For nearly 200 years, St. John’s Cathedral has been in the forefront of spiritual leadership and community service in Jacksonville’s urban core.
Our first parish building stood on the corner of Church and Market Street, a spot known as Billy Goat Hill, the highest geographical point in Jacksonville, where the Cathedral stands today.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Learn more about the founding of St. John's Cathedral.
1829First Episcopal services in Jacksonville held on the bank of the St. Johns River
1834St. John’s Parish incorporated by the act of the Territorial Council of Florida
1838Diocese of Florida organized
1851First church building dedicated
1863Union soldiers burn St. John’s Parish
Photo 1: The temporary chapel constructed in 18681877Second church building dedicated
Photo 2: The second building to house St. John’s Parish, completed in 18941901Great Fire of Jacksonville destroys the second church
Photo 3: The remains of the church after the Fire of 19011906Present church building dedicated
Photo 4: The building we know today, erected in 19061951St. John’s becomes the Cathedral of the Diocese of Florida
1970Cummings Chapel constructed
1983Major restoration and renovation of St. John’s Cathedral
2026Present Day - St. John's Cathedral is a welcoming place of worship for all!
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SERVING THE URBAN CORE
When the population began moving to the suburbs in the 1960s, we felt strongly that God was calling us to stay here in the heart of the city. Since that time, the Cathedral has birthed a multitude of ministries to care for children and the elderly and to promote the arts, education, and healthcare. These ministries are now thriving nonprofit organizations serving the downtown and beyond.
Today, we continue to move forward with Love at the Core. We believe that by worshiping and serving God in the urban core, we can catch a glimpse of God’s love. We’d love for you to join us.
