Saint Patrick\'s Cathedral Building History

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Building History

The Cathedral was begun in 1858 by Archbishop John Hughes to replace the original St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is used today as a parish church in New York. The cornerstone was laid, August 15, 1858, with construction stopping temporary during the Civil War. Work resumed in 1865 and the cathedral opened its doors in May, 1879.

In 1888, the towers on the West Front were added and in 1901 the east addition was started, including the Lady Chapel. An extensive renovation of the interior took place between 1927 and 1931 when the great organ was installed and the sanctuary was enlarged.

Both interior and exterior were completely restored to their original beauty during the 1970's. Extensive renovations were made to the structural integrity of the building during the mid-80's and earlier 90's, including replacement of much of the roof, exterior steps, and replastering of the walls.

Architect James Renwick, Jr. designed what is considered his finest achievement with St. Patrick's Cathedral. It is the largest decorated Neo-Gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States.

What Characteristic of this Stylistic Movement does the Building Exhibit?

St. Patrick's Cathedral was built in the Gothic Revival style also known as Neo-Gothic style which is an architectural movement that began in England around the mid-1700's. Its acceptance grew swiftly in the early nineteenth century. This stylistic movement was a return to Gothic architectural building styles that date back to the twelfth through sixteenth centuries.

Some of Gothic Revival architecture characteristics include: large stained glass windows that colorfully brighten the interior of the cathedral, the facade, 100-meter-tall twin spires, cathedral-style openness, and buttresses. Additional key architectural traits found in St. Patrick's include pointed-arch windows, the building's Gothic shape, the details of the clear vertical presence, and sharply pointed finials.

How does it differ from the Other Gothic-Style Buildings?

Though Saint Patrick's was built in Gothic style, its design is original and distinct. The cathedral is a mixture of the German, French, and English Gothic influences and the inside has more of a feel of English and French Gothic style.

Some Gothic buildings have rounded arches - which appears in their portals, windows, arcades, and the giant stone vaulting of their roofs. The massive downward and outward force of these heavy stone roofs required substantial pillars and broad supporting walls. St. Patrick's ceiling vaulting is not made of stone, but brick and plaster. This style of vaulting is lighter in weight and is predominantly English in design.