[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Cathedral 
of St. John the Evangelist in Boise, ID, as it celebrates its 150th 
anniversary. This historic landmark has played a vital role in the 
spiritual and cultural fabric of our community since its founding in 
1876, symbolizing growth, resilience, and our unwavering faith in God. 
It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Catholic Church 
in Idaho and continues to serve as a gathering place for generations of 
worshippers.
  From its humble beginnings as St. John's parish in 1876, the 
cathedral has gone through significant milestones. Originally 
established in a modest wooden structure, the parish quickly outgrew 
its facility. In the early 1900s, Bishop Alphonse J. Glorieux purchased 
the current site to construct a more permanent cathedral. The 
cornerstone was laid in 1906, and construction progressed slowly but 
steadily despite the challenges posed by World War I. After 15 years of 
persistent efforts, the cathedral was finally dedicated on Easter 
Sunday in 1921.
  Architecturally, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is an 
exemplary representation of the Romanesque revival style, crafted from 
locally sourced Boise sandstone. Its cruciform layout spans 170 feet in 
length and 65 feet in width, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling, 
intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate marble finishes. The 
magnificent rose window above the choir loft depicting the patroness of 
musicians, St. Cecilia, draws the eye of all visitors. Over the 
decades, significant renovations have preserved the cathedral's legacy 
while adapting to the community's needs, including a centennial project 
in 2021 that revitalized the sanctuary and returned the tabernacle to 
its center.
  The cathedral serves not only as a place of worship but also as a 
cultural landmark, anchoring the local Catholic community and 
attracting visitors with its stunning design and historical 
significance. It has witnessed countless weddings, baptisms, and 
celebrations and is a cherished gathering place for parishioners. Its 
proximity to the Idaho State Capitol further underscores its role as a 
spiritual and civic beacon in the heart of Boise.
  As we commemorate 150 years of the cathedral's history, we honor the 
visionary leaders, dedicated parishioners, and the wider community that 
have contributed to its enduring legacy. The Cathedral of St. John the 
Evangelist stands as a monument of faith, our Father, and the 
resilience of Idaho's Catholic community. May it continue to inspire 
future generations as a place of worship and a pillar of Catholic 
tradition in our ever-changing world.

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