Trinity Cathedral (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Trinity Cathedral
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The cathedral in 2021
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | 113 N. 18th Street, Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1880 |
| Architect | Henry G. Harrison, Alfred R. Dufrene |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001114 |
| Added to NRHP | August 7, 1974 |
Trinity Cathedral is a beautiful and historic church in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It was the first Episcopal church in Nebraska, started in 1856. An Episcopal church is a Christian church that is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Trinity became Nebraska's first Episcopal cathedral in 1872. A cathedral is the main church for a bishop, who is a leader in the church.
The famous English architect Henry G. Harrison designed the cathedral in 1880. It was officially opened on November 15, 1883. Because of its importance and beauty, Trinity Cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Many people today think it is one of the most stunning churches in Omaha.
Building History
Trinity Cathedral was first organized on July 13, 1856, by a church leader named David Jackson Kemper. The first church building was located at South Ninth and Farnam Streets. However, the church group lost control of this building in 1864.
Their second church building was sadly destroyed by fire in 1868. A third church was built the very next year. This building was used until the much larger cathedral was ready. Another church leader, Robert Harper Clarkson, started the building process for the new cathedral. He broke ground (started digging) for it and then laid the first stone, called the cornerstone, on May 25, 1880. The cathedral cost about $100,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then! It took three years to finish.
This church was very important for spreading the Episcopal faith. It served as a starting point for many Episcopal missions, which are efforts to share the church's message in other parts of the western United States. Today, it is still the main church for the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.
Cathedral Design
Trinity Cathedral is built in a style called Late Gothic Revival. This means it looks like the grand churches from the Middle Ages, but it was built much later. The walls are made of rough, rock-faced stone. Over 43 stained glass windows have beautiful stone patterns called tracery. Stained glass windows are made of many small pieces of colored glass, creating pictures or designs.
The church is mostly built from a type of stone called bluestone from Illinois. Its shape is almost like a cruciform, which means it looks like a cross when viewed from above. There is also an entry tower that sticks out from the building. On the outside, you can see more than six stone crosses on different parts of the roof. The design of the cathedral was inspired by a movement in the Episcopal church that brought back old medieval styles. People in the United States at that time were also very interested in historic building designs.
Inside, the church also has many Gothic features. These include the aisles (walkways), the nave (the main part where people sit), the transept (the parts that stick out to form the cross shape), the choir area, and a clerestory (a high section of wall with windows above the main roof). The church also has a special, beautifully carved oak bishop's throne (chair) and a dean's stall (another special seat for a church leader).
See also
