Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour
Guild House and Bishop's Residence |
|
The cathedral in 2021
|
|
| Location | 515 Second Ave NW |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Faribault, Minnesota |
| Built | 1862-1869 |
| Architect | James Renwick Jr. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001253; 82003009 |
| Added to NRHP | August 10, 1979; February 19, 1982 |
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault, Minnesota is a very old and special church. It's the oldest cathedral in Minnesota! It was built a long time ago, between 1862 and 1869. What makes it extra unique is that it was the very first church in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America to be designed specifically as a cathedral.
A famous architect named James Renwick Jr. designed this beautiful building. He also designed other important places, like St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C.. Because of its history and design, the cathedral and its nearby buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and 1982.
History of the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour was started by Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple. He was a very important leader in the church, and he is buried right beneath the altar inside the cathedral.
Even though St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota became the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota in 1941, the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour still keeps its special status as a full cathedral. This means it remains a very important church in the region.
A Historic Landmark
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour is recognized as a historic place. It was first added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This listing included the main cathedral building and its guild house. The guild house is a building often used for church activities and meetings.
Later, in 1982, the bishop's residence was also added to the historic listing. This means the entire group of buildings—the cathedral, the guild house, and the bishop's home—are protected because of their historical and architectural importance.
Why it's Historic
The cathedral is important for a few reasons:
- Architecture: It's a great example of Gothic Revival architecture. This style uses elements from medieval cathedrals, like pointed arches and tall windows.
- Events: It was the first church in the Episcopal Church in the United States to be built as a cathedral. This was a big step for the church.
- People: Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, who founded the cathedral, was a very important person in the church's history.
The buildings show how architecture and religion developed in the mid-to-late 1800s. They continue to be used for religious purposes today.
See also
