1854 -1892
1892 -1962
1970 - PRESENT Photo by Dennis Callahan
San Francisco cathedrals through time The original Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception was dedicated in 1854 by the first Archbishop of San Francisco, Joseph Sadoc Alemany (1853-1884). Known today as Old St. Mary’s Church, it is located on the corner of California Street and Grant Avenue. The second cathedral was named the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, and was located at Van Ness Avenue and O’Farrell Street. It replaced the first cathedral
because the surrounding area became the notorious Barbary Coast. Archbishop Patrick Riordan dedicated the second cathedral Jan. 11, 1892 and it served as the cathedral until its destruction by fire Sept. 7, 1962, five months after Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken was installed as archbishop. On May 5, 1971, the existing cathedral was blessed and on October 5, 1996, it was formally dedicated. ■
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our own founding in San Francisco, the Sisters of the Holy Family recognize, with gratitude, the “new” Cathedral of St. Mary.
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MAY 2022 | CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO
