Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
James Cardinal Gibbons
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 23, 2007
1. James Cardinal Gibbons Marker
Inscription.
James Cardinal Gibbons. . At this site, on July 23, 1834, was born America’s first Prince of the Church, James Cardinal Gibbons. Although world-renowned for the influence and profoundness of his thought he was always the parish priest striving for the salvation of souls. This plaque, dedicated to his memory on behalf of the people of Baltimore is erected by Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin, Governor of Maryland 1951–1959, Mayor of Baltimore 1943–1947 1963–1967.
At this site, on July 23, 1834, was born America’s first Prince of the Church,
James Cardinal Gibbons.
Although world-renowned for the influence and profoundness of his thought he was always the parish priest striving for the salvation of souls.
This plaque, dedicated to his memory on behalf of the people of Baltimore
is erected by
Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin,
Governor of Maryland
1951–1959,
Mayor of Baltimore
1943–1947
1963–1967.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1814.
Location. 39° 17.449′ N, 76° 36.552′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Gay Street and Fayette Street. Marker is behind urn across from the War Memorial Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding James Cardinal Gibbons. The Roman Catholic Archbishop (1834–1921), champion of the American labor movement, was named Cardinal on June 7, 1886. Cardinal Gibbons went on to become the first chancellor of the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.
He was the 2nd, not 1st, Cardinal from the U.S.; the 1st was John McCloskey, Archbishop of New York.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, April 30, 2008
2. James Cardinal Gibbons Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 27, 2015
3. James Cardinal Gibbons
Medallion by Joseph Maxwell Miller, 1919
Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2015
4. Jacobvs Cardinalis Gibbons Baltimorensis Archieposcopvs Ætatis Suæ 70 Anno dom 1904
This 1904 portrait of James Gibbons by Theobald Chartran hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
“Ordained a Catholic priest in 1861 and made a cardinal in 1887, James Gibbons was one of the most influential clerics of his day. While ‘he reigned in Baltimore like a king,’ a British admirer once wrote, ‘he met every men like a comrade.’ Gibbons's success in preventing papal condemnation of Catholic laborers participating In the Knights of Labor's struggle for improved working conditions was characteristic of his commitment to the working man. He was also instrumental in maintaining unity in an increasingly diverse American Catholic Church by promoting the acculturation of its foreign-born membership. A friend to several presidents, Gibbons was often called on for counsel on issues ranging from tariff policy to the acquisition of the Philippines. French artist Theobald Chartran's portrait of Gibbons captures the warmth that accounted in large part for his wide influence.” — National Portrait Gallery
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,013 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on October 29, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1. submitted on September 24, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 30, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 1, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.