{"id":5823,"date":"2021-05-30T12:12:45","date_gmt":"2021-05-30T12:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journeyz.co\/?p=5823"},"modified":"2021-12-19T15:04:16","modified_gmt":"2021-12-19T15:04:16","slug":"most-beautiful-churches-and-cathedrals-in-the-united-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journeyz.co\/most-beautiful-churches-and-cathedrals-in-the-united-states\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in the United States"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although Europe is considered to be the home to some of the most extravagant churches and cathedrals ever built, the United States has the beauty of diversity thanks to the abundance of immigrants that made it their home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find parishes of all different architectural styles and varying cultures across the country due to the people who once settled on the land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re looking for new churches built in the 21st century or ancient cathedrals dating back hundreds of years, there’s no shortage of beautiful churches in the United States.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a list of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals you can have the pleasure of visiting in the U.S., regardless of your religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cathedral<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The building of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia<\/strong> was put into motion when the area saw its first congregation in the late 1700s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it wasn\u2019t until 1835 that the church was built, and it has seen its fair share of construction. It has been expanded on to hold more guests and add towering spires – and immense restoration was needed after a devastating fire in 1898. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 14 years of hard work, the cathedral stands taller and more beautiful than ever with its exquisite murals and beautiful stained glass windows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of 2020, Pope Francis declared the cathedral a minor basilica, which is an honor only held by a handful of cathedrals across the nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Memorial Presbyterian Church<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Memorial<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located in the historic town of Saint Augustine<\/strong>, the Memorial Presbyterian Church was the first of its kind in the area and served as a turning point for many church-goers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of 5 years, Reverend Dr. William McWhir and his team worked tirelessly to build a place of worship that they could be proud of and completed the task by 1830. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church has served many purposes over its lifetime, and was even used as a military base for the Union army during the Civil War. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, you can go to mass, join an extracurricular activity, and come closer to the community while admiring the church\u2019s unique features, like the spacious copper dome imported from Italy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Saint Patrick\u2019s Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Saint<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Built with the help of blood, sweat, and tears of the poor immigrants that laid their roots in New York City<\/strong>, a visit to Saint Patrick\u2019s Cathedral is a patronage to the city itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the late 1700s, there was only one priest in all of New York City – and a growing number of Catholics led the plans for the cathedral, making it the oldest Roman Catholic parish in New York City. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cathedral has been undergoing a painstaking restoration plan with over $200 million dollars dedicated to preserving and enhancing the cathedral\u2019s many assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as the largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in all of North America, the church runs as long as a full city block and can seat over 3,000 people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marvel at the bronze doors lined with small, detailed statues of Saints, the intricate stained glass windows designed by artists from all over Europe, and the sculpted altar that is not only rare, but beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Saint Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Saint
Image: Wikimedia \/ Nheyob<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Known as the oldest Orthodox Christian Church in the entire state of Ohio<\/strong>, the Saint Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral is an important part of the state\u2019s history and displays some of the grandest examples of Russian architecture in the states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cathedral was established by a group of Russian immigrants, who were ready to settle down in Tremont and needed a place to practice their religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is impossible to miss its lovely Neo-Byzantine style architecture sporting an abundance of copper domes varying in size and height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As beautiful as the outside of the cathedral is, you’ll be even more impressed with the interior, with its many hand-painted murals that cover the walls and ceilings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Washington National Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Washington<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although plans to build a cathedral that would represent the nation were created in the late 1700s, it wasn\u2019t until the early 20th century that the Washington National Cathedral building process began – and it took 83 years to complete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, everything about the grounds feels completely ancient, with its Neo-Gothic style architecture, medieval gardens, and stained glass windows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beauty alone is enough to plan a visit – but even more interesting, is the fact that two historic figures (Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson), are buried here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a guided tour in the summer or grab a map at the entrance to help you find over 100 gargoyles and grotesques that decorate the exterior of the building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cathedral<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The building of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis was no easy feat, and many unforeseen circumstances caused delays that would ultimately postpone its grand opening for over 20 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan was established in 1870 by Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick, but the building process didn\u2019t start until 1914 when a new Archbishop rose to the challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t until 1988 that the cathedral and its many exquisite details were fully completed and churchgoers and spectators alike lined up at the grand doors to see the final masterpiece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cathedral has the largest collection of mosaics in the western hemisphere, quite a few burial crypts, and a large sculpture at its entrance to promote diversity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Known for having some of the most beautiful Roman Renaissance architecture in the United States, Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church is not only a staple to Illinois, but to the entire country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church was built in an area once completely dedicated to farming, with a very small population – but as war struck Poland, immigrants began to call this place home. The growing Polish community quickly drew up plans and bought the land to build a church so that they could have a safe place to practice their religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Polish style of the church is breathtaking, with its twin bell towers, marvelous dome, and elaborate paintings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Cathedral of Saint Paul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cathedral<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once a small chapel located atop a cliff in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota,<\/strong> the Cathedral Of Saint Paul was built upon the original church donated by Priest Lucien Galtier when the area began to see an influx of churchgoers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new and improved structure was to be built with Beaux-Arts architecture, and designer E. L. Masqueray did a wonderful job bringing that style to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exterior of the magnificent church is made up of granite while the interior was composed of American travertine. Its large, open setting allows for 3,000 seated guests at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every detail of its construction has significance in some way, like how the altar is surrounded by 7 bronze grilles to honor Saint Paul and the Shrine of the Nations dedicated to patron saints nationwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. The Painted Churches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the late 1800s, as German and Czech immigrants declared the area home, a collection of small churches were built and painted in Texas <\/strong>to mirror the churches they had back in their home countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only are these churches significant for providing immigrants the freedom to practice their religion in peace, but it’s also considered to be some of the finest examples of German and Czech tradition and culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grandest of all these churches is St. Mary\u2019s Catholic Church<\/strong>, also known as the \u201cQueen of Painted Churches\u201d, with its keen eye for detail and nearly 20 stained glass windows that cast colorful lights along its altar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although St. Mary\u2019s remains in its original condition, some of the smaller painted churches like Saints Cyril<\/strong> and Methodius Catholic Church <\/strong>had to undergo painstaking restoration to reach the splendor you see today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cathedral<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still under construction to this day, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York<\/strong> is always looking for ways to become bigger and better – both in size and within the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the wish to grow the cathedral to even greater lengths, some of the construction work done over the years was a result of not one, but two <\/em>fires that have broken out within the Parish\u2019s depths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, after many years of painstaking restoration, the cathedral stands in its original glory and was officially established as a historic landmark in 2017. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cathedral boasts a combination of French and English Gothic style, and although only two-thirds of the original plan have been completed, it’s a magnificent sight to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cathedral-Basilica<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Known for being the most iconic landmark in New Orleans,<\/strong> the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is referred to as the heart of the city, and with good reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original church was built in the early 1720s, and served as a place of worship for both the rich and the poor until a tragic fire burned it to the ground in 1788. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the wealth and kindness of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, a bigger and better parish was established, and soon became a staple of life in Louisiana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 10 important religious figures are buried underneath the cathedral and it’s said to be haunted by priest Antonio de Sedella and friar P\u00e8re Dagobert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Wayfarers Chapel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Wayfarers<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A dream turned into reality, the concept of the Wayfarers Chapel originated in the mind of Elizabeth Sewall Schellenberg in the late 1920s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chapel was built in California <\/strong>with a focus on nature and natural light. Although the structure itself is small, the land it sits on stretches for miles and provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postponed due to the Great Depression and World War II, it wasn\u2019t until 1951 that the chapel was completed, but it soon acquired nicknames like \u201cThe Tree Chapel\u201d and \u201cThe Glass Church\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chapel follows a very geometric architectural style, and is almost entirely comprised of windows to allow guests to feel completely immersed with nature and God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. The Cathedral of Saint Andrew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of three cathedrals spread across the islands of Hawaii<\/strong>, The Cathedral of Saint Andrew stands out amongst the rest thanks to its exquisite design and historic significance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The king and queen that established the plans for the cathedral, Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, were devoted members of the Church of England and wanted to introduce such wonders to their newfound home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the king died before plans could be set to action, his brother carried out his dream of bringing the parish to Hawaii and the cathedral was completed in the late 1800s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The French Gothic style architecture is a marvelous sight, and the floor to ceiling stained glass windows tell the story of the immigrants who settled on the land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Church of the Holy Ascension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Church<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Built on the foundation of the original church constructed in 1826, the Church of the Holy Ascension honors the first founder of its grounds, Father Ioann Veniaminov, who is also known as Saint Innocent of Alaska. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was thanks to him and his teachings of both religion and Russian architecture that the breathtaking church stands today, as a historic landmark on the Aleutian Islands.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unique structure was built in a way that portrays the sanctuary, nave, side chapels, and bell tower in a layout that resembles a cross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the fine detail was focused on the upper quadrants of the church to gear the eyes of visitors upwards towards God – while marveling in all of its beauty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Thorncrown Chapel <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Thorncrown<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nestled in the woods of Eureka Springs, Arkansas<\/strong> stands the one of a kind structure, known as the Thorncrown Chapel, drawing in guests from across the country regardless of religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chapel stands tall at 48 feet high, and is made up of 425 windows – totaling out at over 6,000 square feet of glass that lets in natural light in every direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completed in 1980, the chapel is considered to be one of the finest parishes of modern times and its use of all organic materials is both impressive and intriguing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by a series of rock walls, the chapel gives off the appearance of being part of the Ozark hillside – which further demonstrates its connection to nature, and provides wonderful views of the surrounding woodland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Hartford Connecticut LDS Temple<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hartford
Image: Wikimedia \/ Fullrabb<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The first of its kind in Connecticut, the Hartford Connecticut LDS Temple was a groundbreaking accomplishment for the Mormon community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original plans for the temple were established in 1992, but due to the inability to find the proper grounds, the project was abandoned just three years later, and wasn\u2019t reintroduced until 2010. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the second announcement to build the church, the project faced an unruly battle of lawsuits and objections that pushed the construction even further back until 2013, and the church wasn\u2019t completed until 2016. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The struggle to construct this magnificent church only adds to its importance, and it’s so breathtaking that it won the title of the most beautiful parish in the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Historic St. Peter\u2019s Episcopal Church<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Historic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Overflowing with historic significance, the St. Peter\u2019s Episcopal Church is referred to as the mother church of North Carolina. <\/strong>The church not only served as a place of worship, but was one of the leading contributors to the community as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First established in 1844, the church was rebuilt in 1895 with high-quality materials to ensure long lasting preservation, and additional sections were added in 1912 and again in 1998. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dating back to the Civil War, the parish raised money to provide soldiers with prayer books and even established two nearby hospitals to aid minorities and poor immigrants that were often overlooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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