St. Mary's Church, Rochester
Saint Mary鈥檚 Church, located on Saint Mary鈥檚 Place in downtown Rochester, stands as the city鈥檚 oldest Roman Catholic church, established in 1834. Originally housed in a repurposed Methodist building, the parish quickly flourished, leading to the construction of the current church. The cornerstone was blessed in 1853 by Bishop John Timon of Buffalo鈥攜ears before the Diocese of Rochester was established in 1868鈥攁nd the building was dedicated in 1858. Though the original architect remains unknown, the structure reflects the stylistic influences of prominent 19th-century church architects, including Richard Upjohn.
The church's design evolved through the decades. A new brick rectory was added in 1905, and the north tower was completed with a spire and belfry designed by Richard B. Arnold in 1939鈥�1940. That same year, a 10-note Deagan tower chime was installed just in time to play for Christmas services. A severe windstorm in 2017 toppled the aged copper-clad cross atop the spire, which was replaced with a gleaming new gilded cross in 2018. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, both the church and rectory were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Beyond its structural legacy, Saint Mary鈥檚 holds deep cultural and community significance. Among its more colorful historical moments, it hosted the 1873 wedding of ballerina Giuseppina Morlacchi and frontier performer Texas Jack Omohundro. For nearly two centuries, the parish has welcomed generations of worshippers, serving as a spiritual anchor for southeast Rochester. Today, it remains active as part of the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community, alongside Blessed Sacrament and Saint Boniface churches.
Visitors are often struck by the church鈥檚 peaceful atmosphere, luminous stained glass, and magnificent choir. The welcoming spirit of the congregation and the serene environment continue to make Saint Mary鈥檚 a beloved place of reflection and renewal in the heart of the city.
The church's design evolved through the decades. A new brick rectory was added in 1905, and the north tower was completed with a spire and belfry designed by Richard B. Arnold in 1939鈥�1940. That same year, a 10-note Deagan tower chime was installed just in time to play for Christmas services. A severe windstorm in 2017 toppled the aged copper-clad cross atop the spire, which was replaced with a gleaming new gilded cross in 2018. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, both the church and rectory were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Beyond its structural legacy, Saint Mary鈥檚 holds deep cultural and community significance. Among its more colorful historical moments, it hosted the 1873 wedding of ballerina Giuseppina Morlacchi and frontier performer Texas Jack Omohundro. For nearly two centuries, the parish has welcomed generations of worshippers, serving as a spiritual anchor for southeast Rochester. Today, it remains active as part of the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community, alongside Blessed Sacrament and Saint Boniface churches.
Visitors are often struck by the church鈥檚 peaceful atmosphere, luminous stained glass, and magnificent choir. The welcoming spirit of the congregation and the serene environment continue to make Saint Mary鈥檚 a beloved place of reflection and renewal in the heart of the city.
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St. Mary's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Mary's Church
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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