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Top 10 Astonishing Facts about The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica. The cathedral is located at Lafayette Square at 222 East Harris Street, Savannah, Georgia, in the United States.

It is found in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District which is home to several museums, monuments, and restored 18th-century homes. A cathedral is a church containing the cathedra of a bishop. It serves as the central diocese of Savannah.

The church has been home to Catholics since its establishment in the 18th Century. It has undergone several renovations but has retained its architectural design and structure.

Below are some facts about the holy house, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

1. First Parish Was Established in The Late 18th Century

Following an uprising and turmoil in Haiti and France, several French immigrants moved or fled to Savannah. These Catholic immigrants established Savannah’s first parish.

It was known as ‘Congrégation de Saint Jean-Baptiste’. The congregation was composed of nobles who were fleeing the French Revolution which had started in 1789. The congregation continued to grow due to more and more immigrants arriving in Savannah.

2. It Was Located in Different Locations Before the Current One

With the addition of Immigrants, the church grew significantly. On May 1799, a resolution was passed by the Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah. The resolution reserved half a trust lot at Liberty Square to be used by the congregation.

By 1804, the congregation was too large rendering the reserved lot insufficient. Therefore, the congregation petitioned the city for an extra lot but none was available at the time.

On 2nd August 1811, a petition for a larger plot of land was granted by the Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah. The land was located at Montgomery and Hull Streets.

However, the congregation did not build their church here but instead chose a site on Drayton and Perry Streets. It was established in 1820 as part of the Diocese of Charleston under Bishop England.

In 1835, Bishop England placed the cornerstone of the new church between Perry and McDonough Streets. The church seated 1000 people and was constructed using brick.

Bishop England dedicated the Church of Saint John the Baptist on April 1st, 1839. Approximately one-third of Georgia’s Catholics were part of this parish at the time.

3. Destroyed by A Fire

On February 6th, 1898, a devastating fire ravaged and destroyed most of the cathedral. All that was left intact were the outside walls and two spires.

Rebuilding of the church started almost immediately and on December 24th, 1899, the first mass since the fire was hosted. The rebuilt cathedral was dedicated on October 28th 190o. This was done by the apostolic delegate to the United States, Archbishop Sebastian Martinelli.

4. It Was Consecrated In 1920

Consecration is the process or action of declaring something, a temple, church, or holy ground, sacred. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist was constructed, rebuilt, and renovated using borrowed funds.

As per catholic regulations at the time, a church might be dedicated and used for service before its debt had been cleared. However, it can only be consecrated after it is debt-free.

In 1920, the Cathedral was declared debt-free and in a ceremony presided by Bishop Keiley, it was consecrated.

5. The Church Has Been Renovated Severally

Between 1959and 1963, the Most Reverend Thomas J. McDonough (10th Bishop) did some major renovations. This was done with the aid of rector Monsignor T. James McNamara.

Some of these renovations include changes to the wide plaza at the entrance; modern heating, cooling, and lighting systems. A new pulpit and altar rail was installed as well as a new color scheme resembling before the 1898 fire.

In 1973, the Most Reverend Raymond W. Lessard (12th Bishop), also did repairs to the cathedral. This was due to the spires shifting which indicated the settling of the foundation. The church was closed while the decaying timber foundations were removed and replaced by reinforced concrete.

In 1998, The Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland (13th Bishop) also carried out a major restoration project in the church. These restorations were supervised and managed by rector Father William O. O’Neill.

It involved the removal, cleaning, and re-leading of over 50 stained glass windows, roof replacement, and interior restoration. This project was completed in 2000.

6. Became A Minor Basilica In 2020

In 2020, Pope Francis elevated the cathedral’s status to a minor basilica. A minor basilica status affords a cathedral some defined preference and privileges above other churches.

Pope Francis has been the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since 2013.

7. The Cathedral Was Dedicated in 1876

In a ceremony presided by the Most Reverend James Roosevelt Bayley, Archbishop of Baltimore, the cathedral was dedicated. This was on 30th April 1876. 

For catholic churches, dedication is described in the Caeremoniale Episcoporum in chapters IX to X. The details can also be found in the Roman Missal’s Ritual Masses for the Dedication of a Church and an Altar.

8. Construction of The Current Structure Began in 1873

In 1870, plans for the construction of the new (current) cathedral began. This was under the Right Reverend Ignatius Persico (4th Bishop of Savannah).

Bishop Ignatius is also responsible for acquiring land on Abercorn Street from the sisters of Mercy. On November 19th, 1873, the cornerstone for the new Cathedral was laid by Right Reverend William H. Gross, C.Ss.R.

9. Services Can Be Streamed Online

We are in what can be referred to as the ‘streaming era’ at least as far as live video content is concerned. Well, churches have not been left behind on this and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is no slacker either.

On the church’s official website, live services can be streamed by those who are not able to make it to the cathedral. This service is free and no payment is necessary.

10. Built in French Gothic Style

The French Gothic architectural style emerged in France in 1140. It was dominant till the mid-16th century. It is characterized by the search for verticality, the innovative use of the rib vault, and flying buttresses.

The cathedral was built in this style with suitably soaring and ornate, with four side altars of white Italian marble.