The first mass in Fresno, California, was held in 1863 in the city courthouse. And in 1878, the faithful citizens decided that they needed a church. So they began raising funds for its construction. Thanks to this decision, today you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It`s a beautiful example of a combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its construction began in 1880 and lasted only a couple of years. Initially, the temple was a brick structure with a single spire 27 meters high. It was built in honor of St. John the Baptist. Its parishioners were members of only five local families. Soon the size of the shrine could no longer accommodate all the faithful within its walls. So it was decided to rebuild the temple into a large church. The first stone was laid in 1902. And a year later, Archbishop George Thomas Montgomery consecrated this religious structure.

The new church built of red brick was designed by local architect Thomas Bermingham. It had three main entrances and already two square towers with spires. A clock was installed on one of them. And a small round window is located above the main entrance.

The interior of the temple is even more beautiful than its exterior. It is no worse than the famous temples of New York, Boston, or London. High stained-glass windows let in the sun's rays, which softly illuminate the magnificent paintings and bas-reliefs. Particularly noteworthy are snow-white statues located both inside the temple and on the surrounding territory.

Since 1967, St. John the Baptist Cathedral has been the seat of the Bishop of Fresno. Its first bishop was Timothy Manning, who later became an American cardinal. Today, the сathedral hosts daily masses, weddings, and baptisms, as well as joyous and sad services.