Since its construction in 1900, community support has been central to the preservation and maintenance of the unique beauty and rich history found within the walls of the Cathedral. This year, we reflect on the community enabled projects throughout the years:
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Lawrence Scanlan (1843 - 1915), the first bishop of Salt Lake, the construction of The Cathedral of the Madeleine began in 1900, and was completed in 1909. Finished in white and green, the Cathedral’s interior lacked much of it’s current ornamentation until late 1918, when the Right Reverend Joseph S. Glass lead a thorough reconstruction of the art and furnishings, inspired by the Spanish gothic art of the late Middle Ages.
Following 90 years of service, the Cathedral wore the effects of dirt and pollution from the intervening decades. Starting in 1991 a much needed restoration of the interior began under the leadership of The Most Reverend William K. Weigand, who was appointed bishop of Salt Lake City in 1980, the most extensive in the Cathedral's history.
Last year, enabled by generous donations from the “Restore Her Floor” campaign and previous Bishop’s dinners, the Cathedral began the massive undertaking of cleaning and refinishing the original wood floors. Restoration teams, working entirely by hand, removed years of wax and dirt, returning the floors to their original beauty.