The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee
The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee and stands as one of the city's most historic landmarks. Located just east of Cathedral Square Park, this striking structure was originally completed in 1852 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Milwaukee. Designed in the German Renaissance Revival style by architect Victor Schulte, the cathedral was constructed using the city鈥檚 iconic Cream City brick and reflects the influence of the 19th-century Zopfstil style鈥攁 more restrained alternative to Baroque opulence.
Saint John鈥檚 parish, founded in 1837, was Milwaukee鈥檚 first Roman Catholic congregation. Initially, the community worshiped at nearby Saint Peter鈥檚 Church until Archbishop John Henni purchased land in 1844 and raised funds for a new cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in 1847, and by 1852, the church was complete and dedicated to John the Evangelist.
The original steeple, designed by Schulte, topped a three-stage tower whose base remains today. In 1893, the upper section was replaced with a more ornate design by Ferry and Clas. A major fire in 1935 destroyed much of the cathedral, sparing only the tower. After restoration, it reopened for midnight mass in 1942.
Today, the cathedral is noted for its 13 hand-cut stained glass windows by the T.C. Esser Company, designed by Erhardt Stoettner. A marble baptismal font and tomb-shaped pool form a focal point in the sanctuary. In 2001, a peaceful gated garden and atrium were added to the north side of the building.
Recognized as a Milwaukee Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997鈥攁 testament to its enduring place in the spiritual and architectural fabric of the city.
Saint John鈥檚 parish, founded in 1837, was Milwaukee鈥檚 first Roman Catholic congregation. Initially, the community worshiped at nearby Saint Peter鈥檚 Church until Archbishop John Henni purchased land in 1844 and raised funds for a new cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in 1847, and by 1852, the church was complete and dedicated to John the Evangelist.
The original steeple, designed by Schulte, topped a three-stage tower whose base remains today. In 1893, the upper section was replaced with a more ornate design by Ferry and Clas. A major fire in 1935 destroyed much of the cathedral, sparing only the tower. After restoration, it reopened for midnight mass in 1942.
Today, the cathedral is noted for its 13 hand-cut stained glass windows by the T.C. Esser Company, designed by Erhardt Stoettner. A marble baptismal font and tomb-shaped pool form a focal point in the sanctuary. In 2001, a peaceful gated garden and atrium were added to the north side of the building.
Recognized as a Milwaukee Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997鈥攁 testament to its enduring place in the spiritual and architectural fabric of the city.
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The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Map
Sight Name: The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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