St James Episcopal Cathedral

This is the «other cathedral» in Chicago’s near north side (or «Gold Coast») neighborhood. But it was established about 40 years earlier than the seat of the Catholic Archidiocese, Holy Name Cathedral. Plus, it was founded in Chicago by a woman! You can read about all this at the church’s Web site.
Although the interior has some noteable architecural touches, particularly the roof trusses which allow for an unobstructed open sanctuary, the main decoration and devotional art is done with stencil artwork applied directly onto the walls, an intricate and exacting process.
The church has opened itself up to be a center of art and music in this vibrant area of the city, with events that are usually free and open to all residents and visitors of the area. Besides being host for the Rush Hour Concert Series (see my other review for that), St. James also is the base for its own concert series and a summer music and art weekly event series. So you have many opportunities to visit and experience it.

Seriously this is a gorgeous church. I LOVE the painted ceilings and all the beautiful woodwork. I realized this week how cunningly the uplights were added to some of the chandeliers to emphasize the arches.
The organ is lovely and the sounds great. And as a guest, I have felt welcomed by the regular congregation.

Okay, please bear in mind, I didn’t go there for the service… I went for the PIPE ORGAN!
This is the cathedral that ALSO has the outdoor Labyrinth. (Which gets points from me, given my tastes.) It’s not super-​impressive, because it is basically a design on the pavement in-​between the church and the admin building, but how many are there in Chicago, right?
I’ve listened to performances as well as performed there with the symphony that I am a part of. It’s a nice rehearsal space. And, did I mention the organ? It’s awesome!
Also, I really like the homey feel of the church itself. The needlework pillows for kneeling, the warm colors of the inside of the cathedral. (Almost makes me willing to sit through a religious service there…)
Anyway, I’m looking forward to more events there in the future.

The church (as in member body) began in 1834, but the church building itself was built in 1857, of which only the square tower survived the Chicago Fire of 1871. The main body of the Cathedral was finished in 1875. Its entirety was restored in 1984 – 85. It’s extremely beautiful, as are our services. Choral Eucharist (the main Mass) on Sunday is at 10:30. Come visit us!

The church is one of the oldest in Chicago. Built in 1834, this church has seen many prominent social figures and parishioneers come thru it’s doors. It is certainly a special place of worship and and it played a central role in Chicago’s history. It’s doors are still open and it’s website can tell you way more than I can about the church and it’s history.

This Episcopal cathedral is frequently overshadowed by the more famous Holy Name Cathedral a block away. Its west façade has one spiky tower like at Holy Name, but on the opposite side of the front. Look at the cute little entrance to St. Andrew Chapel on the north side. The interiors feature intricate stenciling in the English Gothic and Victorian traditions.