He was named pastor of the Church of the Holy Name in Chicago and had just spent $ 19,000 on renovations when the Great Chicago Fire struck the city on October 8 , 1871 . Every structure McMullen had built in the city was destroyed . Once Father McMullen looked after his parishioners , he and other priests of the diocese traveled across the country and into Canada to raise funds to rebuild Chicago 's churches , and to help the multitudes who were left homeless . He then built the present Holy Name Cathedral , which was consecrated on November 21 , 1875 . In 1877 he was named vicar general by Bishop Thomas Foley . After Bishop Foley 's death he was named administrator of the diocese , and was renamed vicar general after the arrival of Archbishop Patrick Feehan
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
John McMullen (bishop)