John McCloskey; Shepherd of Exiles 
The majority of Bishop McCloskey’s immigrant Irish flock came to America from Ireland during the harrowing Potato Famine. Being poor and uneducated, they became the object of much ridicule and scorn from the Yankees establishment. The “Know Nothing Movement” at the time was strong in its attacks on immigrants, especially Catholics. Bishop McCloskey realized that his first task was to help Catholics take their rightful place in their new country. One way for this to be done was by building a great cathedral of which all could be proud. Bishop McCloskey commissioned a young Irish architect; Patrick Charles Keely, ( 1816 – 1896) of Brooklyn, New York to design and build Albany’s cathedral. Keely emigrated to New York in 1842 at age 25. 

Dedicated November 21, 1852 
Bishop McCloskey of Albany and Bishop John Hughes of New York laid the cornerstone of the Cathedral on July 2, 1848 with over ten thousand people watching in the rain. Bishop McCloskey campaigned throughout the United States and the world for funds to build this cathedral. The Cathedral was built for $250,000. 
($6,000,000.00 in 2002 dollars). 

In just five years the nave and towers of the Cathedral were built by an immigrant work force, which included many volunteers. The Cathedral was dedicated by Bishop McCloskey, Archbishop John Hughes of New York and other major church leaders, on November 21, 1852. 

When the Cathedral doors opened to the public in 1852, the structure was somewhat different than it looks today. The Cathedral's trademark spires had not yet risen above the north and south towers. The Cathedral's western wall stood where the present altar now stands and the Lady Window was set over the altar. The magnificent ornate plasterwork, faux stone walls, carved ribs, ceiling bosses, vaulting and statuary dates from the original construction.

Construction of the Cathedral Spires 
The Cathedral’s graceful north and south spires were built approximately twenty – five years apart. The north tower spire was completed in 1862. The Cathedral’s south tower spire was constructed in 1888. 

The Cathedral’s bells were blessed by Bishop McCloskey on November 16, 1862. They were placed in the north tower and rang for the first time on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1862. The bells were cast in West Troy (Watervliet), New York in the legendary Meneely Bell Foundry. 

The historic clock in the north tower, originally kept time in the First Church in Albany Reformed on North Pearl Street. The clock was made in 1801 by John Thwaite of Clerkwell, England. It was removed from the First Church when its two steeples were remodeled in the 1850s. 

Later additions: 
Between 1891 and 1892, during the reign of Bishop Francis McNierney, the apse and adjoining sacristies were were added, completing the Cathedral structure. On November 16, 1902 marking the fiftieth anniversary of its dedication, the Cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Thomas M. A. Burke. 

The Cathedral through the 20th Century 
Throughout the twentieth century until the mid 1960s, the Cathedral served as a parish church to some 3,000 households. The Cathedral served as the parish church to Governor Alfred E. Smith. His daughter Catherine was married here in 1928. The Cathedral has witnessed many historic events: the consecration of bishops, the ordination of priests, deacons, the visits of Cardinals, the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend Michael Ramsey. 

In the mid 1960s the construction of the Empire State Plaza reduced the parish congregation to about three hundred households, threatening the very existence of the Cathedral itself. Due to the vision and foresight of Albany’s seventh bishop, The Most Reverened William A. Scully and Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, the Cathedral was not razed. The Most Reverend Edwin B. Broderick, the eighth Bishop of Albany was the first to propose a major restoration of the Cathedral. In 1977 the Rev. Howard J. Hubbard became the ninth Bishop of Albany. Bishop Hubbard was the first native of the Albany Diocese to become Bishop of Albany.

Portal 
In 1986 the Cathedral became the site of the first ever service of forgiveness between Christians and Jews on Palm Sunday 1986. This event is commemorated by the sculpture "Portal" which is located outside the Cathedral just west of the sanctuary. 

Restoration & Renewal 
Under the leadership of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is today undergoing a major process of restoration and renewal. The very stones that Bishop McCloskey's immigrant flock placed on the building have deteriorated over 150 years of wear and tear. The old, flaking stone is being replaced by new sandstone imported from England. A new rolled lead roof, the only one of its kind at present in America, is being installed. You might say the roof is the modern version of what was used in medieval times. The new stone and state of the art roof will ensure that the Cathedral will stand for many generations to come. 

The spacious interior of the Cathedral will be repaired and renewed to enhance its inherent artistic beauty. Interior enhancements will feature improved seating, lighting, a new floor, and climate control. While respecting the sacred heritage of the past, the grand interior space will be renovated to bring new vitality to the Cathedral's role as the center of Diocesan liturgy and community celebration. 

On behalf of the Cathedral Parish Family, I thank you for visiting and pray that you will keep us, our Bishop and this historic edifice the, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in your prayers.