Cathedral Church of the Nativity facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral Church of the Nativity |
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| Location | 321 Wyandotte St. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal Church in the United States of America |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | 1865, Church of the Nativity; 1900, Pro-Cathedral Church of the Nativity; 1944, Cathedral Church of the Nativity |
| Founded | November 8, 1862 |
| Founder(s) | William Heysham Sayre |
| Consecrated | April 19, 1865 & November 1, 1888 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | E.T. Potter (1865 building, current transepts) E.M. Burns (1887 nave & apse) |
| Architectural type | English Gothic Revival |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1864, 1887 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Bethlehem |
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity is an Episcopal cathedral located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is the main church for the Diocese of Bethlehem. In 1988, it became part of the Fountain Hill Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building!
History of the Cathedral
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How the Church Started
Episcopal Church services began in Bethlehem around 1854. They were held in different places like hotels and other churches. In the early 1860s, people even met in homes for worship.
The first official Episcopal service in South Bethlehem was on June 16, 1861. It was held in Robert Sayre's home. Soon after, a church school for 52 students opened in May 1862.
In July 1862, Reverend Eliphalet Nott Potter came to Bethlehem. He helped start regular services. On November 8, 1862, a temporary church council was formed. William Heysham Sayre and Tinsley Jeter were leaders. The church officially joined the Diocese of Pennsylvania in May 1863. Reverend Eliphalet Potter became the first rector (main pastor) in June 1863.
Becoming a Cathedral
The church became a "pro-cathedral" in 1899. This means it was a main church for the bishop, but not yet a full cathedral. It officially became the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in 1944.
Helping Other Churches Grow
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity helped start other Episcopal churches in the area.
Trinity Church
In 1869, a Sunday school was started across the river in North Bethlehem. This led to the creation of Trinity Church. Its first services were held in 1872.
St. Mary's Chapel
In 1873, the church started a Sunday school in Fountain Hill. This school grew and became St. Mary's Chapel. The chapel was built and dedicated in 1875. Over time, the area changed, and the chapel closed in 1942. The building was sold in 1945.
St. Joseph Chapel
Many workers came to South Bethlehem for the iron works. In 1882, the church started St. Joseph's Chapel for them. A new building was finished in 1884. As the neighborhood changed, the building was later used by other church groups. In 1917, it was sold to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox congregation.
Buildings of the Cathedral
The Church Building
First Building (1864)
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The first church building was designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter. It was built in the English Gothic Revival style. Construction started in August 1863. The first services were held on Christmas Day in 1864. The church was officially dedicated on April 19, 1865.
Enlargement (1887)
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The church was made much bigger in 1887. Architect E. M. Burns designed the new parts. These included the main seating area (nave) and the rounded end (apse). The original 1864 building became a cross-shaped section (transept).
The new parts were first used on Easter Day, April 10, 1887. The church was fully dedicated on November 1, 1888.
Tower, Baptistery & Rood Screen (1899)
In 1899, a beautiful screen called the Rood Screen was added. It separates the main seating area from the altar. Also, a special area for baptisms, called the Baptistery, was installed.
A tower with nine bells was built on the church's southwest corner in 1899. The bells were first rung on Easter Day, April 15, 1900.
Pipe Organs
The church has had several pipe organs over the years:
- 1865: C. F. Durner?
- 1887: Johnson & Son, Op. 672
- 1940: Aeolian-Skinner, Op. 1003
- 1998: Austin Organs, Inc., Op. 2776
The Parish House
The Parish House was built in 1897 and updated in 1939. It's a building used for church offices and activities.
The Deanery
In 1866, a house was built for the church's rector (main pastor). It was made of stone in a Gothic Revival style. This house was used by the rectors and deans until 1938.
Today, the first floor of the Deanery holds offices for community programs and the church's history archives. The upper floors are used for clergy housing.
See also
