Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, is a prominent Catholic cathedral located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It serves as a co-cathedral for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, sharing this role with the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. Situated on Cathedral Hill, it offers commanding views of downtown Saint Paul and is distinguished by its striking copper-clad dome. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle, the namesake of the city, and holds the significant designation as the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, a status conferred by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on March 25, 2009. It is recognized as the third-largest Catholic cathedral and the sixth-largest church in the United States.

History and Development

The origins of Catholic worship in the area trace back to a small log chapel built in 1841 by Father Lucien Galtier. This humble structure evolved into the first cathedral under Bishop Joseph Crétin, who recognized the need for a larger edifice to serve the growing Catholic population. Subsequent cathedrals were constructed to accommodate the expanding diocese, with the third cathedral, built of stone, completed in 1858. The elevation of the Diocese of Saint Paul to an archiepiscopal see in 1888 underscored the necessity for a grander, more substantial cathedral. This led to the selection of a new site on the brow of St. Anthony Hill and the commissioning of renowned French Beaux-Arts architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray. Construction of the current cathedral began with the laying of the cornerstone on June 2, 1907, and the building was opened in 1915, though it was not formally consecrated until 1958.

Architecture and Design

Designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, the Cathedral of Saint Paul is an exemplar of "Classical Renaissance" architecture, laid out in a Greek Cross plan. The cathedral's dome, a central feature, measures 76 feet (23 m) in diameter and rises to a height of 186 feet (57 m). The exterior is clad in Rockville granite from Minnesota, while the interior walls are of American Travertine, with columns made from various types of marble. Masqueray's design emphasizes an open interior, allowing for unobstructed views of the altar and pulpit. The interior aesthetic, with its sunburst chandelier and wave motifs carved into walls and pews, is intended to evoke the feeling of being within a boat, referencing the Latin word "nave." The exterior facade features granite carvings of Christ and the apostles, along with biblical inscriptions.

Art and Interior Features

The interior of the cathedral is adorned with twenty-four stained glass windows depicting angelic choirs and three rose windows in the transepts, designed by Charles Connick. Heroic-sized marble statues of the four evangelists, sculpted by John Angel, are positioned in the niches of the piers, symbolizing their role in supporting the Church through their writings. The life of Saint Paul is further honored through a bronze baldachin and massive bronze grilles. The cathedral also houses six chapels dedicated to the patron saints of various European ethnic groups that settled the region, as well as chapels dedicated to the Sacred Heart, Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Peter. The cathedral is equipped with two E. M. Skinner and Æolian-Skinner organs, which underwent restoration and enhancement in the 2010s.

Significance and Notable Events

Beyond its architectural and religious significance, the Cathedral of Saint Paul has been the site of notable historical events. It has hosted Masses attended by prominent figures such as Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli and President John F. Kennedy. In 2009, its designation as the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul marked a significant moment in its history. The cathedral has also been a venue for important community events, including the funeral of Philando Castile and, for several years, the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition, which drew large crowds to the area. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and is a contributing property to the Historic Hill District.