Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament |
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Woodward Avenue façade and rectory
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| 42°23′19″N 83°05′06″W / 42.3885824°N 83.0850898°W | |
| Location | 9844 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral (also a parish church) |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | NRHP |
| Designated | 1982 |
| Architect(s) | Henry A. Walsh, George F. Diehl |
| Style | Decorated Neo-Gothic |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Detroit |
The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in the United States. It is located in Detroit, Michigan, on Woodward Avenue. A cathedral is the main church for an archbishop, who is a very important leader in the Catholic Church. This cathedral is the main church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.
The Detroit archdiocese covers all Catholic churches in Michigan. Since 2000, it also helps with the Catholic Church in the Cayman Islands. The cathedral is a very old and important building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Building a Special Church
The Most Blessed Sacrament parish (a local church community) started in 1905. At that time, it was on the edge of Detroit. Building the church was a slow process. Construction began in 1913. The inside of the church was finally finished in 1930. It was officially opened on Thanksgiving that year.
Becoming a Cathedral
In 1937, Detroit's Catholic community became an archdiocese. This meant it was a bigger, more important area. The Most Blessed Sacrament church was chosen to be the new cathedral. It replaced St. Patrick's, which had been the cathedral since 1890.
Completing the Exterior
Even after the inside was done, the outside of the cathedral still needed work. The two tall towers on the front and the small spire (called a flèche) in the middle were not finished until 1951. This was a special year because it was Detroit's 250th anniversary. The church was officially dedicated on November 17, 1951. This event was even shown live on local television! There were plans for even taller spires on top of the towers, but these were never built.
Modern Updates
Starting in 1985, a famous local architect named Gunnar Birkerts began updating the cathedral's interior. He also designed furniture for a special visit from the Pope. Some of his designs are still used in the cathedral today.
Architecture and Design
Building Style and Materials
The cathedral was designed by Henry A. Walsh from Cleveland, Ohio. He created it in a style called Norman Gothic. This style is known for its tall arches and detailed stone work. Because the building took so long to construct, Walsh could not finish the project. Another architect, George Diehl, took over in 1950 to complete the towers.
The outside of the cathedral is made from Ohio sandstone. Indiana limestone was used for special parts like the buttresses (supports on the outside walls) and the detailed window frames. The church also features many statues inside and out, created by the sculptor Corrado Parducci.
Renovations and Organs
In 2001, Gunnar Birkerts was chosen again to update the cathedral. These changes included adding a plaza (an open public space) on the north side. The inside spaces were rearranged, and a new sanctuary, bishop's chair (cathedra), and baptismal font were added.
The cathedral has two organs. The first organ was installed in 1925. It was a gift from Frederick Fisher, who was famous for Fisher Body cars. During the 2001 renovations, this old organ was repaired. A second, newer organ was also installed. Both organs can be played together from one control panel. The new organ was first played on March 25, 2003, at the rededication ceremony.
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Pope John Paul II's Visit in 1987
In 1987, Pope John Paul II visited the United States. At first, his trip did not include Detroit. However, Detroit's cardinal archbishop, Edmund Szoka, really wanted the Pope to visit. He asked the Pope directly during a trip to Vatican City.
The Vatican also realized the Pope needed to meet with permanent deacons (church helpers) and give a speech about social justice. So, Detroit was added to the Pope's schedule. Pope John Paul II arrived in Detroit on September 18, 1987. He spoke to large crowds in Hamtramck and at other locations. During his visit, he met guests at the cathedral and stayed at the archbishop's home next door.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral del Santísimo Sacramento (Detroit) para niños
