THE OFFICE OF RADIO & TELEVISION
Archdiocese of Hartford

Presents

THE HALLOWED HISTORY CONTINUES:

THE INSTALLATION

OF ARCHBISHOP

HENRY J. MANSELL

4^TH ARCHBISHOP OF HARTFORD

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOSEPH
HISTORY

The present cathedral was opened in 1962, replacing a gothic structure that burned in 1956. The new cathedral is noted for its huge expanse of spectacular stained glass windows crafted in Paris, the ceramic tile mural behind the altar that is the largest of its kind in the world, and its majestic Austin pipe organ, the largest church organ in New England. With its walls of breathtaking, faceted stained glass windows, the sturdy U-shaped structure is suggestive of a modern day version of Paris' famous Sainte-Chapelle.

The cathedral seats 1,750 people in an awesome contemporary space including two side chapels. The structure is of reinforced cast concrete sheathed inside and outside with limestone. The tower contains a set of 12 cast bronze bells ranging in weight from 225 lbs. to 3,850 lbs. and is topped with a 25 foot high stainless steel cross. The cathedral is a repository for some outstanding examples of contemporary ecclesiastical art - in stained glass, mosaics, and sculpture in both metal and stone.

Interesting Cathedral Facts:

Overall height to top of cross
Floor to ceiling height
Overall length
Overall width
Ceramic mural behind altar
Stained glass windows
Organ pipes
Gallery organ façade
Choir gallery seating capacity

281 ft.
108 ft.
284 ft.
156 ft.
80 ft. high by 40 ft. wide
67 ft. high by 13 ½ ft. wide each
Over 8,000
50 ft. high by 80 ft. wide
130 singers

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Interesting Cathedral Facts:

Celebrating 50 Years of "Bringing Good News To Life" 1953 - 2003

Celebrating 50 Years of "Bringing Good News To Life"
1953 - 2003