Also known as: Saint Mary's of the Immaculate Conception Formerly: Saint Patrick's Church Built: 1884 Designed by: Nicholas J. Clayton Type: Holy Place Location: 203 East 10th Street, Austin, United States
M any of the world's great cathedrals are victimized by the world around them. Saint Patrick's in New York, Saint Stephan's in Vienna, and this smaller cathedral all share the same problem: they are hemmed in by their neighbors. The age of these holy places is demonstrated by their central location, and the fact that glass and steel towers surround, and loom over them. Though it is shoulder-to-shoulder with newer structures, Saint Mary's holds its own. It was 1851 when the people of Austin decided they needed their own Catholic church. They sent a letter to the Bishop of Texas, and they were granted Saint Patrick's Church. A few years later, the name was changed to Saint Mary's of the Immaculate Conception. It has a stout design that helps accentuate its rose window and bell tower. The bell tolled for the first time on 4 July, 1886, and the stained glass is imported from France and Germany.
1851 - The people of Austin petition the Bishop of Texas for a church. They are granted Saint Patrick's Church.
1866 - The name is changed to Saint Mary's of the Immaculate Conception.
1884 - The cathedral is dedicated.
~1890 - The stained glass windows are added
1947 - The church is elevated to cathedral status.
