Holy Name Cathedral at 735 N. State St. celebrates its 150th anniversary this month. The Gothic-style sanctuary is the central place of worship in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. The limestone building is actually the second to carry this name. The first was consumed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

“Change is a constant inside the long-standing structure. Renovations have been frequent throughout its history. Yet, worshippers continue to visit Holy Name because of its steadfastness. It’s where Catholic Chicagoans go to celebrate marriages, mourn their dead and pray during national and worldly strife. And peace is found inside not just by the religious.

“‘For residents of the Near North Side, whether high-living yuppies or poor and homeless, its massive bronze doors represent a gateway into a space of transcendent calm,’ former Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin wrote in 2009.

“Here’s a look back at some of the significant events that have defined the cathedral and its congregation.

“In 1875, the Cathedral of the Holy Name, at the corner of Superior and State streets, was dedicated with Bishop Thomas Foley presiding. The $200,000 building (more than $6 million in today’s dollars) was designed by Patrick Keely of Brooklyn.

“The massive cross-shaped cathedral extended 216 feet long, had seating for 2,300 people and could accommodate up to 4,000, the Tribune reported, making it the largest of its kind in Chicago at the time. A spire rose 210 feet into the air. Worshippers were welcomed into the edifice by brightly colored windows and a lavish marble interior and altar.

In early 1967, Cardinal John Cody unveiled a $250 million, 10-year plan called ‘Project: Renewal’ that included a massive renovation of Holy Name Cathedral. In addition to installing new heating and air conditioning systems, weakened wooden beams would be replaced with steel ones to firm up the building’s infrastructure. In response to Second Vatican Council updates, the altar’s placement was also adjusted so clergy would face the congregation while celebrating Mass.

“In 2009, fire erupted in the building’s attic just three months after Holy Name reopened after a previous restoration. The church became the third significant one within the city to catch fire during renovations, which caused preservationists to plead for stronger guidelines. A resplendent cathedral reopened for Mass in August 2009.” (Rumore and Mather, Chicago Tribune, 11/13/25)

Read the full story at Chicago Tribune

• Vintage Chicago Tribune: Holy Name Cathedral’s 150th anniversary, Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 11/13/25
• Holy Name Cathedral celebrates 150 years, Adam Harrington and Desiree Evans, CBS News Chicago, 11/23/25