A service in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on Sunday celebrated the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the building. The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, led the service, which honored the cathedral’s engagement in civic life in the local community. Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was among the speakers at the service.
Other speakers included Michael K. Young, president of the University of Utah, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and Señor Ignacio Rios Navarro, Utah’s consul de Mexico.
“How pleased I am to be here as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and its involvement in, and outreach to, our community,” President Monson said. “Since its dedication on August 15, 1909, this magnificent structure has been a vital and integral part of Salt Lake City.”
"We give thanks to Almighty God for helping this cathedral contribute to the civic and cultural legacy of the state of Utah," Bishop Wester said in his opening statement.
The cathedral is located just a few blocks from Temple Square and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In welcoming President Monson, Bishop Wester expressed appreciation for his “support and encouragement during our centennial year.”
President Monson recounted times the Catholic church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have joined in serving in the community and the world and said, “Enduring are the friendships forged in serving together to meet the needs of others.”
“Opportunities to assist others are still very much at hand. Our churches, with a tradition of kindness and caring and cooperative effort, will meet the needs by all of us working together in such a noble cause. By doing so, we will eliminate the weakness of one standing alone and substitute, instead, the strength of many working together,” President Monson said.
The Cathedral of the Madeleine was begun in 1900 and completed in 1909. On 15 August 1909, the cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore, according to the Cathedral’s Web site. It is listed on the Utah Register of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.
In April, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang in the cathedral to commemorate its 100th anniversary year.
Other news reports:
The Salt Lake Tribune: Madeleine Turns 100
KSL: Cathedral of Madeleine Kicks Off Week of Centennial Celebrations
Deseret News: Madeleine Milestone: Leaders Celebrate Cathedral's 100th Anniversary