St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral (Billings, Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
|
|
| 45°46′55″N 108°30′39″W / 45.7820°N 108.5107°W | |
| Location | 215 N. 31st St. Billings, Montana |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | stpatrickcocathedral.org |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | 1904 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1904 |
| Construction cost | $64,300 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | One |
| Spire height | 117 feet (36 m) |
| Materials | Brick |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Great Falls-Billings |
St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church located in Billings, Montana, United States. It serves as one of the two main churches, called cathedrals, for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. The other main church is St. Ann's Cathedral in Great Falls, Montana.
This important building was finished in 1904. It was built in the Gothic Revival style, which means it looks like older churches from the Middle Ages. The church has one tall spire that reaches about 117 feet (36 meters) into the sky. It is made mostly of brick.
Contents
History of St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral
Early Days of St. Patrick's Parish
The very first Catholic church in Billings was called St. Joachim. It was started in 1887. As the town of Billings grew, more people needed a bigger church. So, St. Patrick's church was built. The building you see today was completed in 1904. It cost about $64,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
Changes and Updates to the Church
Over the years, St. Patrick's has been updated several times. In 1954, the church had a big makeover. Many things inside were replaced, like the altar, the communion rail, and the pews where people sit. A new rose window was added above the choir area, which lets in beautiful light. The inside walls were painted with designs in a Byzantine style. Some changes were also made to the outside of the church.
More updates happened in the 1960s and 1970s. These changes were made because of new rules from the Second Vatican Council, which was a big meeting of Catholic leaders. During this time, some parts of the church, like the side altars and the communion rail, were removed. A new marble altar, a special stand for reading (called an ambo), and wood panels were put in.
Becoming a Co-Cathedral
On February 14, 1980, something special happened. Pope John Paul II changed the name of the local Catholic area from the Diocese of Great Falls to the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. At this time, St. Patrick's Church became a co-cathedral. This means it shares the role of being the main church for the diocese with St. Ann's Cathedral in Great Falls.
In the 1990s, the inside of the cathedral was updated again. The choir, which sings during services, was moved to the front of the church. New rooms for priests (sacristies) and a new gathering area were also added to the church building.
See also
In Spanish: Concatedral de San Patricio (Billings) para niños
