St. Paul Cathedral (Yakima, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Paul's Cathedral |
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| 46°35′46″N 120°31′32″W / 46.59606°N 120.52544°W | |
| Location | 15 S. 12th Ave. Yakima, Washington |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral/Parish |
| Founded | 1914 |
| Founder(s) | Rev. Robert Armstrong |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Maonly |
| Style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| Years built | 1926-1927 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 800 |
| Number of spires | One |
| Spire height | 125 feet (38 m) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Yakima |
St. Paul's Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church located in Yakima, Washington, United States. It serves as both a main church for the local community (a parish) and the most important church for the entire Diocese of Yakima.
Contents
The Story of St. Paul's Cathedral
The first Catholic priests to visit the Yakima River Valley were four Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. These priests, Fathers Charles Pandosy, Casimir Chirouse, George Blancehett, and Richard, started St. Joseph Mission in 1847. They were invited by Chief Owhi of the Yakima tribe.
Early Days of the Parish
The very first Mass for St. Paul's parish was held on March 19, 1914. This was Easter Sunday. It took place in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima. About 200 people attended the service. The parish's first pastor, Reverend Robert Armstrong, led the Mass.
Later that year, Father Armstrong bought five acres of land for the church. This land was located between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, and 14th and 12th Avenues. In July, they broke ground for a building that would be both a school and a church. In 1920, the current rectory (the priest's house) was added behind the church. It was designed by the Beezer Brothers.
Building the Main Church
Work began on the current church building on February 8, 1926. The architect who designed this Spanish Colonial Revival style church was John Maonly. Father Armstrong celebrated the first Mass in the new church on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1927.
Becoming a Cathedral
On July 18, 1951, Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Yakima. This new diocese was formed from the Diocese of Seattle. St. Paul's was then chosen to be the main church, or cathedral, for this new diocese. Reverend Joseph Dougherty from Seattle became the first bishop of the diocese.
The cathedral was made bigger between 1954 and 1955. During this time, a new terrazzo floor was put in. They also added new oak pews (church benches). These changes increased the church's seating capacity to 800 people. New confessionals (small rooms for confessions), a chapel, a baptistery (for baptisms), and a larger sacristy (where priests prepare for services) were also added.
Church Design and Features
St. Paul's Cathedral is shaped like a cross. It has a red tile roof. The front of the church has a tall tower that is about 125-foot (38 m) high. This tower has a shiny tile dome and a bronze cross on top. On the other side of the building, there is a rounded apse where the altar is located.
More to Explore
In Spanish: Catedral de San Pablo (Yakima) para niños
- List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
- List of cathedrals in the United States
- Saint Paul Cathedral School (Yakima, Washington)
