Historic Chicago Landmark Holy Name Cathedral Burns in Three-Alarm Fire

Holy Name Cathedral, formally the Cathedral of the Holy Name, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. This morning a three-alarm burned for 2 1/2 hours before firefighters could bring it under control.

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago replaced the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Church of the Holy Name, both destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire in October 1871. The cathedral was dedicated on November 21, 1875.

Chicago Archdiocese Chancellor Jimmy Lago called the Holy Name Cathedral fire a tragedy, saying:

"It's a tragedy just to see it. My heart goes out to the parishioners and those who worship here."

The church had only recently reopened in August, after undergoing six months of major structural repairs. The fire started in an attic area in which additional repairs were being made. Church pastor Rev. Dan Mayall said, "We're back to Square One right (in terms of work) now."

The church building is 233 feet long, 126 feet wide and can seat 1,500 people. The ceiling is 150 feet high and has a spire that reaches 210 feet into the sky.
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