Begun in 1925, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is one of the few examples of true Gothic architecture in the U.S. Designed by well known architect
Harold Clarence Whitehouse, of the firm of Whitehouse & Price, of Spokane, this cathedral is unique in that it was the only major cathedral to have been completed within the lifetime of the founding bishop. That bishop was The Right Reverend Edward Makin Cross, whose vision was the catalyst for the construction of St. John the Evangelist. Architecturally, it is classical Gothic with a strong French influence. Though dedication of the first section of the cathedral took place on October 20, 1929, it was not totally completed until 1961.
To the north side of the cathedral, in a small meditation garden, is the cathedral's columbarium, consisting of five individual sections. Each section, of red granite stone, contains from 45 to 80 niches, the total number being around 320. Of these, just over 100 niches are presently occupied. The sections of the columbarium have been placed in various spots around the perimeter of the area, against walls of the cathedral and the adjacent welcome centre. Niches are available to persons who are members of the Cathedral or the Diocese of Spokane.
Architecture
Together with architect Harold C. Whitehouse, the Bishop began to plan for a gothic cathedral atop the hill. The dream became reality within the lifetime of Bishop Cross, the only time known that a major cathedral has been completed within the lifetime of the founding bishop. The Cathedral has classical Gothic architecture with a strong French influence. It is solid masonry; no structural wood or steel were used. The dedication of the first section of the church was on October 20, 1929, but construction lagged during the Great Depression and World War II. Starting again in 1948, gradually more sections were added. By 1961, the building assumed its present form.
From St. John the Evangelist Cathedral