This is in marked contrast to a case in New York involving Rev. Anthony Kohlmann some twenty-five years previous. In July 1855, O'Neil went to East Bridgeport and was succeeded at St. Peter's by Rev. T.F. Hendricken. Hendricken hired Patrick Keely to design a new, larger church. On July 5, 1857, the parish laid the cornerstone for a new church, in the Gothic style. Built of red brick, with a tall spire, it stood on East Main Street. It was dedicated by Bishop McFarland, and renamed in honor of the Immaculate Conception, the first church in the United States to bear that title since the 1854 decree. The old church became St. Mary's school in 1863. In 1869 he persuaded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal to come to the parish, where they established Notre Dame Academy, a day and boarding school for girls. He also purchased land for St. Joseph's Cemetery. In 1872, Hendricken was named Bishop of Providence. Since the 1990s the former Trinity Episcopal Church on Prospect St. was used as a parish center. Due to structural problems, the building was demolished in 2018. Some of the stained glass and altars from the church were removed and given to other churches in Connecticut. Current church Ground was broken for the current church in 1924 and it was dedicated May 20, 1928 by Bishop John Joseph Nilan. It was designed by the Boston firm of Maginnis & Walsh and cost US$1.25 million to construct. Its Italian Renaissance design is based on the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome On February 9, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the title of Minor Basilica on the church. Organ The Austin Organ Company, based in Hartford, Connecticut, constructed the pipe organ in the Basilica. Its four divisions are located behind decorative wood panels flanking the gallery. The instrument was built in 1928 and has received modifications over the years including a new console in 1970 and some restoration work by the Foley Baker Company in 1980. The organ is Austin Opus 1522 with 3 manuals and 27 ranks. The parish has engaged the Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut to complete a restoration of the instrument in 2013. References External links Official website Archdiocese of Hartford website Roman Catholic churches in Connecticut Waterbury Immaculate Conception, Waterbury Churches in New Haven County, Connecticut Buildings and structures in Waterbury, Connecticut Roman