First cathedral
August 13, 1842 Rev. John Blaise Raho purchases lot between Madison and Jefferson Street for $100. In June 16, 1851 Rev. Alphonse Montouri, C.M., lays cornerstone of the new St. Mary Church on the corner of Eaton (now Bryan) and Jefferson Street, replacing the old small church. July 4, 1852 First services in St. Mary Church are held.
Current Cathedral
In 2016 After nearly two years of outside repairs, a historic restoration of the cathedral is completed by the Daprato-Rigali Studios of Chicago. The church once again features deep colors with a new golden dome, starry sky, various murals, renovated altars and much rediscovered beauty of the Mother-church of the diocese and Peoria landmark.