My mother-in-law, in particular, brings a lively sense of adventure wherever she goes. She’s always up for something new—whether it’s exploring a local park, trying a new restaurant, or discovering hidden gems all around Arkansas. And as a devoted Catholic, she had long expressed a desire to visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. She’d heard about its historical significance and beautiful architecture and decor, and I knew it would mean a lot to her. So last week, I took her on a trip to the famed cathedral.
The Cathedral of St. Andrew, located in downtown Little Rock, stands as a vital part of the city’s spiritual and architectural landscape. This historic building serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock and proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously utilized place of worship in the city.
Constructed between 1878 and 1881 based on a design by Thomas Harding, the cathedral is made of gray granite sourced from Fourche Mountain, marking it as one of Arkansas's first major structures built entirely from local materials. It spans 140 feet in length, features a transept width of 86 feet, and boasts impressive walls rising to 36 feet.
Inside, the ceiling features impressive Southern yellow pine beams, while visitors are greeted by majestic bronze doors, beautifully imported from Italy. The original high altar, crafted from marble and embellished with onyx and precious stones, was a generous gift from the Hager family, Lutheran philanthropists who were inspired by the vision of Bishop Edward Fitzgerald.
The grand windows, measuring 13×28 feet, illustrate scenes from various saints and the iconic Last Supper, were skillfully created by the renowned Mayer Firm in New York. After a tornado caused damage in 1950, only two of the sidelights were replaced, ensuring the cathedral's artistic heritage remained intact.
The first Catholic mass in Little Rock was held in 1830 and was celebrated above a local store. A small church was established shortly after, and in 1843, the Diocese of Little Rock was formed with Bishop Andrew Byrne serving as its first bishop. He was responsible for the construction of the original cathedral in 1845, located at 2nd & Center.
The current cathedral was built to accommodate the growing parish community, with construction commencing in July 1878 and the dedication held on November 27, 1881.
Beneath the north transept sits a crypt that holds the remains of the first five bishops of Little Rock, including notable figures like Andrew Byrne and Edward Fitzgerald. In 1962, the original mausoleum area from the vestibule was moved to this site.
In 1851, Bishop Byrne invited the Sisters of Mercy to educate both Catholic and non-Catholic students, fostering a spirit of inclusivity. The cathedral further expanded its campus by adding a school building in 1923. Significant repairs to the roof, walls, and steeples took place in 1947.
In 1975, the sanctuary was enlarged, which included adding a new altar and installing wooden screens in line with updated liturgical practices. A new rectory was built shortly before this in 1966. The cathedral was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, restoration efforts such as organ repairs and roofing maintenance upheld its significance as both a spiritual haven and a historic treasure.
The Cathedral of St. Andrew is not just a remarkable structure; it embodies a vibrant institution with deep roots. From its modest origins in the 19th century to its vital presence today, it remains a powerful symbol of faith, community, and the diverse history of the Natural State’s capital city.
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