1819
Christ Church, the first church in Cincinnati city limits, built on the current site of St. Francis Seraph Church at Vine and Liberty Streets.
1821
The original church moved to Sycamore street on rollers and designated the cathedral of the new Diocese of Cincinnati. It was replaced within five years by a brick church dedicated to St. Peter, with a seminary and high school/college added soon after.
1840
Bishop Purcell planned a new cathedral and asked the Jesuits to take over the parish. Church rededicated to St. Francis Xavier in 1845.
1848
Seminary moved to Price Hill.
1859
Construction began on a new brick church with a sandstone facade designed by architect Louis Picket. First Mass held in 1861.
1882
Fire gutted the interior and destroyed the spire. Samuel Hannaford designed a new bell tower featuring four clock faces, gargoyles and a copper cupola.
1905
Stations of the Cross unveiled on Palm Sunday and blessed by a Franciscan priest.
1920
Xavier University moved to Evanston.
1960
St. Xavier High School moved to Finneytown.
1988
The interior redone, repurposing some original pieces and removing the altar, communion rail and pulpit.
2015
Church undercroft renovated as a Parish Center.
2023
Six-month renovation restored stained glass, paint, plaster and more. Final window restoration finished January 2024.