Paterson in Passaic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

St. John's Cathedral

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 15, 2023

1. St. John's Cathedral Marker

Inscription. In 1821, industrialist Roswell Colt donated plots of land from the Society for Useful Manufacturers to the growing community on which to build a church to all the religious denominations in the city. The first St. John's Church was built on this tract in 1821 on the corners of Market and Mill Streets, the second built in 1836 on Oliver Street, and in 1865 plans for a grand cathedral began. With the guidance of the famed Dean William McNulty, the congregation hired Irish-American architect and prominent cathedral builder, Patrick Charles Keely. The brownstone used during the construction was quarried in Little Falls and brought to Paterson on the Morris Canal. In the manner of medieval cathedrals. St. John's was bullt primarily by volunteer work. by members of the parish. Although dedicated in 1870, the finishing touches of the Cathedral were complete in 1890.

Erected 2015 by Paterson Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 40° 54.756′ N, 74° 10.346′ W. Marker is in Paterson, New Jersey, in Passaic County. It is on Grand Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 381 Grand Street, Paterson NJ 07505, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

in Greater Newark,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paterson Diocese Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas H. McLaughlin S.T.D., L.L.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); Most Rev. Thomas H. McLaughlin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hinchcliffe Altar Piece (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Passaic County Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); The William J. Bate Memorial Court House Plaza (about 500 feet away); Passaic County Court House (about 500 feet away); United States Custom House & Post Office (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paterson.

Regarding St. John's Cathedral. "Cathedral" used herein, but Paterson was not the seat of a (Roman Catholic) diocese until 1937.
This is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Wikipedia article on Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Paterson, New Jersey) says "The cathedral was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977."

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 15, 2023

2. St. John's Cathedral Marker

A more-distant view, with Grand Street behind the camera,

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 15, 2023

3. St. John's Cathedral Marker

This is around the corner, heading north on Main Street. Dean (William) McNulty is named on the marker, and referred to in:
Dean William McNulty | Passaic County Historical Society https://lambertcastle.org/dean-william-mcnulty/

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 15, 2023

4. St. John's Cathedral Marker

This is at foot of Dean McNulty statue of last previous photograph, and the Contributor did find reference to Dean William McNulty here upon zoom-in. However, the complete inscription cannot now be provided.

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., July 15, 2023

5. St. John's Cathedral Marker

This is to the north of the Dean McNulty statue. Bishop McLaughlin is not named on the marker, but was 1st bishop of this diocese as this church became a Cathedral. The Most Reverend
Thomas H. McLaughlin, STD, LLD
1881-1947
First Bishop of Paterson
1937-1947

St. John's Church, now Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Souvenir Postcard Company, circa 1910

6. St. John's Church, now Cathedral

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. This page has been viewed 627 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 27, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. 6. submitted on August 7, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.