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.
On the lawn of the cathedral, to the southeast of the nave, is a small sundial, made of freestone or limestone. With a flat top on which the bronze gnomon is mounted, the hours are numbered from 4 AM to 8 PM. The hexagonal pedestal, standing on a base of the same material and set flush with the ground, has had a bit of damage, with some cracks near the bottom. In the perimeter of the dial, which is about four inches thick, are carved the words:
To the Glory of God and in loving memory of all those members of the church who have passed to their reward.