Sacred Heart Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in downtown Bathurst, Canada
Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in downtown Bathurst built from local granite with Gothic arches and a copper roof. The structure on St. Andrew Street features wooden pews with Gothic patterns inside and sits as a substantial presence in the urban landscape.
The parish was founded in 1881 and gained cathedral status in 1938 when the Chatham Diocese relocated to Bathurst. This elevation made it the principal church for the newly established religious leadership of the region.
The stained glass windows were made by J. P. O'Shea Co. of Montreal and were inaugurated in July 1901, the same year Gothic-patterned ash pews were installed. A Harmonium Goderich organ had been installed in 1897. The parish was founded in 1881 after parishioners found it hard to reach Sainte-Famille church across the harbour.
The cathedral sits on central St. Andrew Street and is easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations. Visitors should be aware that services take place regularly and the space should be entered respectfully.
The church stood without a bell tower until 1896, when a wooden spire was added; in 1888, wind had thrown the cross from the 65-foot church to the ground. The tower rises 80 feet, or 144 feet with its spire, topped by a 10-foot iron cross.
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