Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Kansas City

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a prominent Catholic cathedral in Kansas City, serves as one of the two seats of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, alongside the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Situated in the Quality Hill neighborhood, the cathedral is a contributing property on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cathedral's history began in 1833 when Rev. Benedict Roux built a log church, Saint John Francis Regis, at Eleventh and Broadway. Rev. Bernard Donnelly replaced it with a brick church, Immaculate Conception, in 1857. In 1880, the Diocese of Kansas City was established, and Bishop John Joseph Hogan chose Immaculate Conception as the cathedral. He laid the cornerstone for the current building in 1882, and the first Mass was held in 1883 despite the unfinished interior. The cathedral, then the tallest structure in Kansas City at 150 feet, offered views of the city from its tower, accessible by ticket.

A carillon of eleven bells, named after saints such as Saint Anna, Saint Bernard, and Saint Thomas, was installed in the tower in 1895, with the largest bell, Saint Thomas, being the most frequently rung. In 1912, stained glass windows depicting Biblical scenes and the life of Christ were added, crafted by local artisans from the Kansas City Stained Glass Works Company.

The cathedral's iconic copper dome deteriorated over time and was replaced in 1960 with a new dome, cupola, and cross covered in 23-carat gold leaf, under the leadership of Bishop John Cody. In 2001, the diocesan capital campaign, Gift of Faith, funded another major renovation and restoration. The renewed cathedral was dedicated by Bishop Raymond J. Boland on February 23, 2003, continuing its legacy as a historic and spiritual landmark in Kansas City.