4 /5 Lucas Schneider: St. John’s Cathedral in Spokane, Washington is undeniably one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings in the entire Inland Northwest. Whether you’re a person of deep faith or simply a lover of historic architecture, this church demands attention and reverence from the moment you arrive. From the outside, its towering stone spires and classic Gothic Revival design make it feel like a piece of Europe was carefully placed right in the middle of Spokane. The craftsmanship is staggering: flying buttresses, pointed arches, and stained glass windows all speak to a time when places of worship were constructed to inspire awe and humility.
Inside, the atmosphere is equally breathtaking. The main sanctuary is filled with warm light filtered through vibrant stained glass that tells biblical stories without a single spoken word. The acoustics are perfect for organ music or choral performances, and the entire space invites silence, reflection, and spiritual connection. Whether you attend a service or simply stop in to look around, it’s hard not to be moved by the peaceful energy of the place.
However, it’s also fair to say that St. John’s Cathedral has become more political than some might expect or prefer. Most notably, the large LGBTQ pride flag flying outside the building makes a bold statement—not just about inclusion, but about the church’s stance in current cultural debates. While many will see this as a positive message of welcome and acceptance, others might wonder whether a church should be so outwardly involved in political symbolism. For some, it feels more like a declaration of alignment with contemporary ideologies than a focus on spreading the gospel or maintaining neutrality as a house of worship.
That said, the clergy and community at St. John’s are genuinely kind, compassionate, and spiritually minded. Services are thoughtful and well-organized. The messages are typically grounded in Christian values, with an emphasis on love, justice, and mercy. Even if some of the visual symbols on the outside feel more tied to modern political movements than religious traditions, what happens inside still feels deeply rooted in faith and the teachings of Christ.
It’s also worth noting that this cathedral plays a major role in Spokane’s broader cultural life. It hosts concerts, lectures, and public events that draw people from all walks of life. As a center for reflection, music, community dialogue, and spiritual growth, it continues to serve the city in meaningful ways—even if it sometimes walks a line between church and cultural institution.
In the end, St. John’s Cathedral is still a very good church. It’s a place of incredible beauty, history, and depth. While the presence of political symbols like the pride flag may not be to everyone’s taste, they don’t diminish the fact that this cathedral remains a sanctuary for many. If youre in Spokane, it’s worth a visit—whether for worship, reflection, or simply to admire the legacy of a sacred space built to last for generations.
