History and architecture
St. Michael's Chapel of Old St. Patrick's Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1858-59 as a chancery office and was designed by James Renwick, Jr., in association with William Rodrigue. It is one of several buildings in the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral complex--the others are the cathedral itself and the convent,girls' school, both designated New York City Landmarks, and the rectory.
Calvary Cemetery, which originally served St. Peter's Church on Barclay Street,surrounds the chapel and the cathedral.
Although the Roman Catholic Church was formally established in New York City with the founding of St. Peter's Church in 1785, New York did not become a separate diocese until 1808. The cornerstone of St. Patrick's, the seat of the new diocese, was laid the following year. Dedicated in 1815, the new church was designed by Joseph Francois Mangin, one of the architects of City Hall.
It is the earliest Gothic style church still standing in Manhattan. In 1817, St. Patrick's was incorporated as a congregation separate from St. Pater's Church.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.