The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul

In 1909, Pewabic’s extensive tile work found a home in The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, a true testament to Mary Chase Perry Stratton’s artistic vision. Winning the contract to design the cathedral’s floor tiles in open competition against the nation’s top potteries, Pewabic’s co-founder left a lasting mark on this awe-inspiring space.

The cathedral’s interiors, crafted in the Gothic tradition, include hand-carved wooden furnishings like the pulpit and choir stalls. However, Mary’s floor tile designs brought a fresh and unique approach to the cathedral’s aesthetic. While deviating from the typical mosaic paving of Gothic architecture, the tiles still embody the spirit of the period.

The beige and amber tones of the unglazed tile, paired with wide grout lines, beautifully complement the grandeur of the cathedral itself. The “uneven surface” reminds us of the artisans who meticulously crafted each tile by hand, ensuring every detail reflected their mastery.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the striking blue-glazed tile in the aisle of the choir, a stunning contrast that elevates the entire design. Mary worked closely with the cathedral’s architect, Ralph Adams Cram, to ensure her designs aligned perfectly with his vision.

  • Our Lovebirds Tile currently in production, draws direct inspiration from a historic design by Mary Chase Perry Stratton found within this cathedral. In our archival records, this tile is often referred to as "Forbidden Fruit." Swipe through the images below to view the original design and see how it has evolved into a modern Pewabic favorite.