A little rain last night, clearing skies of the smoky haze this morning, making views postcard perfect for our last day in town.
The Cathedral of St Helena, a highly ornate gothic masterpiece inspired by the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria and designed by European trained architect A.O. Von Herbulis of Washington, D.C. began construction in 1908, with it’s first mass held in November 1914 yet taking another ten years to complete. Building costs totaled $645,000 — about the price of a really nice 6 bedroom home on a few acres in Helena these days. Imagine that!
Pristine white columns stand like age old cedars turned to marble.
The incredible 37 stained glass window set was handcrafted and installed by the F.X. Zettler Firm of Munich, Bavaria and tells the story from the fall of Adam and Eve to the Christian church in the early years of the 20th century.
The cathedral’s most recognizable feature is its 230’ twin spires. Atop the spires are gold-leafed crosses that stand 12’ in height and 6’ in length. Although we only heard them, the cathedral’s north tower contains fifteen hand-cast bells, which represent the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary.
I don’t think St Francis would have been on the cathedral building committee and I wonder how Mother Theresa felt in such opulent surroundings. I’m conflicted when I ponder such things. I do appreciate the incredible beauty of such an edifice and all the talents that are not hidden under bushel baskets.
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