About Saint James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington:
The cathedral’s roots connect to the early Catholic presence in the Pacific Northwest. The Diocese of Nesqually (later Nisqually/Seattle) originally had its seat in Vancouver, Washington. In 1903, Bishop Edward O’Dea moved the episcopal see to the growing city of Seattle and began planning a new cathedral.
Construction started in 1905; the cornerstone was laid on November 12, 1905.
Dedicated on December 22, 1907 (the same year the diocese was renamed the Diocese of Seattle).
On February 2, 1916, the original 120-foot (37 m) central dome collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. The building was closed for repairs and reopened in 1917; the dome was never rebuilt. Most of the original windows were destroyed in the collapse and replaced with stained glass by Charles J. Connick (one of the largest early collections of his work in the U.S.).
Significant later renovations occurred in 1950 and especially in 1994 (a major restoration under Archbishop Thomas Murphy).
In 2025, a renovated portico (Terry Avenue/Marion Street entrance) was dedicated; it received an Honor Award in Religious Architecture: Renovation in the 2026 Faith & Form International Awards.
It is the third church in the territory of the present Archdiocese of Seattle to bear the name St. James (earlier ones were in the Vancouver area; the previous cathedral there is now designated a proto-cathedral).ArchitectureDesigned by the prominent New York firm Heins & LaFarge (known for work on the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and others), with on-site supervision by W. Marbury Somervell and Joseph S. Coté.
Style: Italian Renaissance Revival (Renaissance Revival), with buff-colored brick veneer and terra-cotta ornament over a steel-and-concrete structure.
Twin square-based towers with octagonal belfries and cupolas rise about 167 feet (51 m).
The western façade features a prominent triumphal-arch entrance.
Interior highlights include notable stained-glass windows, liturgical art, and spaces adapted over time for modern worship while preserving historic character.
Role and CommunitySt. James functions both as the archdiocesan cathedral and as a vibrant inner-city parish. It emphasizes:Outreach to people experiencing poverty and loneliness.
Diversity and welcome.
Cultural, musical, and ecumenical events that serve the broader Seattle community.
A strong tradition of liturgy, music, and prayer. The cathedral stands as both a historic architectural landmark and a living center of Catholic life and civic engagement in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. For the latest Mass schedules, events, or virtual tours, check the official website.
Traveling to Saint James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington:
Address: 804 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: +1 (206) 622-3559
Visit the official website of Saint James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington.