St. John's Cathedral, Fresno

Saint John's Cathedral serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno. The parish's origins trace back to 1882, but its story began a few years earlier when Catholic settlers recognized the need for a local church. In 1878, the community started raising funds for this purpose. The Central Pacific Railroad donated two lots, and Bishop Francisco Mora y Borrell of the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles purchased two adjacent lots, enabling the construction of the sanctuary, which was completed in November 1880. Initially, the brick structure, featuring a 90-foot steeple, served the five Catholic families in the area.

As the congregation expanded, it outgrew the original church by 1902, prompting plans for a larger building. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on August 3, 1902, and Archbishop George Montgomery dedicated the new sanctuary on June 7, 1903.

The new church, designed by Thomas Bermingham, features a distinctive Gothic-Romanesque style and is constructed of red brick. The facade is notable for its triple entry, flanked by two square towers topped with spires. Above the main entry, a small rose window adds to the architectural elegance of the structure. This design reflects the aspirations and growth of the Catholic community in Fresno at the turn of the 20th century.

Today, the cathedral continues to be a central figure in the spiritual and community life of Fresno, maintaining its importance and relevance over the decades.