Item 20 - Saint Mary's Cathedral, Roman Catholic

The building of Saint Mary's Cathedral, located on the corner of Johnson and Clergy Streets, was begun in 1842. The cornerstone was laid on 8 September 1843 by Bishop Phelan and it was opened for use in 1846. The Church was consecrated on 4 October 1848. In 1885, the plain glass windows were replaced by stain glass - each window portraying a story from the Creation of Adam to the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul. In 1889, the belfry at the front was torn down and the present three towers were added. Saint James' Chapel was added in 1890. The seating capacity for the Cathedral is 1500. The pipe organ was installed in 1905 and a marble main Altar installed in 1910. A new bell was installed in 1949 and a Baptistry in 1964.