On 15 August 1966, Bishop Vincent Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh dedicated Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee. This unique church building was styled after a traditional Cherokee council house which had seven sides - one for each clan, and a council fire that burned in the center. Bishop Waters recognized that such architectual details could have great significance to Christians as well in that there are seven sacraments Christ gave the Church for the sancitification of souls. Also, instead of a council fire, Catholic churches have a vigil lamp near the tabernacle that burns perpetually as a reminder of the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. A beautiful, large, stained-glass window featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe also graces the church.