The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament made our trek up the steep hill well worth the effort after our hearty breakfast in Altoona. I was certainly out of breath after that climb!
This imposing structure was built in 1851, and it has served the Catholic community of Altoona, PA ever since. It is located in the Downtown Historic District of Altoona. And it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
A Warm Welcome…
As soon as we opened the ornate cathedral doors, we were breathless once again as we surveyed the gorgeous worship space. We were quickly greeted by Reverend Monsignor Stanley Carson.
Monsignor Carson warmly welcomed us, and he began to tell us more about the beautiful cathedral.
I won’t begin to remember all of the details he shared with us that morning. But I can tell you we were awestruck by the beauty all around us.
We quickly made our way to the alter. And the view from the pulpit was spectacular. Look at that incredible pipe organ in the choir loft! (You’ll see it close up soon.)
Here is a glimpse of Mark and Patrick, our hospitable and knowledgeable Explore Altoona guides.
It was a sunny morning in Altoona, so the incredible stained-glass windows were even more spectacular as the light shown through them.
We were even shown into the area behind the main altar, where Mark and Monsignor Carson continued to discuss this treasured Altoona architectural landmark. (Be sure to notice the sunshine on the back wall… highlighting the outdoor cross.)
Behind The Scenes…
Monsignor Carson even gave us a glimpse into the rectory, the residence of the priests who shepherd the parishioners of the beautiful cathedral. But to respect their privacy I chose not to share that glimpse into their home.
The view from the top of that steep hill/mountain was absolutely spectacular!
We paused to study the manicured grounds, which were both peaceful and serene.
We headed back inside and we walked toward the back of the church, but we stopped to study the walls along the way. Look at these beautiful statues, carvings and mosaics.
And look up…the rotunda even has a walkway around it. (Imagine changing lightbulbs up there!)
Up We Go!
Monsignor asked if we would like to make the steep climb up the narrow staircase to the choir loft. Of course I said yes. (I never turn down an adventure!) And just look at the view ahead of us!
Please notice I had enlisted Peepaw to carry that blueberry muffin from our earlier hearty breakfast. I needed both hands free to take all of these photos! (Read about our breakfast right here!)
The massive pipe organ in that choir loft is a thing of beauty. I only wished I could have heard someone play for us! (I was reminded of my days as choir director in the little country church where I grew up. And where Peepaw and I were married, more than half a century ago.)
The view from that choir loft? It was absolutely beautiful.
After our trek back down those steps from the choir loft, Monsignor Carson escorted us back out those beautiful doors to bid us farewell. He was a most gracious host on that beautiful Altoona morning.
I’m so glad Mark included the cathedral tour on our Explore Altoona itinerary. And we headed back down that steep slope to explore our next destination. It’s one we’d been dreaming about for years!
Leave a Reply