Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral, located in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan, is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral with a rich history and numerous hidden facts. Officially known as the Basilica of Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral, it was the original seat of the Archdiocese of New York before the more famous St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue was built.
Constructed between 1809 and 1815, Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral was designed by architect Joseph Francois Mangin, who was also one of the designers of New York's City Hall. The church was consecrated by Bishop John Connolly on May 14, 1815. It played a significant role in the early history of Irish immigrants in New York City, serving as a spiritual and community center.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the cathedral is its underground catacombs. These catacombs are among the few in Manhattan and were used for burials from the early 19th century. Notable figures interred there include the first resident bishop of New York, Bishop John Connolly, and General Thomas Eckert, who served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln.
Another hidden gem is the cathedral's organ, built by Henry Erben, a famous 19th-century organ builder. This organ, installed in 1868, is one of the oldest working pipe organs in the United States. The cathedral's organ loft also served as a filming location for the iconic baptism scene in The Godfather movie.
Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral has a rich tradition of resilience. It survived the anti-Catholic riots of 1835, known as the Know-Nothing Riots, during which the church was set on fire but was saved by parishioners. The cathedral also faced threats from the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s but remained a bastion of faith and community.
The cathedral's cemetery, located next to the church, is one of Manhattan's oldest Roman Catholic cemeteries. It includes the graves of many notable New Yorkers, including Pierre Toussaint, a former slave who became a prominent philanthropist and is a candidate for sainthood.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI designated Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral as a basilica, recognizing its historical and spiritual significance. The basilica continues to serve as a vibrant parish community and a symbol of New York's diverse cultural heritage.
Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of New York's past. Its catacombs, organ, and cemetery are just a few of the many hidden treasures that make it a fascinating subject for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.