You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God.

Ephesians 2:20

Origins of the Cathedral

In 1851 a small group of Catholics built a modest church near the present intersection of NW Fifth and NW Couch Streets. At the time, the area was a forested tract some distance from the center of town. In 1854, the parishioners moved their church to a more convenient location at the present SW Third and SW Stark Streets, and made additions to accommodate the growing congregation. This church became the cathedral in 1862, when Archbishop Norbert Blanchet established residence in Portland. On August 15, 1885, a completely new cathedral was dedicated at the SW Third Street location, but following the destructive flood of 1894, a pro cathedral and school were built at the present NW 15th and NW Davis Streets. In 1925, Archbishop Alexander Christie authorized the construction of a new cathedral at NW 18th and NW Couch Streets. With the support of Catholics around the archdiocese, the cathedral opened on February 14, 1926. The first service was held on February 19, 1926. With the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Archbishop William J. Levada determined that one of the principal activities of the anniversary would be the restoration and renewal of the cathedral. The work included liturgical and artistic modifications as well as seismic strengthening, and electrical, heating, and lighting updating. Again, Catholics from around the archdiocese supported the project, and the rededication of the newly restored cathedral was celebrated on February 14, 1996.