North Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
St. Mary's Cathedral Chapel and Diocesan House
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 3, 2015
1. St. Mary's Cathedral Chapel and Diocesan House Marker
St. Mary's Cathedral Chapel and Diocesan House
The church was founded on this site as an Episcopal Mission in 1857 and consecrated on Ascension Day in 1858 by James Otey, the first Bishop of Tennessee. It was designated as the Diocesan Cathedral in 1871 and since 1983 has been the see of the Diocese of West Tenn. The chapel was built in 1887 for the Sisters of St. Mary who established St. Mary's School for Girls here in 1873. The Disocesan House was built in 1902. Construction began in 1898 and was completed in 1926.
St. Mary's Cathedral
This church served as a spiritual and relief center during the 1870's Yellow Fever epidemics when 4 sisters, 2 priests and many lay people gave their lives. They are remembered annually as Martyrs of Memphis. During Civil Rights conflicts in 1968 ministers of all faiths gathered here before processing to City Hall to seek a peaceful resolution.
Erected 1993 by St. Mary's Cathedral and the Shelby County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 35° 8.797′ N, 90° 2.212′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in North Memphis. Marker is at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Collins Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodruff - Fontaine House (about 800 feet away); Mallory-Neely House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Luke Edward Wright (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christian Brothers College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lowenstein Mansion (approx. ¼ mile away); New Winchester Burying Ground (approx. 0.4 miles away); Winchester Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . . St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral - Memphis, Tennessee. (Submitted on September 4, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 3, 2015
2. St. Mary's Cathedral Chapel and Diocesan House Marker
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 3, 2015
3. St. Mary's Cathedral Chapel and Diocesan House
4. "Original church building, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis"- St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
From Wikicommons
Photographed By Gary Bridgman, 2007
5. Sisters of St. Mary Window, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 4, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
