Cathedral of Saint Andrew — Attraction in Grand Rapids

The Cathedral is the home base or center of the diocese of Grand Rapids, MI, which covers a wide swath of western MI, as well as a good chunk of north & south western MI. Cathedrals are known as the Bishops' church. (Compare/contrast with Basilicas, which are known as the Pope's churches... worldwide.). In our case, the Basilica of St. Adelbert, is just about a couple of miles northwest of the Cathedral.

Grand Rapids is the home turf of many fine, historic churches. And, notably, many of them are Catholic. For instance, the Basilica is flanked by two other wonderful churches -- all within easy strolling distance of each other (+/- about 1/2 mile).

One is the Irish Catholic (former) parish of St.James (which is literally, parenthetically, where I was baptized in late 1955 or early 1956 by then pastor Rev. Hugh Michael Beahan). Fr. Mike - later famous for his West MI broadcasts, "15 with Father" - went on to become a Monsignor, and for his final, terminal assignment was rector of ... wait for it... The Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Now, and finally, for the third historic Catholic church in the near West side of greater Grand Rapids, we have St. Mary's, built by the German Catholics.

Thus, we have what I refer to as the Catholic triangle in northwest GR. An historic and truly holy plot of land fronting the western banks of the Grand River. The then-rapids of which the originally named city of Kent, was re-named Grand Rapids.

In summary, the Cathedral is but the fine jumping off point to the rich history of both the Catholics of West MI, and the story of the peoples of the "old Northwest Territory" of the United States.

I encourage all of us to remember our diverse roots, and pass along that continuing invaluable life story to our children's children... and beyond. May God bless you, one and all!

Respectfully submitted, Tom Heintzleman...

My family lives in the City of GR (but we go to a different parish) and wanted to check out the Cathedral. We decided to attend 10am Sunday mass. Driving downtown Sunday morning was a nightmare of road closures. Upon arriving late, we were easily able to find a seat. The choir sounded very good, but few of the parishioners sang along. They did have someone signing for the deaf the entire mass. The church was very cold inside (mid October) - basically the same temperature as outside. We wished we had worn more clothes and brought winter coats. Think twice if you have small children or infants as they may not be warm enough, unless it's summer. The inside of the church is pretty standard fare- there are prettier Cathedrals in Michigan. Be advised if you are visiting they will ask you to stand up before mass is over and introduce yourself. All-in-all an OK experience that probably won't...

I was given the wonderful privilege and honor of participating in the 20th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration at the Cathedral of St. Andrew's as the representative of the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center. What an incredible experience!!! Sharing the podium with an Imam, Rabbi, Sikh Priest, Baha'i leader, Dominan Sister, representative on the Native American Spiritual Community, seeing and hearing African music and dance the Kakilambe, The GR Men and Boys Choir, Los Musicos de la Paz, and so much more!! What a celebration of diversity and oneness!!! Much gratitude to my Dharma Sister, Ai Su Kimberly Hillebrand, for assistance in navigating the evening, and her employer, The Kaufman Institute!!! It is inexpressible the feeling that surrounds a gathering such as this. Over the top...