Cathedral of Saint Paul (Worcester, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Paul |
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| 42°15′42″N 71°48′15″W / 42.2616°N 71.8043°W | |
| Location | 38 Chatham St. Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | E. Boyden & Son |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 168 feet (51 m) |
| Width | 91 feet (28 m) |
| Height | 96 feet (29 m) |
| Number of floors | 2 |
| Spire height | 145 feet (44 m) |
| Materials | Granite, wood |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Worcester |
The Cathedral of Saint Paul, also called Saint Paul's Cathedral, is a very important church. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester. You can find it in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, at 38 Chatham Street. This beautiful building was constructed between 1868 and 1889. It is a great example of Victorian Gothic style. The cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Contents
Exploring Saint Paul's Architecture
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a large stone building in downtown Worcester. It faces north on Chatham Street. The church is shaped like a cross and is built from rough granite blocks.
What the Outside Looks Like
The front of the church has a tall square tower on the right side. In the middle, you'll see the pointed roof of the main part of the church. On the left, there's a smaller square tower with a round turret on top. You can enter the church through the base of the large tower. There are also entrances in front of the main church area, under pointed Gothic arches. The main roof is very steep. A cross sits at the front of the pointed roof. You'll also notice tall, pointed Gothic windows in the gables (the triangular parts of the walls) of the main church and its side sections.
A Look at Saint Paul's History
The story of Saint Paul's began in 1866. John Power started the Saint Paul parish. The church was designed by architects E. Boyden & Son. Building work started in the spring of 1868.
Key Dates and Milestones
The first church services were held in the basement in 1869. The main part of the church, except for the tallest tower, was finished by 1874. That's when the church was officially dedicated. The building is about 168 feet (51 m) long, 91 feet (28 m) wide, and 96 feet (29 m) tall. When the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester was created on March 7, 1950, this church became its main cathedral.
Outdoor Features
In the small courtyard next to the church, there is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. During the Christmas season, the church also sets up its Nativity scene here for everyone to see.
Gallery
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Nativity outside the church, 2014
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Statue of St Francis outside the church
See also
