He also began construction on the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, but was forced to abandon his efforts due to the Great Depression.

[6] After Wehrle retired in 1939, Pope Pius XII named Monsignor Vincent Ryan of Fargo as the second bishop of Bismarck.

[7] During his 11-year tenure, Ryan constructed 69 church buildings for a total cost of over ten million dollars.

In 1952, Lambert Hoch of the Diocese of Sioux Falls was appointed the third bishop of Bismarck, by Pius XII.

[9] During his four-year tenure, Hoch worked to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life; between 1952 and 1960, 29 priests were ordained for the diocese and 13 for Assumption Abbey in Richardton.

[11] Hacker dedicated much of his tenure implementing the Second Vatican Council reforms, especially the Mass of Paul VI, and greater participation of the laity.

[17] In 2002, Bishop Zipfel introduced a zero-tolerance policy of sexual abuse allegations against priests in the diocese.

Under the policy, anyone accused of abuse would be immediately removed from active ministry and reported to the police for investigation.