated with Samuel M. Morino, who ultimately assumed control of the firm following Murphy’s retirement in 1942. Murphy passed away on May 27, 1949.
Legacy
Murphy’s professional timeline coincided with that of Boston architect Charles Maginnis, whose approach to church design likely had an impact on him. His unique ecclesiastical creations continue to be celebrated locally, with several listed on National Registers.
with James Murphy
Murphy and Hindle
- 1900 St. Anthony Church, Providence, Rhode Island
- 1900 St. Andrew Summer Church, Block Island, Rhode Island
- 1903 St. Agnes Church, Providence, Rhode Island
- 1905 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Providence, Rhode Island
- 1905 Immaculate Conception Church, North Easton, Massachusetts
- 1905 St. Thomas Moore Church, Narragansett, Rhode Island
- 1906 Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Providence, Rhode Island
- 1907 St. Ann Church, Cranston, Rhode Island (currently St George Maronite Catholic Church)
- 1908 Immaculate Conception Church, Providence, Rhode Island (demolished around the late 1950s amid Urban Renewal)
- St. Patrick Church, Providence Rhode Island (razed in 1980 due to structural concerns)
Murphy, Hindle and Wright
- 1908 Holy Ghost Church, located in Providence, Rhode Island
- 1909 St. Ann Church, situated in Providence, Rhode Island
- 1912 Assumption Church, in Providence, Rhode Island
- 1914 St. Rita Church, found in Warwick, Rhode Island
- 1901-1915 St. Michael Church (The existing structure succeeded the second church erected in 1868, which was designed by his uncle James Murphy. During the completion of the Upper Church in 1906, services were held in the larger basement chapel; the church was officially dedicated on October 3, 1915.) This parish complex is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ambrose J. Murphy
- 1916 St. Sebastian Church, in Providence, Rhode Island
- 1919 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, located in Bristol, Rhode Island
- 1924 Our Lady of Consolation Church, found in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- 1924 Santo Christo Church, based in Fall River, Massachusetts
- 1925 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, situated in Providence, Rhode Island
- 1927 St. Anthony Church, located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island
- 1928 Jesus Savior Church, in Newport, Rhode Island
- 1930 St. Paul Church, Edgewood neighborhood of Cranston, Rhode Island (collaborated with Samuel Morino as supervising architect)
- 1931 St. Matthew Church, situated in Cranston, Rhode Island
- 1933 St. Alexander Church, located in Warren, Rhode Island (only the basement constructed by Murphy; upper structure designed by Joseph M. Mosher)
- 1935 St. Mary Church, based in Cranston, Rhode Island
- 1937 St. Patrick Church, Harrisville area of Burrillville, Rhode Island
- 1939 Our Lady of Grace Church, located in Johnston, Rhode Island (initially a basement church; upper section added during late 1960s)
- 1942 St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, found in Narragansett, Rhode Island