The Cathedral of
St. John the Baptist
Savannah is known as a Celtic town -- especially Irish. The city's St. Patrick's Day celebration, arguably touted as the second largest in the USA, is centered around the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Inside the cathedral a gilt Celtic knot adorns the bottom of the 8,000 pound marble baptismal font and in the main foyer St. Patrick stands watch.
Savannah's first parish was started in 1789 by French Catholic emigres fleeing rebellions in Haiti and the France.
The French-Gothic cathedral was dedicated in 1876. Columns of bronze-colored iron held triple rows of groined arches and the alter crafted of white Italian marble.
On a winter evening in 1898 fire ravaged the cathedral. As thousands of Savannah residents watched the church was gutted leaving only the two spires and the outside walls. City firefighters, engaged in battling a fire on River Street wharves had no apparatus available to respond. By the time hose wagons arrived the cities water pressure was to low to be effective.
After two years of reconstruction the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was rededicated on October 28, 1900. Innsbruck, Austria glassmakers remade the stained glass window, only two that light the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel are original.
Savannah artist, Christopher Murphy directed a group of artist in repainting of the murals and the completely refurbished cathedral was formally reopened in May 1912.
The latest renovation started in 1998 and was a major face lift on the century old building. The slate roof was replaced and the fifty stained glass windows were removed and restored. The 11 million dollar project was completed in November 2000 in time for the 100th anniversary of the cathedral.
Today brides from around the South come to Savannah to be married. Either bride of groom must be Catholic to use the church. Still, the cathedral is booked for multiple weddings, especially on Saturdays.
With Savannah's large population of Irish-Americans, the cathedral has become the centerpoint for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The St. Patrick's Day Mass is the first event of the holiday. Afterward the Hibernians walk the few blocks to Forsyth Park and the start of the parade.
In the heart of the historic district is the twin spires of the cathedral tower above beautiful Lafayette Square, an area of good Celtic company.
Some have come to call home-lined park in the French named section of the city the Celtic Square since most of the adjacent buildings are named after people of that heritage; The Hamilton-Turner House, the home of Scottish cotton merchant Andrew Low, short story writer Flannery O'Connor's childhood home and the home of native Scot and of the commander of Civil War era Fort McAllister, Major John B. Gallie now know as the Suites on Lafayette.
Lafayette Square lies along the trace of the 1779 fortifications built by the British during the American Revolution. Within it's bounds are moss draped trees, a nineteenth-century fountain and sundial, wide grassy lawns and shaded walks.
For those who cannot secure the cathedral, the square becomes an outdoor sanctuary and reception spot. For brides who can, their wedding day becomes a beautiful memory for themselves as well as their guests.
For more information on the Cathedral of St John the Baptist visit their website or contact the church office at 912-233-4709
