“Twin baby faces smile from the imposing facade” reported the Times. We are standing before St. John’s Cathedral. It is a landmark in the West Adams district. This beautiful structure stands as a testament to faith. It also reflects architectural grandeur.
St. John’s story began in 1890. The parish established a church near U.S.C. It was a charming country church fitting its suburban surroundings. But Los Angeles grew quickly. A bigger church became a necessity.
By 1920, action was finally taken. Additional lots were purchased. The church engaged Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue to design it. His designs were not accepted. A competition was held instead. Six major architects submitted designs. Ernest Coxhead, William Templeton Johnson, and Rector Dr. Davidson judged the submissions. The Davis brothers’ design won.
The Davis brothers drew inspiration from Northern Italy’s ancient churches. Their design is Northern Italian Romanesque. The ceiling design came from Florence’s Church of San Miniato al Monte. The Davis brothers planned for the future. They included a rectory wing and executive offices. They ensured the church felt restful despite the busy surroundings.
Ground broke for the new St. John’s in 1923. The ceremony included the old church’s cornerstone. Construction finished just before Christmas 1924. The church seated 1100 people. The cost was $600000. The consecration took place the following year.
The facade features a rose window. Bas reliefs surround it. S. Cartaino Scarpitta designed them. He added cherubs carved from life. The model was Dolores D’Arcy Corrigan. She was the baby daughter of actor D’Arcy Corrigan.
Throughout the decades, St. John’s remained a landmark. In 1970, Rector E. Lawrence Carter closed the front doors. This was a protest against the Vietnam War.
In 2007, St. John’s became St. John’s Cathedral. It became the Procathedral of the Diocese of Los Angeles. St. John’s is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument #516.
Inside St. John’s, the classic Italian theme continues. The beamed ceiling soars dramatically. It is based on Florence’s Church of San Miniato al Monte. The Davis Brothers designed St. John’s for the future. They knew the area would become busier. They made sure the church felt restful. It feels apart from the world outside. The church setting is farther back from the property line.
Today, St. John’s Cathedral stands as a beacon of hope. It is a place of beauty. It is a testament to faith. It is a reminder of the past. It inspires hope for the future.