Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Bismarck, North Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of the Holy Spirit |
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 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
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| 46°48′38″N 100°47′47″W / 46.8105°N 100.7965°W | |
| Location | 520 Raymond Street Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral/Parish church |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Dedication | August 30, 1945 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | William F. Kurke |
| Style | Art Deco |
| Groundbreaking | September, 1941 |
| Completed | 1945 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | One |
| Materials | Concrete |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Bismarck |
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is a large and important Catholic Church building. It is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, in the United States. This church is special because it is the main church, or cathedral, for the Diocese of Bismarck. Since 1980, the cathedral and the nearby Bishop's Residence have been recognized as important historical buildings. They are part of the Bismarck Cathedral Area Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
History of the Cathedral
The idea for this cathedral came from the first bishop of Bismarck, Vincent Wehrle. He really wanted a church dedicated to the Holy Spirit. He also hoped it would be a special place, like a shrine, for the Holy Spirit. Bishop Wehrle bought the land for the church in 1917. In 1921, he hired Anton Dohman, an architect from Milwaukee, to design the building.
Anton Dohman created two different designs for the cathedral. However, a very tough time called the Great Depression happened. This made it impossible to build the church for many years. Construction finally began in 1941.
Bismarck's second bishop, Vincent Ryan, then hired a new architect. His name was William F. Kurke from Fargo. Kurke had also helped design the North Dakota Capitol building. His design for the cathedral was similar to Dohman's second idea. The building is made in the Art Deco style. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses geometric shapes and sleek lines.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which is when construction officially starts, happened in September 1941. The cathedral is built from solid concrete. It is thought to be the only Art Deco-style cathedral in the United States. The church opened its doors in August 1945. However, the inside decorations and some furniture were added later. From 1992 to 1993, the cathedral was updated. A new gathering area was added, which also fits the Art Deco style. The church has a very tall bell tower. This tower is a well-known landmark in the area. You can see it from far away.
Other Buildings Nearby
Besides the main cathedral, William F. Kurke also designed the Bishop's Residence. This is a two-story building made of concrete. It is also in the Art Deco style. It was built at the same time as the cathedral.
The grade school building was finished in 1951. This two-story building has a flat roof. It uses precast concrete panels. It also has two long, horizontal window sections. These sections cover about two-thirds of the front of the building.
There was a plan for a school building between the cathedral and the residence. However, the building that was actually built looks more modern. It is long and low. This style is different from the original plans.
The two-story brick convent was completed in 1965. A convent is where nuns live. The two-story rectory was finished in 1969. A rectory is where the priests live. The rectory's outside walls are brick on the first floor. The second floor has vertical siding. Today, the old convent building is used for the Center for Pastoral Ministry. This is an office for the Diocese of Bismarck.
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A look inside the church, towards the altar area.
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A beautiful stained glass window.
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The school building next to the Cathedral.
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The Bishop's Residence, also designed by William F. Kurke.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral del Espíritu Santo (Bismarck) para niños
