St. James Cathedral — Attraction in Seattle

Beautiful church, but unfortunately a Catholic parish that has lost its way from true faith, reason, and justice by succumbing to the moral corruption of a leftist ideology that currently permeates Seattle. When the church (of all places) not only accepts the evils in society, but actually promotes, advocates and enforces it upon their own free will… it is a great moral travesty.

As a parishioner for the last several years who felt truly more closely connected to God and my Catholic faith here, it has only been since 2021 that I have noticed or realized the downward spiral of this parish. Yes, there have been great scandals in the Catholic Church in the past - even in the Seattle archdiocese - though the church has long recognized the sinfulness of man and the need for repentance and forgiveness - and that one should not collectively blame the entire church community for the sins of one person. However when the official public statements and politics from the church are immoral, that’s where I have to draw a line to guard my own moral integrity by choosing which communities I associate with and support. I do not support the following positions of this parish: segregation and discrimination based on personal medical procedures that do not affect others, abolishing the natural and human right to self defense as protected in the Bill of Rights, silence on the topic of approximately 2363 abortions every day in our country, and advocating division from traditional Catholics who still participate in the beauty of the Latin mass. Perhaps that is the most telling of all, as we have seen a decay in morality and virtue in society over recent generations… perhaps what the church needs most is a return of focus to God rather than the will of the people. I will continue to pray for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit upon this parish...

St James Cathedral Seattle, WA

The oldest and first Cathedral in Seattle Washington built and completed in 1907. St James Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle James one of Jesus first disciples along with his brother John and Peter.

The Cathedral contains a Bronze center door at the front entrance... with a Gold emblem of Jesus above the entrance window.

The Virgin Mary is prominent throughout the Cathedral. A shrine and chapel are dedicated to her. Prayer candles light the inner facade and chapel... The shrine adds an ambiance of harmony, inner peace and beauty... and captivates the eye.

The altar is located at the very center of the cathedral above is a oculus and skylight.

At the front of the Cathedral is the Baptismal font... And Holy Water...

Light from outside reflects a natural spotlight that brings the outside environment into the Cathedral... The lighting works beautifully through the oculus.

The main pipe organ at the end of the Cathedral is the center piece the command center that converges everything together. The instrument is both pleasing to the eyes and ears. And compliments the older organ originally built for the Cathedral in 1907.

The stained glass windows are also featured and are aesthetically essential to the harmony of the music ...the pipe organs and to prayer... ...service and reflection.

Jesus is the focal point and is twice displayed prominently near the altar on a cross and with both hands raised.

St James Cathedral is open to the public and is a wonderful experience for all sights to see.

I recommend visiting a highlight of Seattle for sure.

Be sure to visit the Cathedral gift and book shop all are always welcome.

You don't have to be a Catholic to experience St James...

This is a majestic cathedral in the heart of Seattle, one that once loomed celestially over the surrounding urban landscape with its two ornate Italian Renaissance style towers. Now, the buildings surrounding it are much taller, these blocky monoliths of steel and glass, but the cathedral is still distinguished by the artistry and deep care of its architecture. This is a building that evokes devotion, the passions of individual hands and individual minds to honor the sublime power of the divine. It is an emblem of a particular time in the history of the nation and the history of Seattle, when the city was young and Italianate architecture styles were extremely popular, in the early decades of the 20th century. Yet it is also an emblem of a kind of reverence and loving, artfully imaginative devotion to the divine that will never age or decay. This is absolutely a building that must be seen by anyone with an appreciation for spirituality or...