Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Springfield, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of theImmaculate Conception |
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 Location in Illinois
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| 39°47′36″N 89°38′55″W / 39.7934°N 89.6487°W | |
| Location | 524 E. Lawrence Avenue Springfield, Illinois |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | cathedral.dio.org |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Dedication | October 14, 1928 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Joseph William McCarthy |
| Style | Greek Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1927 |
| Completed | 1928 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | One |
| Spire height | 135 feet (41 m) |
| Materials | Mankato Kasota stone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Springfield in Illinois |
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a very important church in Springfield, Illinois. It serves as the main church for the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. This means it's like the "headquarters" church for Catholics in that area. The building's first stone was placed on August 14, 1927. It was officially opened on October 14, 1928. The cathedral and its surrounding buildings are designed in a style called Greek Revival. This style looks a bit like ancient Greek temples.
What is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception?
The Cathedral was built and dedicated under the leadership of James Aloysius Griffin. He was the fourth bishop of the diocese. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Catholic Church. Bishop Griffin was the first bishop to live and work in Springfield. Before him, the main church for the diocese was in other cities like Quincy, Illinois and then Alton, Illinois.
The outside of the cathedral and its other buildings are covered with a special golden stone. This stone is called Kasota limestone, or "Mankato Kasota stone." It comes from quarries in Mankato, Minnesota. Like many large church complexes, this one also has offices. These offices are for the bishop and other church staff. There is also an elementary school building that is part of the complex. The cathedral is dedicated to the idea of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This means it is named in honor of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Why was a new Cathedral built?
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is actually the second church in Springfield to be named after the Immaculate Conception. The first Catholic church with this name was used from 1858 until 1928. When the main office of the diocese moved to Springfield in 1923, a bigger church was needed. The old church was not large enough to be the main cathedral. After the new cathedral was finished, the older church, which was from the time of Abraham Lincoln, was taken down.
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