Cathedral of the Holy Cross Site - Massachusetts Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Boston's Catholic population, while still small compared to its future numbers, was beginning to grow. By the end of the 18th century, the current facilities in Boston were proving inadequate. Thus, with the financial help of Bostonian Catholics and Protestants alike, on St. Patrick's Day, 1800, ground was broken for the new church, designed by Charles Bulfinch. The Diocese of Boston would be created five years later.

By 1860, the combined deterioration of the building and the changing nature of the surrounding neighborhood lead the diocese to sell the building in favor of a new site. However, the old site was not entirely forgotten, and this tablet was placed to commemorate this first cathedral of Boston. The tablet reads:

"Near this site stood The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, established 1803 by Jean Lefebvre de Cheverus, first Catholic Bishop of Boston. Missionary to the Penobscot Indians, friend of President John Adams, advisor to our state legislature, one of America's noblest priests.
"'He stood by the bedside of Catholic and Protestant alike.'
"This tablet placed by a group of Protestant businessmen, 1950"

Agency Responsible for Placement: Other (Place below) Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): A Group of Protestant Businessmen Year Placed: 1950 County: Suffolk City/Town Name: Boston Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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