Cathedral of St. Joseph (Hartford, Connecticut)

First cathedral Pope Gregory XVI in 1843 erected the Diocese of Hartford, encompassing the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Because Providence, Rhode Island had a larger Catholic population, Bishop William Tyler chose to reside there instead of Hartford. After the convent was built, McFarland designated its chapel as the pro-cathedral (temporary cathedral) for the diocese. The interior featured an inlaid ceiling with imported wood, a rotunda lined with gold leaf and 72 stained glass windows. The cathedra was carved from oak and the high altar constructed of marble. The cathedral was decorated with paintings and statues. During the 1930s, the cathedral started settling on its foundation. The archdiocese was forced to stabilize the building in 1938. O'Brien consecrated the carillion bells in 1961 and blessed the tower cross in 1962. Hackett consecrated the completed cathedral on May 15, 1962. It was built for about $10 million. On October 31, 2020, the cathedral hosted the beatification mass for Reverend Michael J. McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882. ==Architecture==

Exterior Eggers & Higgins designed the new Cathedral of St. Joseph with an International style interpretation of the Gothic style, maintaining the verticality of the first cathedral. The present cathedral is high. The cathedral is built of reinforced concrete and covered with smooth, light-gray, coursed limestone. The stone blocks used in the tall spire are cut in a pattern of voids that causes a constant play of light and shadow." A wall of etched glass separates the narthex from the main nave. Created by the Hungarian artist János Hajnal, it depicts the Kingdom of Christ in Earth and heaven. Chapels The cathedral has two main chapels. One main chapel contains a tabernacle and altar and has a mural of Jesus and his disciples. The second main chapel has a mural depicting the Holy Family and contains the baptismal font. The cathedral also contains small chapels made of mosaic with kneelers for worshipers. ==Pipe organs==

The Cathedral of St. Joseph has two pipe organs, both designed by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford. • The rear gallery pipe organ is the largest one in Connecticut. It has four manuals, six divisions, 81 stops, 95 registers, 114 ranks, and 6,878 pipes. ==Images==