Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Discover the intriguing history and architectural marvel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington, Vermont. This historic site, once the cathedral church of the Catholic Diocese of Burlington, offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural evolution of the area. Located at 20 Pine Street, the cathedral has seen significant transformations since its inception, reflecting the dynamic history of the community it served.

The Origins of the Parish

The story of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception begins in 1830 with the establishment of the St. Mary's parish. The original parish church, built in 1841, became a pro-cathedral when the Diocese of Burlington was founded in 1852. This marked the beginning of a long and storied history for the site, which would eventually become the focal point of Catholic worship in the region.

The 1867 Cathedral

Construction of the first Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception began in 1862 and continued until 1867, despite delays caused by the American Civil War. Designed by the prominent Brooklyn architect Patrick Keely, the Gothic Revival cathedral was constructed using locally quarried redstone, marble, slate, and limestone. It was the first Catholic church in New England designed, built, and dedicated as a cathedral.

Consecrated on December 8, 1867, by Bishop Louis de Goesbriand, the cathedral initially lacked a completed tower. This was rectified in 1904 under Bishop John Michaud, who also commissioned a 14-foot statue of Notre Dame de Lourdes to adorn the spire. The cathedral underwent several renovations over the years, including a major interior overhaul in 1949 in preparation for the diocesan centennial.

Tragically, the 1867 cathedral was destroyed by arson on March 13, 1972. The fire caused the bell tower to collapse, and the building was reduced to ruins. The perpetrator, Timothy Austin, was later found to be insane and was sent for treatment.

The 1977 Cathedral

In the aftermath of the fire, a new cathedral was designed by New York City architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. Completed in 1977, the modern sanctuary features a unique five-sided design with low brick walls in bands of green and dark brown, all capped by a high copper roof. The interior boasts a stunning Great Cross stained glass window by Robert Sowers and ten semi-circular windows in the apse designed by David Wilson.

The cathedral's park-like setting was designed by Vermont landscape architect Dan Kiley. The property features 123 uniformly spaced locust trees arranged in a grid pattern, creating a serene oasis in the midst of the urban environment. A free-standing steel bell tower houses the 4,500-pound bell rescued from the ruins of the old cathedral.

The new cathedral was dedicated on May 26, 1977, by Bishop John Marshall. It featured a pipe organ built by Casavant Frères of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, installed in 1980. The organ, with its 1,000 pipes, added a majestic musical dimension to the cathedral's services.

Decline and Closure

Despite its grandeur, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception faced challenges as urban renewal projects altered the surrounding neighborhoods. By 1999, Saint Joseph Church in Burlington was named the co-cathedral for the diocese. Declining attendance and financial difficulties led to the merging of the two cathedrals in 2017. By then, the number of parishioners at Immaculate Conception had dwindled to fewer than 100.

In April 2018, the cathedral lost its status and was relegated to secular use. The property was listed for sale, and the last Mass was celebrated on December 8, 2018. In December 2021, the diocese applied for a permit to demolish the building, which was issued in early 2023.

Visiting the Site

While the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception no longer serves as a place of worship, its grounds remain a poignant reminder of its historical significance. Visitors can explore the park-like setting designed by Dan Kiley, with its geometric lawn panels and grid of locust trees providing a tranquil escape in the heart of Burlington.

The story of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of resilience and transformation. From its Gothic Revival origins to its modern incarnation, the cathedral has been a cornerstone of the Catholic community in Burlington. Though the building may soon be gone, its legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with those who visit this historic site.