History

The Early DaysBishop John B. Brondel, the first Bishop of Helena, quickly recognized that the faithful of his Diocese were outgrowing the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

He desired to construct a veritable magnificent church in the Capital City. He commented to a reporter:  
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‍"It is the church of the living God, and should be more commodious, more imposing, Ah! I can almost see in imagination a great stone church with lofty spires and a bell tower."​

Bishop Brondel would not live to see this dream arrive in reality. This was left to his successor,Bishop John P. Carroll.

After ascending Mount Helena to pray and ascertain a view of the city layout, Bishop Carroll firmly decided on the location of the new edifice. An entire city block, this space would allow for the proper symmetry required for a Cathedral of grand scale, rare in the United States.

Colonel Thomas Cruse and Mr. Peter Larson became influential charitable donors to the project. Both were among the burgeoning wealthy class that had seen success in Montana through mining, banking, and ranching. During this time, there were more millionaires per capita in Helena that any other city in the world.

Mr. A. O. Von Herbulis was chosen as the architect for the new Cathedral. Born and raised in Budapest, he attended some of the most prestigious schools of architecture in Europe. Combined with his time spent in Washington, D.C., he was able to unite the art traditions of Europe and the practical methods of America.

A son of the Austrian Empire, Von Herbulis drew neo-Gothic inspiration from the Votivkirche of Vienna.

After construction was finished, the interior of the Cathedral took shape. Art from around the world and here in Montana was put in place to raise the eyes and minds of all to God.

The F. X. Zettler firm of Munich was awarded the honor of designing and crafting the luminous and stately stained glass.

Through the years, many other artists and artisans have given talent and treasure in support of the beauty that radiates the light of Christ.