St. Margaret Mary Church

Bullhead City, Arizona

Project Details

The design for the church of St. Margaret Mary is inspired by the mission churches of the American Southwest and Mexico. The new church is located on a plateau next to the existing parish buildings and can be seen from a long distance. The exterior of the church is finished in white stucco with a clay tile roof. A bell tower rises on the south side of the church, set back slightly from the front facade.

From Oatman Road, the new church is approached on axis with a courtyard. The courtyard is landscaped with native desert shrubs and cacti and has a fountain at the center. It is enclosed on two sides by an arcade, behind which are placed support spaces such as the robing sacristy, restrooms and the gift shop. The facade focuses on a richly carved stone entry arch topped by an ornate window above. Niches flank the entry, with statues of St. Joseph to the left and the Blessed Virgin with Child to the right.