Saint Mathews Church

Why was St. Matthew’s Cathedral chosen as the site for John F. Kennedy’s funeral? St. Matthew’s Cathedral, a grand Romanesque Revival structure in the heart of Washington D.C., has witnessed history unfold within its hallowed halls. It stands as more than just the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. It’s a place where the spiritual and political worlds intersect, a silent observer of pivotal moments in American history. St. Matthew’s Cathedral’s story begins in 1840, a humble parish founded by Father William Matthews. The original church, located at 15th and H Streets, served the growing Catholic community. However, the congregation outgrew this space, leading to the construction of the current edifice in 1893. The first Mass was celebrated in the unfinished structure in 1895, and the building wasn’t fully completed until 1913. The cathedral’s red brick facade, adorned with sandstone and terra cotta trim, hints at the Byzantine influences woven into its Romanesque Revival design. Inside, the soaring dome, intricate mosaics, and rich marble decorations create an atmosphere of reverence and awe. Architect C. Grant La Farge designed the cathedral in the shape of a Latin cross, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian tradition. One of the cathedral’s most striking features is the 35-foot mosaic of St. Matthew, the apostle and patron saint of civil servants, located behind the main altar. This mosaic, created by Edwin Blashfield, serves as a focal point for prayer and contemplation. St. Matthew’s Cathedral has been the backdrop for numerous historic events. It was here, in 1963, that the nation mourned the loss of President John F. Kennedy. His funeral Mass, a poignant moment in American history, was held within these very walls. The cathedral has also hosted visits from Pope John Paul II and served as the site for the funeral of Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Every year, the cathedral hosts the Red Mass, a tradition where the legal community seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit. Justices of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, and even presidents have attended this service, highlighting the intersection of faith and law in the nation’s capital. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Matthew’s Cathedral remained a spiritual anchor, hosting a livestreamed Easter Mass when physical gatherings were impossible. More recently, President Joe Biden attended Mass at St. Matthew’s before his inauguration, further solidifying the cathedral’s role in American political life. St. Matthew’s Cathedral stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of history. Its walls have absorbed the prayers of countless individuals, witnessed moments of national mourning and celebration, and served as a silent backdrop to the unfolding drama of American history. It is a place where the past and present converge, reminding us of the enduring connection between faith, community, and the pursuit of justice.