14 Aug Visit The Cathedral of Saint Paul – Something Fun

Visit The Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the fourth building to bear this name. First began as a humble log chapel in 1841 overlooking the Mississippi River. The building doubled in size and had the first Bishop in 1855. They formally proclaimed it then the Cathedral of Saint Paul. The Bishop had a Diocese of 3,000 and decided to build a larger cathedral in Saint Paul. A new cathedral was built at a cost of $5,900. Two years after the completion plans were made to build yet a larger church to accommodate the quickly growing catholic community. The Cathedral was rebuilt and completed in 1858 for $33,647. The Bishop Thomas London Grace came in 1859. The overcrowding was found even in the new structure. He began the seeds for a bigger structure and passed that dream on to his successor, Archbishop John Ireland.

 

The Great Temple on the Prairie

The Archbishop had an enormous task. To plan, finance, pick the location and build a world class cathedral. First, the location – The Saint Anthony Hill was the site, and the land bought. The Vatican sent Cardinal Satolli and he gave new cathedral his blessing. They selected architect Emmanuel Louis Masquery. In 1907 they placed the first cornerstone. The exterior finished in 1914.

First mass was held in 1915. The interior finished as funding allowed. It would take 25 years to finish this amazing structure.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is now formally recognized as an “edifice of merit” and worthy of assuming its place among the premier houses of worship in America.

Some facts about the building

· Exterior walls are Saint Cloud granite

· Interior walls are American Travertine from Mankato, Minnesota

· Height: 306.5 ft. Length: 307 ft. Width: 216 ft.

· Seating capacity: 3,000

· The seven bronze grilles surrounding the altar depict the human response to God’s grace. The Cathedral is for Saint Paul, special recognition is given to him in the bronze masterpieces.

· The chair in the sanctuary (the cathedra) denotes the Cathedral as the Archbishop’s church.

· The Shrine of the Nations surrounding the sanctuary represents the national patron saints of the people who settled this city and state.

· The main walls of the Chapels are Italian Botticino marble.

· The Ernest Skinner organ came to the sanctuary in 1927 and the Aeolian-Skinner organ in the choir loft in 1963.

· The east-facing window is the Resurrection window. The south rose window takes its theme from the Beatitudes and the north rose window depicts the eight North American Martyrs. These windows are the work of renowned stained-glass artist Charles Connick.

· The interior dome is 96 feet in diameter and 175 feet high. Has 24 stain glass windows and gold leaf.

Church hours

Monday- Friday: 7:15-8:15 a.m. (for the 7:30 Mass); 3:45-5:00 p.m. for afternoon confessions.

Saturdays: 3:30-5:00 for confessions; for those attending the 5:15 p.m. Mass, doors open at 4:50 p.m.

Sunday Masses: 8:00 &10:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 5:00 p.m.

I love to visit the church and just take my own personal tour…everyone is welcome to enjoy this majestic treasure!

Address

Cathedral of Saint Paul 239 Selby Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102 651.228.1766

 

We love Minnesota!

Please contact Jeff if you would like suggestions of wonderful and unique places to see the Twin Cities and in Minnesota. We have lots of suggestions and are a resource to you and your family

 

Jeff Anderson The Anderson Team RE/MAX Results

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR SEARCH