Cathedral of St. James
Diocese of Northern Indiana·Episcopal·United States
The Cathedral of St. James in South Bend, Indiana, serves as the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. Originally established as a parish in 1868, the current Gothic Revival church building was completed in 1894. The cathedral is recognized for its historical significance, with the church and adjoining parish hall listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Key Facts
- ›Established as an Episcopal parish in 1868, making it the first in South Bend.
- ›The current church building was designed by Austin & Parker in the Gothic Revival style and completed in 1894.
- ›Became the diocesan cathedral for the Diocese of Northern Indiana on January 30, 1957.
- ›The cathedral and its parish hall were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
- ›Reported 192 members in 2023, with an average Sunday attendance of 109 in 2024.
- ›Former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg was a parishioner and married there in 2018.
National Register of Historic Places Listing, Site of Pete Buttigieg's Marriage
Austin & Parker
About Cathedral of St. James
The Cathedral of St. James, located in South Bend, Indiana, is the principal church and seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. Its origins trace back to 1868 when St. James parish was established, marking the first Episcopal congregation in the city. The current edifice, a notable example of Gothic Revival architecture, was designed by the firm Austin & Parker and completed in 1894. The adjacent parish hall was finished in 1920.
Historical Context and Diocesan Role
Initially, St. James parish was part of the Diocese of Indiana. Following a division of the state, it became associated with the Diocese of Michigan City. Trinity Church in Michigan City initially served as the diocesan cathedral from 1899 until its status changed. The diocese was renamed the Diocese of Northern Indiana in 1919, and St. James Church officially assumed the role of diocesan cathedral on January 30, 1957.
Recognition and Community
The historical and architectural importance of the Cathedral of St. James was formally recognized when the cathedral church and its parish hall were jointly added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. In recent years, the cathedral has been noted as the place of worship for Pete Buttigieg, a former mayor of South Bend, who married his husband there in 2018. As of 2023, the cathedral reported 192 members, with an average Sunday attendance of 109 in 2024.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. James parish established?
St. James parish was established in 1868. It was the first Episcopal congregation in the city of South Bend.
What architectural style is the Cathedral of St. James?
The present church building is designed in the Gothic Revival style. The architectural firm of Austin & Parker was responsible for its design.
When did St. James become a cathedral?
St. James Church became the diocesan cathedral on January 30, 1957. Prior to this, it was part of a different diocesan structure.
Is the Cathedral of St. James on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes, the cathedral church and the adjoining parish hall were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, recognizing their historical and architectural significance.
What is the current membership of the Cathedral of St. James?
In 2023, the cathedral reported 192 members. The average Sunday attendance in 2024 was 109.
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