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Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia)

Coordinates: 38°52′14.4″N 77°6′12.2″W / 38.870667°N 77.103389°W / 38.870667; -77.103389
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Cathedral of Saint Thomas More
Cathedral in 2024
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia) is located in Virginia
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia)
Location in Virginia
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia) is located in the United States
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia)
Location in United States
38°52′14.4″N 77°6′12.2″W / 38.870667°N 77.103389°W / 38.870667; -77.103389
LocationArlington, Virginia
CountryUnited States
DenominationCatholic Church
Sui iuris churchLatin Church
Membership1,400 (2024)
Websitecathedralstm.org
History
Founded1938
DedicationSt. Thomas More
Architecture
Architectural typeModern (1961-2023) Tudor (2024-Present)
Completed1961
Administration
DioceseArlington
Clergy
Bishop(s)Michael F. Burbidge
RectorVery Rev. Patrick L. Posey
Vicar(s)Rev. Kevin Dansereau
Rev. Eliberto de Jesus Garcia Pareja
Deacon(s)Rev. Mr. Michael Nugent

The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More located at 3901 Cathedral Lane is the cathedral of the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia and the seat of Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. The rector of the cathedral is the Very Reverend Patrick L. Posey, who was appointed in June 2019. The cathedral also has a Parochial Vicar, two resident priests, Director of Religious Education, Youth Minister and Music & Liturgy Coordinator.

Description

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The cathedral is a Modern interpretation of the Gothic style. The style was changed during a 2023-2024 renovation from a Modern interpretation of the Romanesque style. The altar is located at the crossing of the Latin cross-shaped structure. Located in a gallery behind the altar is a three-manual M.P. Moeller organ with 28 ranks of pipes installed in 1961.[1] The organ was redesigned and expanded to 53 ranks in 1980 by organ builder Robert Wyant. Wyant served as cathedral organist from 1964, after two years as assistant organist, until his retirement in 1998.[2]

History

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Original facade

The parish was established in 1938 and named for St. Thomas More. Until the sanctuary was completed in 1950, Masses were held in what is now the school gymnasium. The current church was constructed in 1961 above the 1950 sanctuary. It was elevated to a cathedral when the northern counties of Virginia split from the Diocese of Richmond to form the Diocese of Arlington and the first bishop was installed on August 13, 1974.[3] The parish currently consists of 1,400 members.[4]

In 1944, the parish established St. Thomas More Cathedral School.[5] It currently offers grade levels pre-kindergarten through eighth[6] and has approximately 400 students.[3] The school was operated by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who established a permanent community at St. Thomas More August 25, 1945. Due to declining numbers, the order withdrew from the parish in June 1998.[7]

To mark the Diocese of Arlington's 50th anniversary, Bishop Michael Burbidge announced an extensive renovation of the cathedral.[8] Jim O’Brien of O’Brien and Keane Architecture of Arlington is the architect for the project, and Forrester Construction did the work. Architecturally, the building will be transformed from a Mid-century Modern design from when it was built to the Tudor style prominent when St. Thomas More was alive.[8] A rose window depicting The New Jerusalem will be added to the north elevation. Other stained glass windows will depict the life of the Holy Family, individual depictions of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, and the patron saints of parishes in the diocese. The latter will be included in devotional shrines throughout the interior that will also include new statuary. The cathedral is expected to be completed and reopened in September 2024.

  • View up the nave facing the altar
    View up the nave facing the altar
  • View down the nave facing the gallery
    View down the nave facing the gallery
  • Altar
    Altar
  • Cathedra
    Cathedra
  • Window in transept
    Window in transept

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Cathedral of St. Thomas More Music Ministries". Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  2. ^ Clare MacDonnell (1 January 1998). "Cathedral Organist Retires After 35 Years". Arlington Catholic Herald. Diocese of Arlington. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  3. ^ a b Dave Borowski (1 June 2011). "In the bishop's church". Arlington Catholic Herald. Diocese of Arlington. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  4. ^ "About The Cathedral". Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  5. ^ "Alumni: Mission". St. Thomas More School. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  6. ^ "Curriculum". St. Thomas More School. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  7. ^ Michael F. Flach (January 1, 1997). "Immaculate Heart Sisters to Leave Cathedral School". Arlington Catholic Herald. Diocese of Arlington. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
  8. ^ a b Billy Atwell (June 15, 2023). "A cathedral renovation to mark 50 years as a diocese". Arlington Catholic Herald. Diocese of Arlington. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
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