Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, often referred to simply as St. John's Cathedral, stands majestically in Boise, Idaho, as a beacon of faith, history, and architectural splendor. This grand edifice, serving as the seat of the Diocese of Boise, is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. Its story is one of resilience, beauty, and community dedication.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

The origins of Catholic worship in Boise trace back to Christmas Eve 1870, with the dedication of the first Catholic church in the city. Unfortunately, this initial structure succumbed to a fire just 18 days later. Undeterred, the Catholic community built another frame structure which served as the cathedral for the Vicariate Apostolic of Idaho and later the Diocese of Boise, established in 1893. As Boise grew, so did the need for a larger cathedral. Bishop Alphonse Glorieux spearheaded the acquisition of a new property, and in 1906, the cornerstone for the current cathedral was laid.

The construction of St. John's Cathedral was a phased endeavor to mitigate financial strain on the parish. The lower level was completed first, allowing the parish to worship there while the rest of the building took shape. By 1912, the walls and roof were in place, and the cathedral was finally completed in 1921, with Bishop Daniel Gorman dedicating it on Easter Sunday of that year. The rectory, a Tudor Revival structure completed in 1906, and St. Joseph's School, built in 1925, are integral parts of the cathedral's historical complex.

An Architectural Marvel

Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Tourtellotte & Hummel, St. John's Cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The design draws inspiration from the Cathedral of Mainz in Germany and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, France. The exterior, constructed from Boise Sandstone quarried at Table Rock, exudes a timeless elegance. The building's cruciform shape measures 170 feet in length, 95 feet across the transepts, and 65 feet in the nave.

Although the original design included two towers topped with spires, these remain incomplete. Nonetheless, the cathedral's façade is adorned with a beautiful rose window and a statue of St. John the Evangelist. Corbeling encircles the building at the roofline, and a fléche rises above the crossing, adding to the architectural charm.

Inside, the cathedral is a visual feast. The stained glass windows, designed and installed by the John J. Kinsella Company of Chicago in 1920, depict scenes from the life of Christ and various saints. The nave windows illustrate Christ's life, while the north transept features the Adoration of the Magi, flanked by St. Alphonsus Ligouri and St. Theresa of Avila. The south transept showcases the Ascension, with St. Patrick and St. Rita on either side. The sanctuary windows honor St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the apse windows depict the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Four Evangelists. A notable addition is the window portraying the Holy Spirit, installed in 1979.

A Place of Music and Worship

The cathedral's musical heritage is equally impressive. The 3-manual, 2900-pipe organ, installed by Tellers-Kent in 1921, has been a cornerstone of the cathedral's liturgical music. Frederick Fleming Beale, a composer and professor of music at the College of Idaho, served as the organist and choir director, enriching the worship experience with his musical talents.

Restoration and Modernization

St. John's Cathedral has undergone several restorations and remodels to preserve its beauty and functionality. A major cleaning in 1952 was followed by a significant remodel in 1960, led by Charles Hummel Jr., the grandson of the original architect. Hummel Jr. focused on restoring the stained glass windows, creating more seating, renewing interior designs, and introducing modern lighting fixtures that complemented the cathedral's classic aesthetic.

In 1979, further restoration efforts included exposing the stone beneath the plaster walls in the downstairs chapel and enhancing the reception hall. The baptismal font was redesigned as a pool, and the former font was repurposed as an ambry for holy oils. A reservation altar for the tabernacle was created in the south transept, utilizing the canopy from the former high altar. These efforts earned St. John's an Orchid Award from the Idaho Historic Preservation Council in 1981 for outstanding restoration work.

A Living Legacy

Today, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist stands as a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of Boise's Catholic community. It is a place where history, architecture, and spirituality converge, offering visitors a profound sense of connection to the past and inspiration for the future. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, St. John's Cathedral invites you to explore its rich heritage and experience its timeless beauty.