Could this unassuming brick building truly be the heart of Catholicism for nearly half a million people? Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington Virginia. It stands as the mother church for the Diocese of Arlington.
Let’s delve into the story of this unique cathedral. The parish was founded in 1938 and dedicated to St. Thomas More. Initially masses were held in the school gymnasium. This was before the sanctuary was completed in 1950. The current church was built in 1961 above the original sanctuary.
In 1974 the northern counties of Virginia formed the Diocese of Arlington. The church was elevated to a cathedral. On August 13 1974 the first bishop was installed. Currently the parish has about 1400 members.
The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More has undergone significant changes. A renovation project began in April to mark the Diocese of Arlington’s 50th anniversary. The building will be transformed architecturally. It will shift from a Mid-century Modern design to the Tudor style. This Tudor style reflects the era of St. Thomas More. A rose window depicting The New Jerusalem will be added to the north elevation. Stained glass windows will portray the Holy Family. They will also depict the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. Patron saints of parishes in the diocese will also be featured. These saints will be included in devotional shrines with new statuary.
The cathedral’s design is a modern interpretation of the Gothic style. This is after the recent renovations. Previously it was a modern take on the Romanesque style. The altar sits at the crossing of the Latin cross shaped building.
Music has always been vital to the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More. A three-manual M.P. Moeller organ with 28 ranks of pipes was installed in 1961. It was redesigned and expanded to 53 ranks in 1980. Robert Wyant served as cathedral organist for many years. He started as an assistant organist in 1964. He retired in 1998.
The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More also operates a school. St. Thomas More Cathedral School was established in 1944. It offers pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ran the school. They established a permanent community in 1945. Due to declining numbers the order left in 1998.
The renovation project is estimated to cost $15.3 million. It is funded by donors. Bishop Burbidge set three principles for funding. No debt would be incurred. No assessments would be taken from any parish. There would be no capital campaign for this project.
The upgrades include new stained glass windows. Twin belfries will be added to the south façade. The exterior will be Tudor-style. A new cupola or small dome will be constructed. The roofing will be replaced. The sanctuary platform will be renovated and made more accessible. New liturgical furnishings will be added. The shrine will be renovated. The choir loft will be refurbished.
The rose-patterned stained-glass window will be visible from N. Glebe Road. Inside there will be stained glass images of saints. These are saints for whom churches throughout the diocese are named. Devotional shrines to saints from various cultures will also be present.
The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More stands as a testament to faith history and community. Its ongoing transformation reflects its commitment to serving the Diocese of Arlington. It embraces both tradition and modernity.