The present structure came about when the original parish church was burned by members of the anti-Catholic Know Nothings and Native American Party.  Outraged by the arson, the prominent Cooper and Starr families withstood severe criticism from their contemporaries for condemning the bigots and supporting the new construction.

Officially designated as a cathedral in 1937, it is the headquarters of the bishop of the Camden diocese.  It also serves its regular parishioners with masses and sacraments.  Over the years, parishioners have changed from the more affluent to those with greater needs.  The church is well known for its leadership role in fighting drugs and crime. 

Featuring marble altars and intricately beautiful stained glass windows, the cathedral can seat over 500 people.  An outstanding fixture of the cathedral is its massive pipe organ.  Originally manufactured by Hook and Hastings, the organ cost over $6,000 when it was installed in 1926, which incorporated much of the original pipe work.  Patrick J. Murphy & Associates rebuilt the organ again in 1995, once more retaining many of the original pipes.  The organ is world famous for its size and sound.