Cathedral of Saint Joseph (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Joseph |
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 Location in South Dakota
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| 43°33′10″N 96°44′06″W / 43.5529°N 96.7349°W | |
| Location | 521 N. Duluth Ave. Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral/Parish Church |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Dedication | May 7, 1919 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Emmanuel Masqueray |
| Style | Renaissance Revival |
| Completed | 1919 |
| Construction cost | $390,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | Two |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Sioux Falls |
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A cathedral is the main church for a region called a diocese. This cathedral is also a regular parish church for local members.
Because of its historical importance, the cathedral became part of the Cathedral Historic District in 1974. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which protects important American buildings.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
The story of this cathedral begins with a smaller church called St. Michael's. It was the first Catholic parish in Sioux Falls, founded in 1881. At first, it was a simple wooden church. Two years later, a stronger brick church was built to replace it.
In 1889, the Diocese of Sioux Falls was created. St. Michael's Church became the first, or "pro-cathedral," for the new diocese.
Planning a Grand New Cathedral
In 1896, a new leader named Bishop Thomas O'Gorman arrived. He dreamed of building a larger and more magnificent cathedral for Sioux Falls. He was inspired after seeing the new Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota in 1915.
Bishop O'Gorman hired the same architect, Emmanuel Masqueray, to design the new cathedral in Sioux Falls. To make room, the old St. Michael's church was moved, and another building was torn down.
Construction and Opening
Construction on the Cathedral of Saint Joseph began in 1915. However, the project faced challenges. The architect, Masqueray, passed away in 1917. Also, World War I caused shortages of materials, which slowed down the work.
Masqueray's main assistant, Edwin Lundie, took over and finished the project. The first church service, or Mass, was held in the unfinished cathedral on December 8, 1918. The building was officially completed and dedicated on May 7, 1919.
Changes and Renovations Over Time
Over the last century, the cathedral has been updated and restored several times.
- 1935: A large pipe organ made by the Kilgen company was installed.
- 1942: A fire in the lower part of the church caused major damage.
- 1943: The interior was redecorated by Conrad Schmitt Studios.
- 1946: A beautiful marble high altar was added.
- 1947: The original frosted glass windows were replaced with colorful French stenciled stained glass windows.
- 1970-1974: A major restoration of the interior took place. A new, freestanding altar was installed.
- 2004: A small chapel, the Sacred Heart Chapel, was created. The basement was also turned into a parish hall for events.
- 2011: The cathedral's interior received another major renovation to keep it beautiful for visitors and members.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de San José (Sioux Falls) para niños
