Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond, Virginia) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Location in Virginia
37°32′50.8″N 77°27′7.7″W / 37.547444°N 77.452139°W / 37.547444; -77.452139
Location	823 Cathedral Place Richmond, Virginia
Country	United States
Denomination	Catholic Church
History
Consecrated	1906
Architecture
Architect(s)	Joseph Hubert McGuire
Style	Renaissance Revival
Groundbreaking	1903
Completed	1905
Construction cost	$17588000
Specifications
Length	206 feet (63 m)
Width	144 feet (44 m)
Height	144 feet (44 m)
Materials	Virginia granite (foundation), Indiana limestone (walls), Copper (dome)
Administration
Diocese	Diocese of Richmond

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in Richmond, Virginia. It serves as the main church for the Diocese of Richmond. You can find it across the street from Monroe Park.

What makes this cathedral extra special is how it was built. Construction began in 1903 and was paid for entirely by a wealthy couple, Thomas Fortune Ryan and his wife, Ida. It was the only cathedral in the world at that time known to be built with money from just one family.

The cathedral was finished in 1905 and officially blessed on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1906. Today, it is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cathedral also serves as a religious center for students at Virginia Commonwealth University.

A Generous Gift
Building a Masterpiece
A Historic Treasure
Photo Tour
See also

A Generous Gift

Thomas Fortune Ryan was born in Virginia. He became a successful businessman, making his fortune in railroads and streetcars. His wife, Ida Mary Barry Ryan, was very generous and gave money to many Catholic charities.

In 1901, the Ryans decided to give a huge gift to the city of Richmond. They each donated $250,000 to build a grand cathedral. In today's money, that would be worth over $17 million! They chose a spot overlooking Monroe Park for the new church.

At the time, Richmond's Catholic community was growing. The local church group had wanted to build a bigger church since 1882, but they didn't have enough money. The Ryans' amazing donation made their dream a reality.

Building a Masterpiece

The Ryans hired architect Joseph Hubert McGuire to design the cathedral. The plan was to build the church, a house for the bishop, and a home for the priests all on one city block.

A Special Cornerstone

Construction started on June 4, 1903. A special stone, called the cornerstone, was laid to mark the beginning of the project. This stone was very unique because it came all the way from the Garden of Gethsemane in the Holy Land.

Classic Design and Strong Materials

The cathedral was built in a style called Italian Renaissance Revival. This style is inspired by the grand buildings of the Italian Renaissance from hundreds of years ago.

The outside of the cathedral is made of strong Virginia granite and smooth Indiana limestone. The roof is covered with ceramic tiles and a huge dome coated in copper. The two towers at the front of the church stand 90 feet (27 m) tall.

If you look at the main entrance, you'll see large columns. Carved above them are the words, "If Ye Love Me Keep My Commandments." The building was designed to be beautiful and long-lasting.

Changes Over Time

In the years after the 1960s, some changes were made to the inside of the cathedral. The main altar area was updated to create a more open space for church services. Some of the original decorations were also moved or changed.

A Historic Treasure

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is an important landmark. It is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is officially recognized as a place of historical importance to both the state of Virginia and the entire country.