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 left (north) side of the west entrance of the nave is this bronze plaque noting that, in 2015, the St. Nicholas Guild celebrated its 90th anniversary and that the Christus Rex statue at the top of the stone arch above was placed to commemorate the event. The St. Nicholas Guild is one of several guilds and service groups of the diocese which provide various services to the community, the diocese and to the cathedral itself. St. Nicholas Guild supports Christian Education, especially for children and young people, as well as supporting
Crosswalk, Meals on Wheels, and
Cup of Cool Water programs. Text from the plaque follows:
THE CHRISTUS REX
STATUE OVER THE WEST
PORCH IS GIVEN TO THE
GLORY OF GOD ON THE
OCCASION OF THE 90TH
ANNIVERSARY OF
ST. NICHOLAS GUILD
2015
Built entirely of stone, using no wood or steel, the cathedral has many large stained glass windows, a large pipe organ,
Opus 1343, built in 1961 by Aeolian-Skinner of Boston, and a 49 bell carillon in the bell tower. The carillon is played every Sunday at 10:15 AM, as well as the Fourth of July, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and other special occasions.
Dimensions of the Cathedral
Total length........................257 feet, 9 inches
Full interior width.................50 feet, 2 inches
Width across tansepts......................125 feet
Interior height of crossing...................92 feet
Height of nave...................................80 feet
Height of tower..................167 feet, 9 inches
Full seating capacity.....about 1,000 persons