St Mary Basilica

St. Mary Basilica

St. Mary Basilica, formerly known as St. Mary's Cathedral, is a significant Catholic parish church located in Natchez, Mississippi. It holds the distinction of being a minor basilica, a title bestowed upon it in 1998, and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Sorrows.

History and Significance

The history of St. Mary Basilica is closely tied to the establishment of the Catholic Church in Mississippi. The Diocese of Natchez was erected in 1837, and construction commenced on a new cathedral in 1842. This edifice was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1843, though its completion was a lengthy process, finally concluding in 1882, forty years after its initial construction began. The building was consecrated on September 19, 1886, and it served as the seat of the diocese until 1977. The designation as a minor basilica occurred on September 8, 1998, with a formal dedication ceremony on September 25, 1999. In a notable event in 2007, the remains of Bishop John J. Chanche, S.S., the first Catholic bishop of Mississippi, were reinterred in the churchyard of St. Mary Basilica.

Architectural Features

The architectural design of St. Mary Basilica is attributed to Baltimore architect Robert Cary Long Jr., with James Hardie serving as the supervising architect. The church bears similarities to Long's other contemporary work, the Church of St. Alphonsus in Baltimore. Constructed primarily of brick, the structure stands two stories tall and is built upon a partially raised basement. Its design incorporates a semi-circular apsidal end, ornamental pinnacles, and buttresses. A distinctive feature is the central square tower, which is embedded into the main structure and capped with a spire. This tower also features pinnacles and a recessed Gothic-arched entrance. The basilica retains its original organ, manufactured by H. Pilcher and Sons, dating back to 1882. The building has undergone restoration efforts, particularly after sustaining damage from a tornado.

Recognition and Heritage

St. Mary Basilica holds a place in architectural and historical preservation. In 1979, it was recognized for its historical importance by being listed as a contributing property within the Natchez On-Top-of-the-Hill Historic District, which is itself on the National Register of Historic Places.