Murals and Organs

photo by Le Vu

The murals on the apse walls date to the 1930’s. They were painted between 1930 and 1936 by Flemish artist Emil Jacques who at that time was Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Notre Dame. The nine panels give a panorama of Mary’s life and influence.

photo by Le Vu

Great organ: located in the balcony against the Cathedral's rear wall is a Murray Harris/Los Angeles Art 32 stop electronic pneumatic action pipe organ built in 1904. The organ was brought to Portland where it was restored and four stops were added. Rising from a height of 17'3" at each side to 20'3" at its apex, and approximately 10' wide, the organ fits perfectly in the rear balcony.

Choir Organ: The new choir organ, located at the front of the right transept, was built by Martin Ott Pipe Organ Company of St. Louis, Missouri. This organ, the secondary instrument of the Cathedral, was designed specifically to match the building's acoustics. It is unique both architecturally and tonally.