From its vantage point high over our capital city, the Cathedral’s majestic presence commands attention, especially when lit at night. This year, we hope to enhance the lighting and perhaps even bring a nocturnal balance with the other acclaimed, illuminated dome to the east, that of our Minnesota Capitol.

It may surprise the public to learn a civic organization provided the current outdoor lighting in 1967. The Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce proposed and paid for the $55,000 lighting system, saying “the nocturnal illumination not only would honor one of the State’s great monuments of faith, but also would add to the beauty and safety of its surrounding area.”

This justification still rings true today. However, in the nearly 50 years since the installation, advancements in technology are inspiring new creativity and techniques in lighting design and energy conservation, from the colorful hues shining on the Cathedral during the International Red Bull Crashed Ice event to the more practical advancements of LED lights which would reduce the Cathedral’s energy bill by thirty percent or more. Many might also recall CHF Curator Dr. John Dowdle generously funding the illumination of the Cathedral’s façade (shown here) in honor of the Cornerstone Centennial on June 1, 2007. This memorable event stopped traffic on I-94 and brought a hushed awe over the neighborhood as thousands of people came to take in the sight.

June 1, 2007, Photo Credit Duane Lage

For the 2016 fundraising objective, the CHF Board of Curators would like to build on the positive community responses to these lighting events. Focus for the first phase of the lighting project will include completing the transition to energy efficient lighting on key elements of the interior and exterior, upgrading lighting in the courtyard, and completing a lighting design for key features on the Cathedral’s façade. Adding these lighting elements will not only yield significant energy savings for the parish, we believe it will enhance the Cathedral’s presence as a welcoming beacon on the hill.