Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

History & Significance

Cathedral · Est. Dedicated August 30, 1945

The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck, North Dakota, was envisioned by the diocese's first bishop, Vincent Wehrle, O.S.B., who purchased the site in 1917. Designed by Fargo architect William F. Kurke and built of monolithic concrete in the Art Deco style, it was dedicated by Bishop Vincent J. Ryan on August 30, 1945. It serves as the seat (mother church) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bismarck and is widely regarded as the only Art Deco cathedral in the United States.

Art Deco (monolithic concrete)

• •Seat (cathedral) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bismarck
• •Dedicated August 30, 1945 by Bishop Vincent J. Ryan
• •Designed by Fargo architect William F. Kurke, who also worked on the North Dakota State Capitol
• •Believed to be the only Art Deco-style cathedral in the United States; built of monolithic concrete
• •Contributing property in the Bismarck Cathedral Area Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980