St. Mary's Cathedral (Colorado Springs, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
St. Mary's Catholic Church
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 26 W. Kiowa St., Colorado Springs, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architect | Pease & Barber |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002301 |
| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1982 |
St. Mary's Cathedral is a very important Catholic building in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. It's called a cathedral because it's the main church for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. A diocese is like a special church district. This beautiful church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a really old and important building worth protecting.
Contents
The Story of St. Mary's Cathedral
Early Beginnings
The first Catholic church service, called a Mass, was held in Colorado Springs in 1873. It was led by a priest named Rev. Joseph P. Machebeuf. For a while, Catholics met in different places around the city. Then, in 1888, the land where St. Mary's now stands was bought for $3,100.
Building a Special Place
The church you see today was designed by architects Pease and Barber. They designed it in the Gothic Revival style. This style uses tall arches, pointed windows, and often has towers, like old European cathedrals.
The lower part of the church was finished in 1891. The main upper church was completed seven years later, in 1898. The church was officially opened and blessed on December 19, 1898.
Growing and Changing
More parts were added to the church over time. The tall bell towers at the front were built in 1902. The pointy tops of the towers, called spires, were finished in 1907.
From 1902 to 1904, the church got a big makeover. They added beautiful Gothic arched ceilings. Six new windows were put in along the sides. Electric lights were also installed, which was quite modern for the time! In 1916, a new pipe organ was placed in the church. This is a large musical instrument that makes sound using air through pipes.
Even more changes happened from 1923 to 1924. Windows in the upper walls, called clerestory windows, and windows in the rounded end of the church, called the apse, were added. The large, round window on the main front of the church, known as the rose window on the façade, got its current look in 1930.
Becoming a Cathedral
A very important event happened on November 10, 1983. Pope John Paul II, who was the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, created the Diocese of Colorado Springs. This new church district needed a main church, and St. Mary's was chosen to be the cathedral.
On January 30, 1984, Bishop Richard Hanifen became the first bishop of the new diocese. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Catholic Church who oversees a diocese.
Modern Updates
The old pipe organ from 1916 was replaced in 2002. Another big renovation of St. Mary's was finished in 2003. The inside of the church was made new again. A new entrance was built on the southwest side. They also added a gathering space, an outdoor plaza, and meeting rooms.
In 2005, the St. Mary's Cathedral Columbarium opened. A columbarium is a special place where urns holding the ashes of people who have passed away can be kept.
More to Explore
In Spanish: Catedral de Santa María (Colorado Springs) para niños
