SF cathedrals through time

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. ■