Cathedral Church of the Nativity
Diocese of the Susquehanna·Episcopal·United States
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity is an Episcopal cathedral located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It formerly served as the seat of the Diocese of Bethlehem and is now a co-cathedral within the newly formed Diocese of the Susquehanna. The cathedral and its associated historical elements were recognized for their significance by being listed as a contributing property in the Fountain Hill Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Key Facts
- ›The parish of the Episcopal Church in Bethlehem began with occasional services in 1854 and was formally received into the Diocese of Pennsylvania in 1863.
- ›The church became a pro-cathedral in 1899 and officially the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem in 1944.
- ›The current building's nave, chancel, and apse were designed by E. M. Burns and incorporated the original 1864 structure as a transept, with significant additions completed in 1887.
- ›Notable architectural features include a Rood Screen designed by J. & R. Lamb Studios and a Font and Baptistery designed by E. M. Burns, both added in 1899.
- ›The cathedral has been a center for establishing several local institutions, including Lehigh University, Bishopthorpe School for Girls, and St. Luke's Hospital.
- ›In 2026, it became a co-cathedral of the Diocese of the Susquehanna following the reunion of the Diocese of Bethlehem and the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
- Rood Screen By J. & R. Lamb Studios
- Font and Baptistery By E. M. Burns
- Incorporation of 1864 Building Into Later Structure
- Pipe Organs By Johnson & Son, Aeolian-Skinner, and Austin Organs
Edward Tuckerman Potter, E. M. Burns, J. & R. Lamb Studios, Warren Abbot Wilbur
About Cathedral Church of the Nativity
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity is a significant Episcopal cathedral located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Established as a parish in 1863, it evolved from occasional services dating back to 1854 into a pro-cathedral in 1899 and finally the official cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem in 1944. Its historical and architectural importance is recognized by its designation as a contributing property within the Fountain Hill Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, listed in 1988.
History and Development
The foundations of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity were laid in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the Episcopal Church in Bethlehem. Early services were held in various rented spaces before the establishment of a formal parish. The first church building, designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter in an English Gothic Revival style, was completed in 1864 and consecrated in 1865. This initial structure was later incorporated into the present building following significant enlargements completed in 1887, which added the nave, chancel, and apse, designed by E. M. Burns. Further notable additions in 1899 included a Rood Screen and a Font and Baptistery, enhancing the cathedral's architectural richness.
Beyond its own development, the Cathedral Church of the Nativity played a crucial role in the founding of several local institutions. These include Lehigh University, Bishopthorpe School for Girls, and St. Luke's Hospital, underscoring its deep connection to the community's growth and development. In recent times, the cathedral has become a co-cathedral within the Diocese of the Susquehanna, formed in 2026 through the reunion of the Diocese of Bethlehem and the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
Architecture and Features
The cathedral's architecture showcases a blend of Gothic Revival elements, particularly in its original design and subsequent enlargements. The 1887 expansion integrated the 1864 building into a larger structure, creating its present form. The addition of the Rood Screen and Baptistery in 1899 added significant artistic and devotional elements to the interior. The cathedral also houses a series of pipe organs, with notable installations from Johnson & Son in 1887 and Aeolian-Skinner in 1940, followed by an Austin Organs installation in 1998. The cathedral continues to serve as an active place of worship and a historical landmark in Bethlehem.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cathedral Church of the Nativity founded?
The first services of the Episcopal Church in Bethlehem began around 1854, with the parish formally established and received into the Diocese of Pennsylvania in 1863. The first church building was completed in 1864.
What is the architectural style of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity?
The first church building, completed in 1864, was designed in an English Gothic Revival style. The later enlargement incorporated the original building and added elements that reflect Gothic Revival influences.
When did the Cathedral Church of the Nativity become a cathedral?
The church officially became the pro-cathedral in 1899 and then the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem in 1944. It is now a co-cathedral of the Diocese of the Susquehanna.
What are some notable features of the cathedral's interior?
Key interior features added in 1899 include the Rood Screen, designed by J. & R. Lamb Studios, and the Font and Baptistery, designed by E. M. Burns. The cathedral also houses pipe organs from various builders, with significant installations in 1887 and 1940.
Is the Cathedral Church of the Nativity part of a historic district?
Yes, in 1988, the Cathedral Church of the Nativity was listed as a contributing property within the Fountain Hill Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
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