Gethsemane Cathedral
Diocese of North Dakota·Episcopal·United States
Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral in Fargo, North Dakota, is the seat of the Diocese of North Dakota and a significant example of Postmodern architecture known as Prairie Gothic. The current cathedral, designed by Charles W. Moore and Arthur Andersson, was built following the destruction of its predecessor by fire in 1989.
Key Facts
- ›The first Episcopal service in Fargo was held in 1872 in a railway dining tent.
- ›The original church, built in 1874, was named Christ Church and later renamed Gethsemane.
- ›The previous cathedral was a wooden structure built in the Gothic Revival style, unique for its material.
- ›The current cathedral's design is a Postmodern style referred to as Prairie Gothic, by architects Charles W. Moore and Arthur Andersson.
- ›The cathedral was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
- ›The previous cathedral was destroyed by fire on September 12, 1989, leading to the construction of the current building.
Gothic Revival, Postmodern, Prairie Gothic
- Prairie Gothic Architectural Style
- Designed By Charles W. Moore and Arthur Andersson
Charles W. Moore, Arthur Andersson
About Gethsemane Cathedral
Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral
Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, located in Fargo, North Dakota, serves as the seat for the Diocese of North Dakota. The history of Episcopal worship in Fargo began on August 29, 1872, with the first service conducted by Rev. Joseph A Gilfilian in a temporary railway dining tent. Initially, services were held in various locations, including Pinkham's Hall during winter months, and the mission was known as the Church of the Crossing.
In the summer of 1874, construction commenced on a permanent church building at 204 9th St. South, on land donated by General George W. Cass. This building was completed the following year and named Christ Church. After experiencing damage from being blown off its foundation, it was rebuilt and subsequently renamed Gethsemane when it achieved parish status. The Missionary District of North Dakota was formally established by the Episcopal Church on October 11, 1883, with Fargo designated as the See city.
By the 1890s, Gethsemane had outgrown its original structure and faced foundation issues again. A new church was designed in the Gothic Revival style, intended to be built with red sandstone. However, due to a national economic depression, the plans were altered, and the church was constructed as a wood-frame building on a sandstone foundation, incorporating decorative wooden elements in place of stone. This church, located at Second Avenue and Ninth Street South, was elevated to cathedral status on September 2, 1900, becoming the only wooden Episcopal cathedral in the United States.
The cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Tragically, while undergoing renovation, the church caught fire and was destroyed beyond repair on September 12, 1989. The congregation then relocated to a former business college building, where interior walls were removed to create a new worship space. The current cathedral was designed by Austin, Texas architects Charles W. Moore and Arthur Andersson in a Postmodern style known as Prairie Gothic. Ground was broken for this new facility on May 18, 1991, and it was opened the following year. The financial obligation for its construction was fully settled in January 2003.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Episcopal service held in Fargo?
The first Episcopal service in Fargo took place on August 29, 1872. It was celebrated by the Rev. Joseph A Gilfilian in a Northern Pacific Railway dining tent.
What was the original name of the church that became Gethsemane Cathedral?
The original church building, completed in 1875, was named Christ Church. It was later renamed Gethsemane after being rebuilt and given parish status.
What style of architecture is the current Gethsemane Cathedral?
The current Gethsemane Cathedral is designed in a Postmodern style, which has been referred to as Prairie Gothic. It was designed by architects Charles W. Moore and Arthur Andersson.
What happened to the previous Gethsemane Cathedral?
The previous wooden cathedral, built in the Gothic Revival style, was destroyed beyond repair by a fire on September 12, 1989. The congregation then moved to a storefront building.
When was the current Gethsemane Cathedral built?
Groundbreaking for the new facility was held on May 18, 1991, and it opened the following year. The construction debt was paid off in January 2003.
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