The present modern cathedral was opened in 1962 replacing a gothic structure that burned in 1956 (click HERE to see pictures). The new cathedral is noted for its huge expanse of spectacular stained glass windows crafted in Paris, the ceramic tile mural behind the altar that is the largest of its kind in the world, and its majestic four manual Austin pipe organ. The sturdy U-shaped structure is suggestive of a modern day version of Paris's famous Sainte-Chapelle with walls of breathtaking faceted stained glass windows.

The cathedral seats 1,750 people in an awesome contemporary space including the two side chapels. The structure is of reinforced cast concrete sheathed inside and outside with limestone. The tower contains a set of 12 cast bronze bells ranging in weight from 225 lbs. to 3,850 lbs. and is topped with a 25 foot high stainless steel cross.

Click HERE for an index of downloadable Cathedral pictures.

Click HERE for photos of ongoing repairs to the Cathedral's steeple.

Click HERE for photos and descriptions of the Cathedral's Barillet stained glass windows.

Interesting Cathedral Facts

Overall height to top of cross Floor to ceiling height Overall length Overall width Ceramic mural behind altar Stained glass windows Organ pipes Gallery organ façade Choir gallery seating capacity

281 ft. 108 ft. 284 ft. 156 ft. 80 ft. high by 40 ft. wide 67 ft. high by 13 1 / 2 ft. wide each Over 8,000 50 ft. high by 80 ft. wide 130 singers

The cathedral is a repository for some of the most outstanding examples of contemporary ecclesiastical art - in stained glass, mosaics, and sculpture, in both metal and stone.