NW Portland “splendid edifice” turns 100
"Splendid edifice to be scene of solemn ritual" - Oregonian Headline
When it was dedicated one hundred years ago on February 14, 1926, Saint Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at NW 18th and Couch Streets in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland was referred to with reverence as a “Sermon in Stone” which would last centuries.
Reporters wrote about how this sacred edifice would withstand anything man or nature threw at it. The reinforced concrete and Bedford limestone construction made it one of the most "permanent" structures in the West, the designers and builders promised. (Much more permanent than all those red brick buildings in the neighborhood.)
So far so good. Congratulations to the Cathedral. It has survived its first century in fine form. In fact, some would tell you it has never been in better shape structurally and spiritually.
Photos: Oregon Historical Society
The church serving as a temporary cathedral in (what is now) the Pearl District years before the dedication wasn’t as lucky; it was lost to the epic Willamette River Flood of 1894. The rampaging Willamette flooded towns along its banks, destroying mills, docks, warehouses, and transportation facilities (and one big church). At Portland, the river reached a high-water mark of 33.5 feet, the worst flood ever recorded in the city. (Oregon Encyclopedia)
The current Cathedral was dedicated less than a year after the Supreme Court of the United States handed Catholics in Oregon and America a defining victory with its unanimous ruling in Pierce vs Society of Sisters. Oregon voters had approved a ballot measure that would have closed all Catholic schools in the state. Archbishop Alexander Christie, who spearheaded construction of Saint Mary's, led the fight with the Sisters at Marylhurst to overturn the voters and keep Catholic schools alive. (Here's the full story at our website.)
Newspapers of the day say that “thousands” turned out for the dedication ceremony on February14, 1926. The first Low Mass was said there on February 19.
.Archbishop Alexander Christie didn't live long enough to hear that ruling or attend the dedication of the Cathedral he made sure got built. The following is from a PHS presentation called Know Nothings Never Go Away, which is a quote credited to Archbishop Christie, who fought anti-Catholic nativists in Oregon throughout his tenure. Who was Archbishop Alexander Christie? Born May 1848. Died April 1925. Ordained 1878. 4th Archbishop of OR June 1899. Born to Irish parents in Vermont...raised in Wisconsin....2 brothers fought for the Union in Civil War...one killed at Bull Run. Ran the Diocese from one small room in chancery....played cards...cigars (but no drinking)....lion of Judah..bigger than life...gregarious....After years building up the Catholic educational infrastructure in Western Oregon, he had to fight like hell to save the schools. 23 years into his term as Archbishop he founded the Catholic Civil Rights Association to fight the effort to shut down Catholic schools. At the time there were 39 Catholic schools. 440 Catholic teachers. 9,000 students. 6,000 in Portland. Wanted to be the “education Archbishop”. Cathedral - Saint Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - located at 1716 NW Davis. The “new Cathedral” Construction begun during his term.
NW 18th and Couch, Portland OR
During the centennial year the Archdiocese is offering a number of events and opportunities to learn more about its history.The PDX HI will be offering articles in upcoming newsletters and blog posts on the ways the Cathedral’s physical structure has been strengthened and how its spiritual foundation has been adapted during the first hundred years.