Cathedral Church of All Saints (Milwaukee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral Complex
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 804-828 E. Juneau Ave Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1891 and other years |
| Architect | E. Townsend Mix (church) Kirchoff & Rose (Bishop's House) |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival (church) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000099 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The Cathedral Church of All Saints is a beautiful and historic church in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's the main church for the Episcopal faith in the Milwaukee area. It started as a small church group led by Bishop Jackson Kemper.
This church building was designed by a famous architect named E. Townsend Mix. It was built in 1868 in a style called Gothic Revival, which looks like old European cathedrals. It was first built for another church group, the Olivet Congregational Church. In 1871, the Episcopal church bought the building. It officially became a cathedral in 1898.
The whole church area, including the main building, a meeting hall, and the bishop's house, is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's recognized as a special historic place in the United States. It was also named a Milwaukee City Landmark in 1973.
Contents
Exploring All Saints' Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of All Saints is more than just a building. It's a place with a rich history and many interesting features. Let's explore some of them!
The Tall Tower and Bells
The church has a tall tower and steeple that reaches about 200 feet into the sky. Inside the tower is a large bronze bell. This bell was made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1867, even before the church was finished! It's about 40 inches wide and weighs around 1,200 pounds. It rings with a deep A note.
The church is working to add five more bells. These new bells will be tuned to different notes: F, E-flat, D, C, and B-flat. All the bells will be rung by a computer. The original bell can also be swung to make it ring. After some updates in the 1950s, the cross on top of the steeple points slightly towards Lake Michigan.
The High Altar and Art
Inside the church, at the front, you'll find the high altar. This is a special table used during church services. It stands on three white marble steps. The altar and the beautiful artwork behind it, called a triptych, were given to the church in 1922.
The altar is made of Sienna marble and was designed by Eugene W. Mason, Jr. It has an Italian Gothic style. On the bronze door of the tabernacle (a small cabinet on the altar) is a picture of the Agnus Dei, which means "Lamb of God." This symbol represents an important part of the church's beliefs. Below the main artwork, you can see figures of important saints. These include Thomas Becket, Joan of Arc, St. Mary the Virgin, Francis of Assisi, and Demetrius of Alexandria.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
Most of the colorful stained glass windows in the cathedral came from England. Many were made by a company called Lavers, Barraud and Westlake in London. There's also a large round window showing Christ the King, made by another London company, Heaton, Butler and Bayne. These windows tell stories and add beautiful light to the church.
Today's Church Community
Today, the Cathedral Church of All Saints follows a type of worship called the Anglo-Catholic tradition. This tradition has some similarities to older church practices. The church community is active and has about 250 members.
See also
