The parish church of St. Thomas More was dedicated by Richmond Bishop John. J. Russell Dec. 9, 1961. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the dedication.
“Dedicated as a parish church and later named the cathedral of the newly formed Diocese of Arlington in 1974, the Cathedral of St. Thomas More is a light in the community,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “Serving as Our Mother Church, St. Thomas More Cathedral continues to be a sacred place where at both a parochial and diocesan level, the faithful gather to celebrate the Holy Eucharist — the center of our Faith — and to serve the poor and vulnerable. We ask for the intercession of St. Thomas More and Our Lord’s continued blessings for the parish community and all those who serve in and are served by its many ministries.”
Father Edwin J. Lee, the first pastor, started the construction of the parish that would become the diocesan cathedral in 1974. Sadly, Father Lee died before he could see his vision come to life.
In the 1960s, Msgr. Arthur J. Taylor overlooked the finishing touches on the cathedral building that stands today. He wrote a letter to the Bishop Russell inviting him to the dedication. Bishop Russell was happy to attend.