St. James Cathedral is an active Roman Catholic cathedral at 804 9th Ave in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood, east of downtown. Built between 1905 and 1907, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Seattle and a city landmark. Inside, look for stained glass, artwork, historic pipe organs and the large oculus above the altar. The cathedral also has a courtyard bookshop. You can visit for its architecture, spend a quiet moment in the church, or attend a service or program to experience it as a place of worship.
A cathedral on First Hill
St. James Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Seattle and the seat of its archbishop. It stands on First Hill, just east of downtown. Construction began in 1905, and the cathedral was dedicated in 1907. More than 5,000 people attended the cornerstone ceremony.
Local architect James Stephen designed the building in the Renaissance Revival style. Its towers once rose above the surrounding area; today, taller buildings stand nearby. The cathedral was designated a Seattle city landmark in 1984. It remains an active place of worship, as well as a stop for people interested in the city’s architecture and religious history.
Inside the cathedral
The interior brings together stained glass, religious objects and artwork, including rare pieces. Look above the altar for the oculus, a skylight created after the central dome collapsed under heavy snow in 1916. The roof was replaced with a flat design. Renovations followed in 1950 and 1994.
The cathedral is also home to several pipe organs. The oldest was built for St. James by Hutchings-Votey and installed when the church opened in 1907. A second instrument, the Manuel Rosales organ, was dedicated in 2000 as the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Millennium Organ. The towers cannot be visited by the public, so plan to focus your visit on the accessible interior spaces.
Worship, reflection and community
St. James is a working parish, not solely a historic building. Mass and other programs give visitors a chance to encounter the cathedral in use; check the cathedral’s website for current service and program information. The church is also known for outreach to people facing poverty or loneliness.
For a quieter visit, take time to look at the artwork and stained glass, or pause by the painting of the Virgin Mary, where candles can be lit. Outside, a courtyard bookshop provides another place to stop. The cathedral has an accessible entrance and accessible restrooms. Its address is 804 9th Ave, Seattle.
Häufige Fragen
Where is St. James Cathedral in Seattle?
It is at 804 9th Ave in the First Hill neighborhood, east of downtown Seattle.
When was St. James Cathedral built?
Construction began in 1905, and the cathedral was dedicated in 1907.
Can you visit the towers?
No. The towers are not open to the public.
What is notable inside St. James Cathedral?
The interior has stained glass, religious artwork, an oculus above the altar and several pipe organs, including an instrument installed when the cathedral opened.
