Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. John Cathedral
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
1. St. John Cathedral Marker
On May 31, 1889, St. John Gualbert's parish experienced not only a great loss, but also a nearly miraculous rescue. The church itself burned down in the midst of the floodwaters, having caught fire when the burning Wolfe residence crashed into it. However, in the nearby convent, the nine Sisters of Charity had retreated to a small second-floor chapel when the wave struck. The raging water tore away two-thirds of the building, but the chapel corner remained intact, and all the nuns were rescued the next morning.
The present church, a block from the original site, was completed in 1896 and is one of Johnstown's earliest examples of the use of structural steel in building.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1839.
Location. 40° 19.517′ N, 78° 54.926′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It is at the intersection of Clinton Street and Locust Street, on the right when traveling north on Clinton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 Clinton Street, Johnstown PA 15901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sgt. John T. Boxler (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Greater Johnstown Flood Victims
this page online
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
2. St. John Cathedral and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
3. St. John Cathedral and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
4. St. John Cathedral Marker Photos
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,566 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
