View of St. Peter's interior from the main doors.
The Basilica's altar and focal point of the church.
An altar and miniature chapel to Mary is located on the right side of the church.
View of St. Peter's interior from the main doors.
Shot taken of St. Peter's Basilica from St. Paul's Cathedral.
Courtesy of the University of Ontario Archives
A SHORT HISTORY OF
ST. PETER’S BASICILICA
St. Peter’s Cathedral is London, Ontario’s oldest surviving Roman Catholic Church, and one of the only basilicas in the region. It was built on the site of London’s first Catholic church called St. Lawrence the Martyr. Construction began on the building in 1851 after St. Lawrence burnt down. It was opened and dedicated on March 7, 1852.
London was made a Diocese in 1856, though there was no bishop to administer the church in London at the time. From 1861-1868 Dominicans ran St. Peter’s. In 1869 the church was given Cathedral status and in the same year a bishop began administering from London.
The cathedral underwent renovations in the 1880’s and St. Peter’s was rebuilt and rededicated on June 28, 1885. Rebuilds were not finished. The Bishop at this time, Bishop Walsh, decided to add additional art to the church. In 1889 Bishop Walsh had seven large stained glass windows added to the church, as well as four clerestory windows, two medallion windows, six chapel windows, lancet windows, and rose windows in the choir loft.
By 1926 it was thought that the church needed additional work. That year more stained glass was donated and others windows were replaced by members of the congregation. New paintings were also donated to decorate the church. The push for continual beautification was due to the 300th anniversary of the first bishop of Upper Canada visiting London.
In 1958 two spires were added to the church, and a dozen bells were placed in the spires to represent the twelve apostles. The bells were dedicated on May 15, 1958. These bells are still rung on the hour and for special occasions. More changes came to St. Peter’s after Vatican II. Firstly, that year the presiding pope, Pope John XXIII named St. Peter’s a minor basilica, which was a big deal for the city. Also at Vatican II there were some changes to the physical structure of the church to get the congregation more involved. Because of these changes, the altar at St. Peter’s was replaced in 1968.
Since then St. Peter’s has undergone minor renovations to help in the upkeep of the basilica. St. Peter’s remains on of London’s finest churches and is still used for major Catholic events.
ST. PETER'S ROMAN CATHOLIC BASILICA
St. Peter's was heavily influenced by the stream of irish immigrants coming to London in the early 20th century. Images of Irish saint's like Patrick began to dominate the church to the point where there was some contention with other cultures.