Our History

Our
History

Honoring the art, beauty, and history of our sacred space

Our 1867 cathedral is a historic treasure, filled with art and beauty, including the 'American Madonna' by Jean LaFarge and the Stations of the Cross by Portland artist Don Meserve.

Emmanuel Chapel, built in 1905, is remarkable in its architecture and provides an intimate space for worship. Both the nave and chapel are frequently used for concerts, weddings, funerals, and other events for the Portland community.

View the gallery below to learn more about the rich history of St. Luke's Cathedral and the many treasures that add meaning to our sacred space.

St. Luke's Cathedral The cornerstone for the Cathedral was laid on August 15, 1867. The first service was held on Christmas Day in 1868. The Cathedral Church of St. Luke is the first church in the United States specifically built as a cathedral.	The Labyrinth at St. Luke's The labyrinth in front of our Cathedral building was installed in 2022, thanks to the generous gift of community member Albert Howard. Since its installment, the labyrinth has become a rich and meaningful space for spiritual renewal and prayer. It serves not only our congregation and the Diocese but our neighbors and the wider Portland community as well.	1928 Skinner Organ Our 1928 Skinner Organ is one of the best in the city and our organist and organ recitals are world-class.	The Rose Window The Rose Window, located high above the altar, was given to the CAthedral in 1900 in memory of Augustus Ryker Wright, a generous Portland philanthropist and founder of A. R. Wright Company.	"The American Madonna" by John LaFarge This outstanding work of ecclesiastical art depicts the Christ child at an older age than is typical of the traditional Renaissance Madonna. He strides forward from the Virgin's protective embrace, another uncharacteristic feature.
High Altar and Reredos The altar is made of marble from France and the main subject featured in the manifold details of intricate carving is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.	The Cathedral Church of St. Luke The Cathedral stands at the center of Diocesan life and is a symbol of unity amongst all congregations in the Diocese of Maine.	Front Entrance of St. Luke's The present entrance was built in 1958. The stone came from the same quarry in Cape Elizabeth as the original church building.	Stained Glass Windows Stained glass windows in the entryway depict Saints Luke and John. The windows were made by White Friars of London, England.	Emmanuel Chapel The Chapel was built in 1905 and is accented with gold inlaid mahogany and a marble altar with glass mosaic inlay. The octagonal room is surmounted by a dome which serves as the only source of natural illumination.
Stained Glass Windows Stained glass windows in the entryway depict Saints Matthew and Mark. The windows were made by White Friars of London, England.

St. Luke's Cathedral

Honoring the art, beauty, and history of our sacred space

St. Luke's Cathedral

The cornerstone for the Cathedral was laid on August 15, 1867. The first service was held on Christmas Day in 1868. The Cathedral Church of St. Luke is the first church in the United States specifically built as a cathedral.

The Labyrinth at St. Luke's

1928 Skinner Organ

Our 1928 Skinner Organ is one of the best in the city and our organist and organ recitals are world-class.

The Rose Window

The Rose Window, located high above the altar, was given to the CAthedral in 1900 in memory of Augustus Ryker Wright, a generous Portland philanthropist and founder of A. R. Wright Company.

"The American Madonna" by John LaFarge

This outstanding work of ecclesiastical art depicts the Christ child at an older age than is typical of the traditional Renaissance Madonna. He strides forward from the Virgin's protective embrace, another uncharacteristic feature.

High Altar and Reredos

The altar is made of marble from France and the main subject featured in the manifold details of intricate carving is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.

The Cathedral Church of St. Luke

The Cathedral stands at the center of Diocesan life and is a symbol of unity amongst all congregations in the Diocese of Maine.

Front Entrance of St. Luke's

The present entrance was built in 1958. The stone came from the same quarry in Cape Elizabeth as the original church building.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows in the entryway depict Saints Luke and John. The windows were made by White Friars of London, England.

Emmanuel Chapel

The Chapel was built in 1905 and is accented with gold inlaid mahogany and a marble altar with glass mosaic inlay. The octagonal room is surmounted by a dome which serves as the only source of natural illumination.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows in the entryway depict Saints Matthew and Mark. The windows were made by White Friars of London, England.

Our
History