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The Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester stands as a vibrant spiritual and cultural landmark shaped by over two centuries of faith, social action, and architectural evolution. Formed in 1974 through the merger of three historic congregations鈥擣irst, Brick, and Central Presbyterian鈥攖he church represents a legacy of deep community involvement and progressive vision. Its current home, originally constructed in 1860 in the Early Romanesque Revival style by architect Andrew Jackson Warner, was later redesigned by his son, J. Foster Warner, in the Lombard Romanesque tradition. The complex includes the restored sanctuary, the Brick Church Institute (1909鈥�1910), and Taylor Chapel (1941), and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

The church鈥檚 history traces back to 1815 when Hannah Scrantom and Julia Wheelock began holding services in the nascent village of Rochesterville. From the First Presbyterian Church sprang several congregations that helped shape Rochester's religious and civic life, including Bethel and Second Presbyterian Churches, later known as Central and Brick.

Beyond its architectural and institutional significance, Downtown Church has long stood at the forefront of social justice. It hosted one of the first worship radio broadcasts in 1930 and helped develop nationally recognized arts programming such as the Religious Arts Festival and Katie鈥檚 House, a pioneering children's TV show.

Today, the Downtown United Presbyterian Church remains a living expression of its founding values. Its complex continues to serve as a hub for collaboration, including shared space with Spiritus Christi Church, while honoring its long-standing commitment to faith, creativity, and radical hospitality.

Saint Luke and Saint Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church鈥攁ffectionately called 鈥淭wo Saints鈥濃�攊s the oldest church still in use in Rochester. Located on South Fitzhugh Street in the heart of downtown, the church was originally built in 1824 for the Saint Luke鈥檚 congregation, co-founded by city namesake Nathaniel Rochester. The Gothic Revival building, now protected as a historic landmark on local, state, and national registers, has remained a steadfast presence in the city鈥檚 spiritual and architectural landscape. In 1988, Saint Luke鈥檚 merged with the congregation of Saint Simon Cyrene, creating the unified and dynamic parish known today.

Two Saints is now a diverse and welcoming Episcopal community, part of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and the global Anglican Communion. With a progressive spirit, the parish fosters spiritual growth through worship, education, and a deep commitment to social outreach. It draws strength from its inclusivity and seeks to cultivate compassion, justice, and unity among its members and the wider public. The congregation values forgiveness, celebrates diversity, and strives to honor all of God鈥檚 creation in its daily walk of faith.

The church鈥檚 ministry extends far beyond Sunday services. Its calendar is filled with programs and events that build connection and reflection鈥擝ible studies, music performances, and community meals such as the Lenten Fish Fry. The congregation observes the liturgical seasons with intention, encouraging practices like prayer and self-reflection during Lent as a journey of preparation rather than punishment. At its heart, Two Saints is a place of welcome, service, and shared purpose鈥攁 spiritual home rooted in tradition and alive with mission.

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 First Universalist Church of Rochester, located on South Clinton Avenue, stands as both a historic landmark and an active spiritual center. Founded in 1819 and affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association, it is one of two Unitarian Universalist congregations in Monroe County.

The current building was constructed between September 1907 and October 1908, designed by celebrated architect Claude Fayette Bragdon in the Romanesque Revival style, with influences drawn from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Its unified proportions, brickwork accented by stone and ceramic tile, and striking central tower crowned by a pyramidal lantern have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.

Inside, the church houses a rare, fully preserved Hope-Jones organ known for its resonant, lush sound鈥攁n exceptional instrument from a largely lost lineage. Despite roof damage sustained in 2019, repairs have restored the structure鈥檚 architectural integrity. The building remains largely unchanged since its dedication, with the Library of Congress praising its harmony in color and design.

Beyond its architectural and musical heritage, the church maintains a vibrant presence in Rochester鈥檚 cultural and civic life. It offers hybrid worship services, faith development programs, drop-in discussions, social justice initiatives, and a robust small-group ministry. A regularly stocked Little Free Library extends its community outreach, providing free books and essentials to anyone in need.

The church also partners with the Eastman Community Music School to host free weekly concerts, showcasing top musicians from Eastman and ECMS. Through this blend of spiritual depth, historical preservation, and civic engagement, the First Universalist Church continues to serve as a beacon of inclusive faith and cultural vitality in downtown Rochester.

Christ Church, located on East Avenue in Rochester, stands as both a spiritual and architectural landmark. Constructed between 1883 and 1894, the church was designed by the prominent architect Robert Gibson in the Gothic Revival style. Built from rock-faced red Albion sandstone, the structure features distinctive elements such as flying buttresses, a polygonal apse, and a soaring bell tower with pinnacles and a stair turret. The attached Ferris House, completed in 1924, adds a multi-purpose facility with meeting halls, a gymnasium, and classroom spaces. Christ Church is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Eastman Historic District.

The church鈥檚 basilica-style interior offers a dramatic setting for worship, filled with light filtered through its clerestory windows. Music plays a central role in its liturgical life, highlighted by the celebrated Craighead-Saunders organ, an internationally acclaimed instrument crafted specifically for this space. The choir and frequent concerts, including collaborations with the Eastman School of Music, further elevate the church鈥檚 reputation as a cultural hub.

Far more than a historical monument, Christ Church is an active parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. Its community is committed to worship, study, and outreach, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. The church promotes inclusion and hospitality, inviting all to the communion table and offering a wide range of ministries that reflect both spiritual and practical care鈥攚hether delivering hot meals, providing pastoral support, or nurturing conversation and faith formation.

Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.

Our Lady of Victory鈥揝aint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, nestled in downtown Rochester, is a cherished historic landmark with deep cultural and architectural roots. Designed by esteemed architect Andrew Jackson Warner, the church was completed in 1868 in the French Romanesque Revival style. Its distinctive features include a cruciform brick layout, twin slender towers capped with concave roofs, a recessed entry framed by a one-story extension, and a prominent semi-circular stained-glass window. Often affectionately called the "Little French Church," it was originally founded in 1848 by French and Belgian Catholic immigrants.

The church's interior reflects the same level of craftsmanship as its exterior. The central altar is flanked by candlelit niches and religious statuary, while the decorated ceiling adds to the sanctuary鈥檚 solemn beauty. In 1975, following a devastating fire at Saint Joseph鈥檚 Church, the two congregations merged, forming the present-day Our Lady of Victory鈥揝aint Joseph鈥檚 Church. The building was officially recognized for its historic significance with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

Today, the church continues its longstanding commitment to traditional Catholic worship. Masses feature Latin chant, classic hymns, and choral music drawn from over five centuries of sacred repertoire. In honor of its Patroness, services often begin with a Marian Antiphon or the Ave Maria, sung in plainchant or polyphonic settings. The parish also remains actively involved in preserving its historic sanctuary, with ongoing restoration efforts supported by community donations.