"It's about as medieval as it gets in the United States," said the Rev. Canon Mart Craft, the sub-dean and administrator of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Wash. "I live in the close. It covers four city blocks, and includes the bishop's house, a retirement home. It was the vision of Bishop (Edward) Cross, inspired by the National Cathedral."

Founded in 1925, with its first services in 1929, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is an amalgamation of three churches reflected now in its chapels: All Saints' Cathedral, St. James', and St. Peter's. Because of the Depression, construction halted in 1929 with the completion of the nave; the tower was added in the 1950s and the parish hall in the 1960s. The cathedral serves the Diocese of Spokane's 44 churches in eastern Washington and northern Idaho, an area 330 miles wide and 250 miles long. "It's on a commanding site," Canon Craft said, "the south hill with the city in the basin." And so St. John's is visible throughout Spokane, reminding people of God's presence in their lives.

In the tradition of a true Gothic cathedral, "stone upon stone," with gargoyles and chimera, myriad symbols both biblical and medieval, the rows of glowing windows tell stories. Along the nave is a history of the church, from St. Paul receiving the Holy Spirit, through Spokane Garry, whom the guide book identifies as "one of the first Christian native Americans in this area." New Testament stories, Jesus' parables, angels and archangels are all there in glowing blues, reds and golds, culminating in the west rose window.

The word that sprang to mind when David Bunch was asked to describe the cathedral was, "Busy!" A member since 1955, he has served as warden, with various guilds and committees, and is now the chief guide coordinator. "Last year we had 90 requests for tours," he said. "Scouts, school groups, all sorts."

Volunteers serve in the offices, kitchen, gift shop and cathedral proper. They take Christian hospitality seriously, providing vestments and flowers, receptions and dinners. Even at a time three years ago when the cathedral was between deans, and Bishop (Jeffrey) Terry was ill (awaiting a heart transplant), church members maintained a vital place. Generosity was obvious in the number of grocery bags filled for the food bank and the mountain of gifts donated at the annual Christmas pageant.

With three full-time clergy, four deacons, and several unassigned or retired priests, the cathedral offers four weekend Eucharists, weekday morning prayers, weekday noon Eucharist during the school year, and a 1928 Prayer Book Eucharist on Wednesday mornings. Wednesday evenings there is Eucharist or Evensong, depending upon the liturgical season, followed by supper and classes. Taizé services are held five Sunday evenings during the year, in partnership with St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

A labyrinth walk is offered once a month, Mr. Bunch said, inside or out, depending upon the weather.

Sunday morning church school is for all ages. Youth and Fireside groups, confirmation and new member classes, and a junior server program provide additional options for fellowship and learning. Opportunities for prayer and study include a weekly prayer group, weekly Bible study, and a monthly 24-hour prayer vigil; the Order of St. Luke provides healing ministry. Summer vacation church school is well attended by members and non-members. The guilds and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew offer fellowship and service; both organizations support the cathedral financially.

The cathedral boasts a fine Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ, whose 86 stops and 4,095 pipes are divided among three manuals. The music program includes adult, children's, and handbell choirs. The adult choir sings weekly and special services, and at least one concert a year, often with a choir from another Spokane church. The cathedral tower houses a 49-bell carillon, played Sundays by Dr. Andrea McCrady, physician and nationally-known carillonneur. A summer series features a carillon recital each Thursday evening in July. Area residents picnic on the lawn while enjoying the world's foremost carillonneurs.

One of the newest additions to the building allows parishioners, visitors and students to learn "the history of the cathedral, the story of its building, the records of developing life, and the work of its congregation." These are housed in the Archives Room, opened in 1979. The windows here honor "the four crafts of cathedral building: the architect, the master builder, the stone and wood carvers, and the stained glass maker."

The cathedral was founded to be of service not only to its membership, but to the greater Spokane community, a population of 400,000. Funerals of local dignitaries are often held there. St. Johns' has been host to the American Boychoir, Spokane Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Connoisseur Concerts' Bach Festival, and other performing organizations. A separate corporation, Cathedral and the Arts, produces professional concerts and events, such as the music of Hildegard von Bingen, silent movie with organ accompaniment, and Christmas music for organ and brass.

Outreach activities include Meals on Wheels, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, monthly senior dinners, and a thrift store, the Windfall. The second Habitat for Humanity house is being built with other Spokane Episcopal churches.

The Open Door Guild is working to "keep the doors open all Sunday afternoon, once a month," Mr. Bunch said, "so people can come in and look around."

Guest speakers this past year have been the Very Rev. Herbert O'Driscoll in a diocesan preaching mission, and Andrew Weeks on evangelism. Of special mention is a series of talks given by Rabbi Harold Kushner, co-sponsored by Temple Beth Shalom, Sisters of Providence, and the cathedral. The Rev. Betsy Smylie, wife of Dean John Smylie, was diagnosed with brain cancer soon after he was called in January 1998, and died in January, 1999. A biblical scholar, she had a special love for the Jewish people. Her wish was that the relationship between Christians and Jews be strengthened; a memorial fund was established, and Rabbi Kushner's visit was the first of these memorial events.

The cathedral is home to at least one diocesan celebration each year, usually confirmation in the spring, and annual diocesan conventions in even-numbered years. This year's convention, Oct. 20-21, will include the installation and consecration of the Rev. Canon James Waggoner, canon to the ordinary of the Diocese of West Virginia, as bishop [TLC, June 11].

Throughout all of this activity, worship of God and the sharing of the gospel remain paramount. Dean Smylie said: "I have a vision of this cathedral as a center for spiritual development for our congregation, the city, and the diocese. Christ is at the heart of all our life together. Worship, education, fellowship, and outreach continually give glory to God by intention. We give this cathedral to Christ, and welcome everyone." o

Janet Satre Ahrend is organist/choirmaster of St. John's Cathedral.