Even though the purchase of the land occurred in 1843, and the permission was given to Father Forestal to build in 1844, the cornerstone was not laid until September 28, 1845 because of the nativist riots in the city in 1844. It was these riots, focused primarily at but not limited to Catholics of Irish origin that saw the burning of Catholic churches in the area. These riots did not touch the Frankford area, and the building of the new Catholic Church was underway. The blessing and laying of the cornerstone was officiated by the Rt. Rev. Célestine de la Hailandière, Bishop of Vincennes, Indiana, with Bishop Kenrick in attendance.