In the heart of Miami, Florida stands the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary. This isn’t just any church. The Cathedral of Saint Mary holds the distinct honor of being the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. The cathedral’s roots stretch back to a humble beginning in August 1929. A small group of devoted Catholics, known as the Little River Mission Club, came together with a dream of establishing a new parish. Their first meeting place was a far cry from the grandeur of the cathedral that stands today. They gathered in a simple store on Northeast 79th Street. Bishop Barry of the St. Augustine Diocese believed in their vision. He promised them that if they could gather 100 Catholic families to support the endeavor, they could have their parish. The community came together, their faith fueling their efforts, and soon three lots were purchased at the corner of Northwest 2nd Avenue and Northwest 75th Street. The Cathedral of Saint Mary stands on this very spot today, a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of those early pioneers. The first Mass was celebrated on July 20, 1930, not within the grand walls of the cathedral we see now, but in a modest wooden structure. It was a powerful symbol of their commitment to their faith, a seed from which the magnificent cathedral would eventually bloom.
Glenn Hubert Library
What secrets lie hidden within the walls of a university library? Right here in North Miami, the Glenn Hubert Library