• Construction on the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament began in June 1886, the cornerstone was laid in June 1887 and a dedication ceremony was held June 30, 1889.

• The cathedral, including the basement, was estimated to be 45,000 square feet at the time it was built at a total cost of $250,000, including land acquisition and interior decoration.

• During the current restoration, about 100 craftsmen and women will work on the project.

• The original dome of the cathedral was 65 feet in diameter, rising from the center of the roof to a height of 170 feet at the top of the cross.

• The bell tower over the main entrance to the cathedral rises to a height of 217 feet. The two side towers are each 121 feet.

• The cathedralís original clock, installed in 1903, was replaced by an electric clock and is now stored at the Sacramento History Museum.

• There are four bells, installed in 1884 and 1885, weighing from 1,000 to 4,000 pounds each.

• The original OíDell organ, made in England and shipped to the United States in the late 1850s, was first installed in St. Rose of Lima Church and then moved to the cathedral after it was built.

• The redwood pews removed during the current restoration are made up of approximately 2,000 lineal feet of redwood. Pew ends will be reused, but the seats and backs, which will be used in trim and other areas, will need to be replaced.

• About 600 pounds of pigeon droppings have been removed from the cathedralís clock tower during the restoration.

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