Cathedral of Saint Paul in Birmingham AL

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in Birmingham, Alabama

The Cathedral of Saint Paul informally known as Saint Paul's Cathedral — is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. Designed by Chicago architect Adolphus Druiding, the Victorian Gothic-style brick building was completed as a parish church in 1893. It was elevated to Cathedral status with the creation of the Diocese of Birmingham in 1969.

Father James Coyle's remains will be relocated from Elmwood Cemetery to this church where he was its priest. Druiding of Chicago was the Architect Firm. The contractor that had to be talked into moving to Birmingham to build the project was Lawrence Scully. Just prior to its completion, Lawrence Scully was killed when his horse-drawn carriage was spooked by a passing motor vehicle that honked its horn. The horse reared and flipped the carriage over, killing Lawrence Scully. Lawrence Scully also built one of Birmingham's first public schools, the Powell School.

Two buildings, the church and associated school, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Paul's Catholic Church in 1982.

Cathedral of Saint Paul Architecture:  

The Cathedral’s beauty is enriched by its many stained glass windows, reflecting 19th century Catholic piety and devotional practices. The ten large windows in the nave were completely restored in the 1990s, right around their 100th anniversary.

The main entrance has a central statue of Christ above the doors. Upon entering, one sees that the church is built in basilica form, having a semicircular domed apse at one end, with a center aisle and two side aisles. Ten solid granite columns support vaults and arches indicative of the neo-gothic style.

Closest to the front are images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The image of the Assumption of the Virgin reflects the Catholic dogma that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven; a special honor for the sinless Mother of God.

• Cathedral of Saint Paul in Birmingham, Alabama
• Architect Name    Adolphus Druiding
• Architecture Style          Neo-Gothic Style
• Type            Catholic cathedral
• Completed on      1893
• Significance          USA National Register of Historic Places

Two apostles are honored: Saint Paul is shown with the traditional symbol of his martyrdom, his sword, and Saint John the Evangelist faces him across the nave, holding the book and quill of a Gospel writer.

How to Reach: Cathedral of Saint Paul is located at 2120 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Parking is in the Diocesan lot at the corner of 22nd Street & 3rd Avenue (to the right of the church) or in metered spots on the street.