Cathedral of the Incarnation (Baltimore) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of the Incarnation

Location in Maryland
39°19′55.76″N 76°36′59.98″W / 39.3321556°N 76.6166611°W / 39.3321556; -76.6166611
Location	4 East University Parkway Baltimore, Maryland
Country	United States
Denomination	Episcopal
History
Status	Completed
Founded	1916
Consecrated	November 6, 1955
Architecture
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	1909
Specifications
Number of spires	One
Materials	Limestone
Administration
Diocese	Diocese of Maryland

The Cathedral of the Incarnation is a special Episcopal cathedral located in Baltimore, Maryland. It's the main church for the Diocese of Maryland, serving as a central place for worship and community. You can find it in the Guilford neighborhood of the city.

A Look Back: How the Cathedral Was Built
Gallery
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A Look Back: How the Cathedral Was Built

People started talking about building a big cathedral for the Diocese of Maryland a long time ago. This was even before 1911, when William Paret was the bishop. But the real work began when John Gardner Murray became bishop.

Early Construction and Changes

The very first building planned for the cathedral complex was called the Synod Hall. The church community started meeting in the lower level, called the undercroft, in 1911. The first stone for the Synod Hall was placed in 1920. The first church service in the new Synod Hall space happened in 1932.

Originally, there were plans for a much larger cathedral complex. But these plans changed. Instead of building a separate, bigger cathedral, the Synod Hall itself became the main church.

Becoming a True Cathedral

For the first 35 years, this church was known as a "pro-cathedral." This means it was a temporary main church. In 1943, the Cathedral of the Incarnation was used for an important ceremony. This was when the ninth Bishop of Maryland was officially welcomed.

Finally, after all the building costs were paid off, the Diocese of Maryland made an official decision. On February 1, 1955, they declared it the permanent Cathedral of the Incarnation. It was officially dedicated and opened on November 6, 1955.

The Cathedral House

Later, in 1967, the Cathedral House was built. This building is used for many things. It has offices, places for meetings, and rooms for Sunday School classes.