Father Benjamin J. Keiley came to Savannah in 1886 with Bishop Thomas A. Becker. As rector, Father Keiley celebrated the first Mass in the rebuilt Cathedral on December 24, 1899. He was appointed seventh Bishop of Savannah and was consecrated on June 3, 1900.

The rebuilt Cathedral was dedicated on October 28, 1900. Bishop Keiley achieved a long-desired wish when he presided over the solemn consecration of the Cathedral in 1920. Concerned about the welfare of African-American Catholics in the Diocese of Savannah, Bishop Keiley entrusted their spiritual care to the Society of African Missions. Bishop Keiley resigned on account of health on February 13, 1922. On March 24, 1922, Pope Pius XI appointed him Titular Bishop of Scillium. Bishop Keiley died on June 17, 1925.