The 1900s
The history of the Co-cathedral is closely linked to the growth and promise of the people who developed the city of Billings. The first Catholic church in Billings, Saint Joachim's, was built in 1887, five years after the founding of the city. Thirteen years later, the rapidly growing Billings community needed a much larger church. Saint Patrick's Church was completed in 1906 at a cost of $64,300.00. Since then, it has served as home to an ever growing parish family and remained a distinctive landmark in downtown Billings.
The 1950s
In 1954 the first extensive renovations of the building were undertaken. Bishop William J. Condon requested an interior renovation in honor of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Diocese. Among the changes made to the church interior were: installation of a new communion rail—new altars—removal of two doors leading into the sacristies—new Stations of the Cross—three new statues carved of linden wood—wrought iron lanterns in the nave—and a new rose window for the choir loft.
Additionally, the interior dome and arches were redone in a decorative style of painting that was much in vogue during the Fifties. This style has its roots in Byzantine art, a form of expression which places high emphasis on the "other" world. Changes were also made to the exterior of the church including: adding the north entryway into the main body of the church – constructing the north stairwell into the church hall – new front steps — and a new roof.
"St.
Patrick's, as the mother church of the other churches in the city, has
reason to rejoice and be proud. The pioneer priests and people of
ST. Patrick's, as well as those of the present generation, have played
a mighty part in this development."
Bishop William J. Condon, February
25, 1956
The 1960s and ‘70s
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, modifications were
made to the sanctuary to accommodate the changes of Vatican II. The present
portable altar and pulpit were added so that the priest could face
the people during the Liturgy. The side altars were removed when the ancient
custom of con-celebration was reintroduced. As lay people became more actively
involved in the Celebration of the Liturgy, the railing separating the
sanctuary from the main body of the Church was removed.
In the mid to late 1970s, the present paneling in the
sanctuary was installed and a pew was removed from each side of the
main aisle to facilitate the communion procession.
"Saint Patrick's stands at the
center of a growing city with its tower piercing the sky, expressing the
human desire of all people to be in touch with their God."
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy, March
1, 1981
The 1990s
Physical and decorative improvements were made to the parish hall and kitchen in 1992. An elevator was installed to make all levels of the building accessible to the handicapped. A special bus was purchased to make it easier for the elderly to attend church. The adult choir was brought to the front of the church so they could better fulfill their ministry of leadership in sacred music.
The 21st Century
As we near the year 2000 and the 100th anniversary of Saint Patrick's, the Co-Cathedral cries out for our special care and restoration. Recent improvements have not addressed the significant structural and maintenance problems that have developed over the years. Currently, the paint on the interior of the church is cracking, peeling and flaking. Worse, the failure of attempts to fix the roof is evidenced by many areas of water damage resulting in serious structural weakness. In other areas, problems with rust and dry rot abound.
There is no doubt that the cost of repairing these defects
is high, but the cost of deferring them is even higher. Construction and
material costs are constantly rising. The damage to the structural elements
and wood siding can only get worse (and more expensive to repair) if we
do not act. We must make the repairs and fund a sound program of regular
maintenance. Only then will our children and grandchildren be able to enjoy
the spiritual and community benefits that Saint Patrick's has provided
for nearly one hundred years.