In 1925 Archbishop Alexander Christie authorized construction of a new cathedral at 18th and Couch. In less than a year, on February 14, 1926, the new church opened. With the 150th anniversary of the Portland Archdiocese, it was decided to renew and restore the Cathedral. So restored, it could stand as a symbol of the strength and vitality of Western Oregon Catholicism. Seismic strengthening, electrical, heating, and lighting updating, as well as liturgical and artistic modifications ensued.

Statues

The marble statues of Mary and the Sacred Heart against the north walls of both transepts were carved in Switzerland and brought to the earlier Third and Stark Street Cathedral by the Benedictine monks, who later founded Mt. Angel Abbey.

Stations of the Cross

The stations of the cross are original to the Cathedral.

Floor and Walls

The marble floor in the apse was laid in 1926.  The new marble on the floor in the remainder of the Cathedral is a pattern of several Italian marbles.

Narthex Doors and Art Glass

The glass etching contains subtle symbols of the seven Sacraments.

Outside Doors and Granite Sign

The doors are white oak in cast bronze on the exterior.  Letters on the granite sign are Roman majuscules from the Trajan inscription in Rome.  The coat of arms on the sign is of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.