Revered as the “Sistine of the South,” Savannah’s Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is the oldest and largest Roman Catholic church in the southeastern United States. The Rohn team was honored to lead the comprehensive interior and exterior renovation of this historic neo-Gothic cathedral—restoring its sacred beauty while enhancing its function as a vibrant center of Catholic worship.

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Our scope of work included the master planning, design, and execution of liturgical furniture and appointments, a complete lighting and control system, HVAC updates, custom flooring and pews, and both interior and exterior architectural detailing.

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We meticulously designed and restored key elements such as the altar, ambo, tabernacle, ambry, baptismal font, and side altars—incorporating historic symbols, sacred Latin inscriptions, and handcrafted marble from Carrara, Italy. These components reflect the cathedral’s deep spiritual heritage and serve the evolving liturgical needs of the Diocese of Savannah.

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The completed renovation culminated in time for the 150th diocesan anniversary and helped secure the church’s designation as a minor basilica by the Holy See in 2020—recognizing its enduring role as a sacred and cultural landmark.

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Click here to explore the full Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist project and discover the vision behind this monumental restoration.