“A Greek temple in Boston?” I hear you ask. That’s exactly what the founders of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul envisioned. This historic church stands as a testament to Boston’s rich history. It embodies architectural innovation and patriotic fervor.
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul was established in 1818. A group of wealthy Bostonians wanted a distinctly American Episcopal parish. The existing churches had been formed before the American Revolution. These founders included names like Revere and Hancock.
In 1819, Alexander Parris and Solomon Willard were commissioned. They would construct a Greek temple. This was designed to contrast with the town’s existing colonial structures.
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul stands across from the Park Street Church. It became Boston’s first example of Greek Revival architecture. Light Quincy granite forms the body. It was brought from the first railroad operated in the United States. The portico’s Ionic columns are of brown sandstone. This sandstone was quarried near Acquia Creek in Virginia. A stone from Valley Forge symbolizes the patriotic fervor.
The exterior remained virtually unchanged until 2013. A sculpture was installed on the pediment. It was originally intended to depict Saint Paul preaching before King Agrippa. The sculpture is a cross-section of a chambered nautilus. It is called “Ship of Pearl” by artist Donald Lipski.
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul became the cathedral church in 1908. Two sisters had left an estate. It would build and maintain a cathedral. Bishop Lawrence removed the pew doors. He wanted to symbolize a house of prayer for all people.
In 1988, the diocesan offices moved. They moved to the building next to the cathedral. The cathedral now hosts important diocesan events. These include conventions and confirmation services.
Renovations aimed to make the cathedral more welcoming. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul reopened in 2015. New glass doorways provide views. Skylights and lighting brighten the sanctuary. A new chapel offers an intimate space. Flexible seating replaced fixed pews. A new elevator made all levels accessible. The lower-level Sproat Hall was reconfigured. The facade was enhanced.
Today, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul welcomes all. It is a house of prayer. It fulfills its mission in the active life of the Diocese of Massachusetts. Besides Sunday services, it hosts ministries. These ministries include The Crossing and the Episcopal Chinese Boston Ministry. It also runs a Monday Lunch Program and MANNA. The program serves the homeless community. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul stands as a beacon of faith and history. It is right in the heart of Boston.