Rachel Evans
Saint John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is a house of prayer for the Episcopal Church and the people of metropolitan Denver. Construction of the cathedral began in 1909, and the first service was held in 1911. The cathedral is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows, its outstanding choir, and its social activism. Saint John's Cathedral is also notable for its music, with a grand Kimball organ, affectionately known as Bertha, being one of its greatest treasures. The cathedral has a large congregation that is made warm and welcoming by its members and the various opportunities to connect in small groups and ministries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Saint John's Cathedral |
| Location | 1350 Washington Street, Denver, Colorado, United States |
| Type | Episcopal |
| History | Established in 1860, it was the first Episcopal congregation in Colorado. The first cathedral was built in 1880/1881 at 20th and Welton Streets and was destroyed by fire in 1903. The current cathedral was initially completed in 1911. |
| Features | Stained glass windows, a grand Kimball organ, and a large congregation |
| Activities | Social activism, charitable work, and providing various types of masses |
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What You'll Learn
St. John's Cathedral is part of the Episcopal Church
St. John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is part of the Episcopal Church in the United States. It is the seat of the bishop and the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. The cathedral has a long history in Denver, dating back to the early days of the city in 1860 when it was established as the first Episcopal congregation in the region.
The Episcopal Church in Denver was initially formed by early settlers who named it Saint John's Church in the Wilderness, as the nearest Episcopal parish was hundreds of miles away in Kansas. The first cathedral was built at 20th and Welton Streets and held its first services in 1881. Unfortunately, this building was destroyed by a fire in 1903, which led to the construction of the current cathedral at 14th and Washington. The new cathedral was designed by the New York architectural firm Tracy and Swartwout and was completed in 1911.
St. John's Cathedral is a large congregation that is known for its warmth and hospitality. It offers a variety of masses to cater to different preferences and needs, including a modern language service that involves children and a children's mass/daycare. The cathedral is also recognised for its beautiful architecture, particularly its magnificent stained-glass windows, which constitute a 100-year collection of masterworks from renowned studios. The windows depict scenes and virtues from the Old and New Testaments, with the west side focusing on Old Testament sins and the east side showcasing New Testament virtues.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, St. John's Cathedral has a rich history of social activism and charitable work. The cathedral has been actively involved in housing the homeless and advocating for LGBT rights. Additionally, the St. John's Ladies of the Cathedral Aid Society, later known as the Women of St. John's, has been engaged in charitable endeavours since the 1860s. The cathedral also played a role in the formation of the Denver Charity Organization, which later became the United Way, the first community charity solicitation fund in the United States.
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The cathedral was founded in 1860
St. John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is an Episcopal cathedral and congregation. It was founded in 1860 by Reverend John H. Kehler, who held the first public Episcopal Church services in what would become Colorado Territory. At the time, Denver was part of the Missionary District of the Northwest, which covered 750,000 square miles, including present-day Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and sometimes New Mexico.
The first St. John's congregation met in a dirt-floored log cabin, before moving to the Criterion Saloon and then the Apollo Hall Theater. In 1861, the congregation was officially chartered as the Church of St. John's in the Wilderness, so named because the nearest Episcopal parish was 700 miles away in Kansas.
The first St. John's Cathedral was built at 20th and Welton Streets and completed in 1881. However, it was destroyed by a fire in 1903, just 23 years after its construction. The current cathedral was designed by the New York architectural firm Tracy and Swartwout and constructed at the current site beginning in 1905. The first service in the new cathedral was held in 1911.
Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several changes and additions. In 1927, a side chapel (St. Martin's Chapel) and a large parish hall (Dagwell Hall) were added in a rural English style. The cathedral has also expanded its grounds to include Plaza Cathedral Square on the north side of 14th Avenue. The cathedral is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows, which constitute a 100-year collection of masterworks from renowned studios in England and the United States.
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The building was constructed in the Gothic Revival style
Saint John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is a house of prayer for the Episcopal Church. It is not a Catholic cathedral.
Saint John's Cathedral was designed by the New York architectural firm of Tracy and Swartwout, who were selected through a blind contest in 1908. The original design included flying buttresses to support the weight of the roof, allowing for thinner walls and more glass area. However, this design was considered too expensive, and a redesign was requested to limit the cathedral to the nave, with a temporary brick chancel.
The building is constructed of Indiana limestone and features a soaring window over a three-part entrance in the centre bay. The cathedral also boasts magnificent stained-glass windows, which constitute a 100-year collection of masterworks. The west-side windows depict Old Testament sins, while the east side illustrates New Testament scenes and virtues. The grand arched windows over the entry doors showcase the Frampton Studio's masterpiece, "The Last Judgment".
The Gothic Revival style of Saint John's Cathedral is a notable feature, combining traditional Gothic elements with modern innovations to create a beautiful and functional space for worship and community gatherings.
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The cathedral has a notable choir and is known for its social activism
St. John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado and is part of the Episcopal Church in the United States. It is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows, its outstanding choir, and its social activism.
The cathedral's choir is recognised as one of its most notable features. St. John's has always prided itself on its music, and this is evident in its choir's performances. The choir has the opportunity to showcase their talents through the use of a grand Kimball organ, affectionately named "Bertha". This organ, with its 5,961 handmade pipes, is considered one of the cathedral's greatest treasures. The combination of the choir's voices and the organ's majestic sound creates a truly memorable auditory experience for all who attend services or concerts at the cathedral.
The cathedral's social activism is another aspect that has gained recognition. Throughout its history, St. John's has been actively involved in various social causes and initiatives. For example, the cathedral has played a role in providing housing for the homeless and advocating for LGBT rights. The Women of St. John's is a charitable organisation associated with the cathedral that has contributed to social activism. Additionally, Dean Paul Roberts was known for his pacifism and work with marginalised communities, including Indigenous Americans, Japanese Americans, women, and children.
The cathedral's choir and social activism are integral parts of its identity and have contributed to its reputation as a notable place of worship and a force for positive change in the community. The combination of spiritual guidance, musical excellence, and social engagement makes St. John's Cathedral a unique and impactful institution in Denver.
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The cathedral features exquisite stained-glass windows
Saint John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, is a house of prayer for the Episcopal Church and the people of metropolitan Denver. It is the seat of the bishop and the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. Construction of the cathedral began in 1909, with the first service held in 1911.
The collection includes twelve stained-glass pieces by the Edward Frampton Studio in England, eleven of which were remarkably rescued from the 1903 fire that ravaged the previous cathedral. Frampton Studio's masterpiece, "The Last Judgment," adorns the grand arched windows over the entry doors, capturing biblical scenes and themes.
Additional contributions to the collection include exquisite stained glass from the Charles Connick studio in Boston and modern creations by Colorado artist Edgar Britton. The windows not only enhance the beauty of the cathedral but also serve a functional purpose, opening to allow ventilation and maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
The stained-glass windows of Saint John's Cathedral in Denver are a testament to the artistic mastery of their creators, illuminating the space with vibrant colours and intricate details. They seamlessly blend artistic expression with the spiritual atmosphere of the cathedral, creating a unique and inspiring environment for all who visit.
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Frequently asked questions
No, St. John's Cathedral in Denver is Episcopal.
St. John's Cathedral is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows, its outstanding choir, and its social activism.
St. John's Cathedral was established in 1860 as the first Episcopal congregation in Colorado. The current cathedral was constructed starting in 1905 and completed in 1911.
St. John's Cathedral offers multiple types of masses, including a children's mass, as well as opportunities to connect with small groups and ministries. The cathedral is also known for its music and social activism.
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