St. Mary's Cathedral, Gothic Revival cathedral in Colorado Springs, United States
St. Mary's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival church designed by Pease and Barber. Its lower level was finished in 1891 and the upper church in 1898, with bell towers added in 1902 and spires completed in 1907. The 1902–1904 redecoration added Gothic arched ceilings, six side-aisle windows and electric lights.
The first Mass in Colorado Springs was celebrated by Rev. Joseph P. Machebeuf in 1873, and the site was bought for $3,100 in 1888. Pease and Barber designed the Gothic Revival church; the lower level was finished in 1891 and the upper church in 1898, dedicated on December 19. Bell towers came in 1902 and spires in 1907. Pope John Paul II made it a cathedral on November 10, 1983.
Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Colorado Springs on November 10, 1983, and St. Mary's was chosen as its cathedral; Bishop Richard Hanifen was installed as first bishop on January 30, 1984. The 1916 Hinners pipe organ was replaced in 2002, and the St. Mary's Cathedral Columbarium opened in 2005. The cathedral's ruins appear in the video game Horizon: Zero Dawn.
The cathedral stands at 22 West Kiowa Street in downtown Colorado Springs, a short walk from the city's core. A new entrance was built on the southwest corner during the 2003 renovation, together with a gathering space and plaza. Visitors enter through that corner; the 2005 St. Mary's Cathedral Columbarium is also on the grounds.
The interior underwent a major renovation in 2003 that added modern gathering spaces, meeting rooms, and a plaza outside for community events. This update shows how the historic building was adapted to serve contemporary needs while maintaining its character.
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