Immigrants fleeing turmoil in Haiti and France established Savannah's first parish in the late 1700's. In 1873 a new structure was built to accommodate the growing Catholic congregation. In 1876 the new French Gothic style cathedral was dedicated, suitably soaring and ornate, with four side altars of white Italian marble. An 1898 fire destroyed all of the cathedral but the spires and the outside walls. The rebuilt cathedral was dedicated in 1900. It was another 13 years before the extensive decoration and artwork was completed. A major restoration project began in 1998 which involved the removal, cleaning, and re-leading of over 50 stained glass windows, the replacement of the slate roof, and the restoration of the interior in keeping with the architectural integrity of the building.
