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Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Baltimore Basilica
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"America's First Cathedral"
BasilicaExterior.jpg
The Basilica in 2006.
Location 409 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, Maryland
Country United States
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website americasfirstcathedral.org
History
Dedication Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Consecrated May 31, 1821
Architecture
Status Minor basilica
(also a parish church and co-cathedral)
Functional status Active
Heritage designation NRHP
Designated October 1, 1969
Style Neoclassical
Years built 1806–1821
2006 (restoration/renovation)
Specifications
Number of domes 1
Number of spires 2
Bells 2 (1831)
Administration
Archdiocese Baltimore
Province Baltimore
Clergy
Archbishop William E. Lori
Rector Rev. James Boric
Deacon(s) Robert M. Shephard
Laity
Director of music Michael Repper
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore) is located in Baltimore
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore)
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore) is located in Maryland
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore)
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore) is located in the US
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Baltimore)
Location Baltimore, Maryland
Coordinates 39°17′39.81″N 76°36′58.18″W / 39.2943917°N 76.6161611°W / 39.2943917; -76.6161611Coordinates: 39°17′39.81″N 76°36′58.18″W / 39.2943917°N 76.6161611°W / 39.2943917; -76.6161611
Built 1806-1821
Architect Benjamin H. Latrobe
Architectural style Neoclassical
NRHP Reference # 69000330
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 1, 1969
Designated NHL November 11, 1971

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Baltimore Basilica, was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States, and was among the first major religious buildings constructed in the nation after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. As a co-cathedral, it is one of the seats of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally it is a parish church (ranked minor basilica) and national shrine. It is considered the masterpiece of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the "Father of American Architecture".

The Basilica was constructed between 1806 and 1821 to a design of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America's first professionally trained architect and Thomas Jefferson's Architect of the U.S. Capitol. It was built under the guidance of the first American bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, John Carroll. The Basilica was consecrated on May 31, 1821, by the third Archbishop of Baltimore, Ambrose Maréchal.

Many famous events have occurred within its walls, including the funeral Mass of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Most of the first American bishops were consecrated here to fill the ever-multiplying dioceses necessitated by the young country's territorial expansion and great waves of immigration. Until recent years, more priests were ordained at the Baltimore Basilica than in any other church in the United States.


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