Did you know that Saint James Cathedral was the first Catholic church on Long Island? It is quite a distinction. Founded in 1822, Saint James served as the cradle of Catholic Christianity for two dioceses. It ministered to 388 parishes.
Saint James holds a special place in New York City’s religious history. The parish was only predated by two others: St. Peter’s on Barclay Street and Old Saint Patrick Cathedral in lower Manhattan. Imagine Brooklyn Catholics in 1822. Seventy laymen petitioned for a local parish. Their sentiments were captured in a letter. Peter Turner wrote to his fellow Catholics saying they wanted their children instructed in holy religion and more convenience in hearing the Word of God. They wanted a church, a pastor, and a place for interment.
The first cemetery on Long Island was established at Saint James. Nearly 7000 burials took place there between 1823 and 1849. In 1853, Saint James became the Cathedral parish of the Diocese of Brooklyn. This happened when the diocese was created. The original Saint James church suffered severe fire damage. It was replaced in 1903. Bishop Charles McDonnell directed the construction. He also introduced the term “Pro-Cathedral”. This was due to his plans to build the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Greene.
In 1972, Saint James celebrated its 150th anniversary. Bishop Francis Mugavero proclaimed Saint James as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He thereby restored the title given by Brooklyn’s first Bishop Loughlin. An unforeseen event occurred in 1979. Pope Saint John Paul II made a visit to the Cathedral. It was during his first Apostolic visit to the United States. The Holy Father greeted parishioners gathered on Jay Street.
In 1982, Saint James Cathedral reached another milestone. It was elevated to a Minor Papal Basilica. This happened on the occasion of the parish’s 160th anniversary. From then on, the diocesan church of Brooklyn and Queens was titled “The Cathedral Basilica of Saint James.” The first church was dedicated to St. James by Bishop John Connolly on August 28, 1823.
Many major ceremonies are held at larger churches because of Saint James’ small size. St. Joseph’s Church in Prospect Heights was named co-cathedral for the diocese in 2013. The current Rector of St. James’ Cathedral Basilica is Father Bryan Patterson. The architectural details are quite stunning. The first three organs in the Basilica were housed in a structural chamber. The chamber has tonal opening on both sides and the front. It is a strong architectural element with highly decorative capitals and cornices. The current instrument contains 45 stops and 41 ranks of pipes.
The history of Saint James Cathedral is rich. It has been a spiritual center for centuries. It remains a testament to the enduring faith of the Brooklyn community. As you leave, remember the words of those first parishioners. They sought a place for worship, learning, and remembrance. Saint James Cathedral has provided that for generations.