OUR STORY
Building History
Since 1882, The Church of St. John has graced the corner of 4th and Silver in Albuquerque. Originally a small parish church, St. John’s became a diocesan Cathedral during the 1920s. Our current building was designed by John Gaw Meem and then built in 1950. And while the Cathedral House was renovated during the 1970s, sections of the 1930s-era structure remain. Our Cathedral is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. It’s easy to see why. When you visit, ask to see the “Resurrection Window” the vesting sacristy. You’ll be able to enjoy stained glass windows from our original church in the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple. For excellent examples of work by Charles Connick, spend some time with stained glass windows in the Cathedral Nave. Our Reuter op. 2210 pipe organ is the largest in New Mexico. We invite you to stop by while visiting Albuquerque. We hope you’ll be inspired to join our journey of faith if you live here. Read more about our history below or in the book, From a Grain of Mustard Seed by Cynthia Davis. Available in the Cathedral Gift Shop, or from the author.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Cathedral has been a TV/movie location.
At left, the exterior of the cathedral is used for the church in Chicago where Marco Pasternak's funeral takes place. (Better Call Saul, Season 1)
You can see other interior photos at our location link on Fandom.com for Albuquerque production "Better Call Saul"
More About Our History
St. John's was established in the 1880s. It became the Cathedral of the Diocese of the Rio Grande in 1920. Read more of the history of our church and the land where it was built.
Stained Glass
We have wonderful photos of our stained glass windows and plans for a project to use them for community benefit. Let us know if you're interested in helping.
What is a Cathedral?
Cathedrals are the mother churches of their dioceses and act as focal points for services and celebrations.
Our Cathedral has been this focal point since 1920 and has a great history.
OUR CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY
CORE VALUES
- Inclusive (We Shun None!)
- Loving
- Accepting
- Supporting
- Ancient and Future
- Tradition
- Scripture
- Reason
- Evolving and Creative
- Transparency
- Seeking to Understand
- Communities Within Communities
- Thriving through Service
- Outreach and community action
- Worship through Music
- Sharing our Resources
Stay Connected!
Together we make the difference
All the News
Stay up to date with all the good things happening at the Cathedral through our weekly email newsletter. We also mail a copy of Cathedral News to those who are not on the internet.
We’re home to the Diocese of the Rio Grande
As the Cathedral of the Diocese of the Rio Grande and official seat of the Bishop, greater feasts of the Church are usually celebrated here by the Bishop. The Cathedral is also the site of a Chrism Mass during Holy Week, the Ordination of Deacons and other services gathering clergy and people of the Diocese beyond the local congregations.