St. Joseph Old Cathedral 🇺🇸

Discover a powerful piece of Oklahoma City's history when you visit St. Joseph Old Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City. Originally established after Father Nicolas F. Scallon arrived in April 1889—initially holding Mass in a tent—the parish grew from a modest wood-frame structure into a striking Gothic Revival sanctuary built from Coffeyville brick.

Dedicated in 1904, the building measures 137 by 64 feet and features a central tower with a spire flanked by two shorter crenellated towers. It holds historic distinction as the first cathedral in Oklahoma, serving as the seat of the Diocese of Oklahoma City from 1905 to 1931, and earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. When you explore the site today, you will encounter a place deeply tied to modern resilience. Severely damaged during the April 1995 Oklahoma City bombing at the nearby Alfred P.

Murrah Federal Building, the church underwent extensive restoration after losing stained glass windows, suffering organ damage, and having its roof lifted. Near the church and adjacent to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, you can view the commemorative Italian marble statue titled 'And Jesus Wept', dedicated in May 1997.

What to see at St. Joseph Old Cathedral

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978
• Gothic Revival architectural features, including a central spire and crenellated towers
• Historical landmark as Oklahoma's first Catholic cathedral
• Commemorative Italian marble statue titled 'And Jesus Wept'

Visiting tips

Be sure to stop by the Italian marble statue, 'And Jesus Wept,' located adjacent to the Oklahoma City National Memorial nearby.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Joseph Old Cathedral is easy to reach on Oklahoma City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Oklahoma City National Memorial and Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oklahoma City travel guide.