John Joseph Williams

John Joseph Williams (April 27, 1822 - August 30, 1907) was an American Roman Catholic prelate and the first Archbishop of Boston (4th Bishop).

He was born in Boston, and educated at the Sulpician College in Montreal and at the St Sulpice's seminary in Paris. After his ordination, he became assistant at Boston's Cathedral of the Holy Cross in 1845, and rector in 1855.

In 1857 he took charge of St. James's parish, and in 1866 became Bishop of Boston. His title was changed to Archbishop in 1875, when the see was raised to metropolitan dignity. Archbishop Williams High School is named after him.

In 1866 he took over the position of Archbishop at The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston,after the death of Bishop Fitzpatrick. Ground was broken for the new, larger Cathedral on April 29, 1866. The rites of dedication were performed in December 1875 by Archbishop J. J.Williams, Boston's first archbishop. His Jubilee celebration was sung by The Sanctuary Choir of the Cathedral in Boston May 17 1895 and the book containing the music sung was Published by G. De La Motte in 1895, the mass was sung in latin.

*