St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral - Buffalo, New York
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 42° 52.916 W 078° 52.668
17T E 673310 N 4749888
Historic Catholic Cathedral in Buffalo, New York.
Waymark Code: WMB8DD
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 04/18/2011
Views: 4
"When the first bishop of Buffalo, John Timon, came to Western New York in 1847, Catholics made-up less than 30% of the city's population, worshiping n small congregations scattered across the city and outlying towns.
Timon traveled abroad. seeking and receiving financial assistance and gifts-in-kind from Pope Pius IX, European kings. and the religious faithful of many countries, including Mexico. Millard Fillmore, future president of the United States, also supported the endeavor financially.
Four years passed from the groundbreaking for the cathedral in 1851 to its dedication in 1855, when more than 3,000 people gathered here in the midst of a torrential rainstorm (after a powerful storm destroyed several homes in the city in 1853, Bishop Timon ordered tents to be pitched inside the unfinished church so that families left homeless could take shelter here until their new homes were built).
During construction of the cathedral, a stone mason was killed when he fell 70 feet from the scaffolding. On another occasion, work came to a standstill when the diocesan coffers ran dry.
An accomplished linguist, Bishop Timon himself negotiated the gift of the great sanctuary windows, given by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The windows won first prize at the Munich Exposition of 1854 in an exhibit sponsored by the king. Illustrating the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ, these were the first illustrated windows to be installed in the cathedral. Their rich and poignant imagery was especially important for the many uneducated people who came here to worship.
On the advice of Pope Pius IX, the cathedral was dedicated to St. Joseph. A statue of St. Joseph was installed above the entrance in 1862.
By 1863, the diocese had cleared its books of the$150,000 spent to build the cathedral. Free of debt, it could now be consecrated. bishop Timon presided over the ceremony, assisted by seven bishops and attended by hundreds of priests and thousands of lay people.
With its pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and elaborate ornamentation, the cathedral reflects the character of the 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral in England, with reminiscences of French and German Gothic as well. Clearly this influence grew from Keeley's tutelage under Augustus Pugin, who restored many English Gothic churches.
Although original plans called for towers on the north and south ends of the facade, only the south tower was built, in 1862.
In 1912, a new church at the corner of Delaware Ave. and Utica was planned for designation as the cathedral for the diocese by Bishop Charles, E. Colton. Plagued by serious flaws in design and construction, the New Cathedral was finally abandoned in 1977, at which time St. Joseph's Cathedral regained its status as the bishop's church." - Buffalo Architectural Museum website
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1851
Age of Church building determined by?: Historical Society
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:30 AM
Street address of Church:
50 Franklin Street
Buffalo, New York
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed
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