Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour
Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota·Episcopal Church·United States
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault, Minnesota, is the oldest cathedral in the state and the first in the Episcopal Church in the United States designed as a cathedral. Constructed between 1862 and 1869, it is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture and a historical landmark.
Key Facts
- ›Founded by Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, who envisioned it as a center for an educational community.
- ›Designed by James Renwick Jr., also known for St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
- ›Built primarily from native blue limestone with red-brown limestone accents.
- ›Added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 10, 1979.
- ›The tower was completed in 1902 as a memorial to Bishop Whipple.
- ›Celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012 and continues to serve the regional community.
Gothic Revival, English Perpendicular
Blue Limestone Construction, Polychromatic Limestone Accents, Latin Cross Plan, Soaring Roof, Engaged Buttresses, Narrow Stained Glass Windows, Square Tower and Belfry, Exposed Timber Trusses, Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple's Burial Place
James Renwick Jr.
About Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, located in Faribault, Minnesota, holds the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in the state and the first of its kind designed specifically for the Episcopal Church in the United States. Its construction, spanning from 1862 to 1869, was overseen by Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, who envisioned the cathedral as the nucleus of an educational community.
History and Founding
Bishop Whipple laid the cornerstone on July 16, 1862, and the cathedral was officially dedicated on St. John's Day, June 24, 1869. Whipple's ambition was to build schools around the cathedral, creating a centralized hub for learning. He was instrumental in the establishment of Seabury Divinity School and supported Shattuck, St. Mary's, and St. James schools. James Lloyd Breck also played a crucial role in fundraising, contributing significantly to the total construction cost of $60,000.
The cathedral's construction occurred in phases. While the main body was ready for services by 1868, the guild house was added in 1895 to accommodate growing needs, followed by the Bishop Gilbert wing in 1905. The tower, completed in 1902, stands as a memorial to Bishop Whipple, with its chimes a donation from his wife, Evangeline Marrs Whipple.
In 1941, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis became the bishop's seat for the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, yet the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour maintained its status as a full cathedral. The church continues its mission, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. In recent years, it has adapted to changing congregational dynamics by introducing new programs, including a quilt show, community meals, and hosting various support groups and a concert series, aiming to foster community engagement and support.
Architecture
Renowned architect James Renwick Jr., celebrated for his design of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and the Smithsonian Institution Building, also lent his expertise to the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. The church is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, built from locally sourced blue limestone quarried near Fall Creek. Red-brown limestone is strategically used around windows and doors, creating a visually appealing polychromatic effect.
The cathedral's form is that of a Latin Cross, with the nave and chancel forming its length and the tower and organ rooms extending as transept arms. Key Gothic Revival elements include a soaring roof, engaged buttresses that divide the nave into seven bays, and narrow windows filled with stained glass. The square tower and belfry, finished in 1902, exhibit characteristics of the English Perpendicular style, featuring stone mullions, crenelated parapets, and tall finials adorned with crockets.
Interior details largely echo the original design, with exposed timber trusses and small pendants at their center joints. English Gothic motifs, such as trefoils and quatrefoils, are incorporated throughout the building. The nave is designed to seat approximately 600 people.
National Register of Historic Places
On August 10, 1979, the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour and its guild house were recognized for their historical and architectural significance by being added to the National Register of Historic Places. A subsequent boundary increase on February 19, 1982, included the bishop's residence in this designation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour built?
The cathedral was built in stages between 1862 and 1869. The body of the cathedral was ready for services in 1868, with the tower completed in 1902.
Who designed the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour?
The cathedral was designed by James Renwick Jr., a prominent architect also known for St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C.
What is the architectural style of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour?
The cathedral is primarily constructed in the Gothic Revival style. The tower and belfry, completed later, feature elements of the English Perpendicular style.
Is the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour historically significant?
Yes, it is the oldest cathedral in Minnesota and was the first church in the Episcopal Church in the United States designed as a cathedral. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Where is the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour located?
The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour is located in Faribault, Minnesota.
What materials were used to build the cathedral?
The cathedral is constructed from native blue limestone from the Fall Creek Quarry, with red-brown limestone used around the windows and doors for a polychromatic effect.
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