The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Four architects contributed to the design of the The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Michael J. O'Connor designed the main part of the building.  Archimedes Russell designed the sanctuary and tower additions.  The adjacent rectory, built in 1913, is by James Randall.  James Curtain added the tapestry in 1958.  The spectacular stained glass windows were commissioned to Messrs. Mayer and Company of Munich, Bavaria in 1884.  In 1998, the Cathedral Prayer Park was constructed to provide a quiet area for visitors to sit and feel relaxed in a natural setting.  The project included landscaping with colorful flowers, grass and vegetation; special restoration work on the Marian Shrine; the construction of a wrought iron fence surrounding the park and the rectory; the installation of accent lighting; and the construction of a ramp to provide handicapped accessibility from the park to the Cathedral office.

As St. Mary's Catholic Church, founded in 1841, grew, the need for more space became obvious.  This new location was chosen for it's obvious centrality.  Four different architects have contributed to the design of the Cathedral.  Michael J. O'Connor designed the main part of the building.  A period of 12 years passed before the church was dedicated and the cornerstone was laid in Novemeber of 1874.  To complete the building the public baths had to be purchased.  The sancturay and tower additions were designed by Archimedes Russell.  The bell tower has never held a bell because the tower would not support the added weight of a 30,00 lb. bell.  Many years later, however, electronic Flemish carillons were installed.  They may be played by manual operation at the organ console or by automatic clock control.  The adjacent rectory was built by in 1913 by James Randall and the added bapistery was completed in 1958.  The spectacular Rose Window, above the entrance to the church facing Columbus Circle, has a cluster of eight highly embellished windows.  These Lancet windows remained hidden from sight for many years by a protective covering for the organ pipes.  They were rediscovered in 1978 when the church was making a restoration of the organ and interior of the building

Mass:

Sundays - 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am; 5:10 pm
Daily - 7:00 am; 7:50 am; 12:10 pm; 5:10 pm
Saturdays - 12:10 pm; Anticipated Mass 5:10 pm