St. John's Cathedral, Fresno
Saint John's Cathedral serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno. The parish's origins trace back to 1882, but its story began a few years earlier when Catholic settlers recognized the need for a local church. In 1878, the community started raising funds for this purpose. The Central Pacific Railroad donated two lots, and Bishop Francisco Mora y Borrell of the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles purchased two adjacent lots, enabling the construction of the sanctuary, which was completed in November 1880. Initially, the brick structure, featuring a 90-foot steeple, served the five Catholic families in the area.
As the congregation expanded, it outgrew the original church by 1902, prompting plans for a larger building. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 3, 1902, and Archbishop George Montgomery dedicated the new sanctuary on June 7, 1903.
The new church, designed by Thomas Bermingham, features a distinctive Gothic-Romanesque style and is constructed of red brick. The facade is notable for its triple entry, flanked by two square towers topped with spires. Above the main entry, a small rose window adds to the architectural elegance of the structure. This design reflects the aspirations and growth of the Catholic community in Fresno at the turn of the 20th century.
Today, the cathedral continues to be a central figure in the spiritual and community life of Fresno, maintaining its importance and relevance over the decades.
As the congregation expanded, it outgrew the original church by 1902, prompting plans for a larger building. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 3, 1902, and Archbishop George Montgomery dedicated the new sanctuary on June 7, 1903.
The new church, designed by Thomas Bermingham, features a distinctive Gothic-Romanesque style and is constructed of red brick. The facade is notable for its triple entry, flanked by two square towers topped with spires. Above the main entry, a small rose window adds to the architectural elegance of the structure. This design reflects the aspirations and growth of the Catholic community in Fresno at the turn of the 20th century.
Today, the cathedral continues to be a central figure in the spiritual and community life of Fresno, maintaining its importance and relevance over the decades.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fresno. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. John's Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: St. John's Cathedral
Sight Location: Fresno, USA (See walking tours in Fresno)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fresno, USA (See walking tours in Fresno)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fresno, California
Create Your Own Walk in Fresno
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fresno is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fresno Downtown Walking Tour
Nestled in the heart of California's fertile San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is a city rich in history and cultural vibrancy.
The area's first European exploration began in 1772 with the arrival of Pedro Fages, a Spanish soldier and explorer, who later served as the first Lieutenant Governor of the California province. Fresno County, established in 1856 after the California Gold Rush, was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The area's first European exploration began in 1772 with the arrival of Pedro Fages, a Spanish soldier and explorer, who later served as the first Lieutenant Governor of the California province. Fresno County, established in 1856 after the California Gold Rush, was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Fresno, California, boasts a variety of historical buildings that reflect its growth from a small agricultural community to a bustling city. Collectively, these buildings preserve Fresno's past but also contribute to its vibrant urban fabric, blending historical significance with modern vitality.
The Meux Home Museum, an elegant Victorian mansion, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Meux Home Museum, an elegant Victorian mansion, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles