A majestic dome piercing the Washington DC sky. That’s the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle. This isn’t just any church. It’s the seat of the Archbishop of Washington’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Established in 1840 it first resided at 15th and H Streets. The current building a stunning example of Romanesque Revival and Byzantine styles opened in 1913.
Designed by C Grant La Farge its red brick sandstone and terra cotta exterior are breathtaking. Inside the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle is even more impressive. Marble and semiprecious stones adorn the walls. A magnificent 35-foot mosaic of Saint Matthew by Edwin Blashfield dominates the main altar. The octagonal dome rises 190 feet above the nave a majestic cap to this architectural masterpiece.
The Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle has witnessed history unfold. Manuel L Quezon the president of the Philippines lay in state here before his burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Senator Joseph McCarthy’s funeral Mass filled the Cathedral to capacity. The assassination of President John F Kennedy brought worldwide attention. Cardinal Richard Cushing celebrated a Requiem Mass here before the procession to Arlington.
Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass during his 1979 visit. The funeral of Supreme Court Justice William J Brennan Jr was also held within its hallowed walls. Even a Lutheran service for Chief Justice William Rehnquist took place here. The Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle hosts one of the world’s most renowned Red Masses. This annual event draws Supreme Court Justices members of Congress cabinet members and often even the President himself seeking divine guidance for the legal profession.
The Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith history and the intersection of religion and politics in the heart of the nation’s capital. Its rich past continues to resonate today making it a must-see landmark for any visitor to Washington D C. The Cathedral’s enduring legacy is a powerful reminder of its importance not only to the Catholic community but also to the broader fabric of American life.