It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a Milwaukee Landmark in 1975.

Gesu, founded 176 years ago in 1849 as St. Gall's Parish, initially served English-speaking Irish Catholics from the near south and west sides of Milwaukee in what was the neighborhood of Tory Hill.

Actor Pat O'Brien (1899–1983) served as an altar boy at Gesu while growing up near 13th and Clybourn streets.

Gesu Church holds daily Masses and attracts over 2,500 worshipers on weekends.

[6][7] Architect Henry C. Koch designed the French Gothic building, drawing inspiration from the Cathedral of Chartres in France.