St. John's Catholic Church, Worcester
Saint John's Catholic Church holds the distinction of being the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Worcester, and the oldest in New England outside of Boston. It was a spiritual home for the Irish immigrants who came to the Worcester area in the 1820s to build railroads and the Blackstone Canal.
The current church was constructed and dedicated in 1846. Its design resembles that of a Baptist or Puritan church, which may cause some visitors to mistake it for a Protestant building. The church's exterior has remained largely unchanged since its completion, with brick walls and a steeple that has been in place since 1951. This historical structure was recognized for its significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1980.
Inside, the church's walls have been repainted several times, most recently in 2005. The sanctuary is a testament to traditional Roman Catholic architecture, featuring a high altar at the center, with the Blessed Sacrament housed in the original Romanesque Tridentine Mass altar. The layout includes a pulpit to the left and the presider's chair to the right.
Devotional shrines, such as one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enhance the spiritual ambiance. Additionally, statues of saints like Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Theresa often grace the church, while the baptistry dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is prominently positioned on the right.
The current church was constructed and dedicated in 1846. Its design resembles that of a Baptist or Puritan church, which may cause some visitors to mistake it for a Protestant building. The church's exterior has remained largely unchanged since its completion, with brick walls and a steeple that has been in place since 1951. This historical structure was recognized for its significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 1980.
Inside, the church's walls have been repainted several times, most recently in 2005. The sanctuary is a testament to traditional Roman Catholic architecture, featuring a high altar at the center, with the Blessed Sacrament housed in the original Romanesque Tridentine Mass altar. The layout includes a pulpit to the left and the presider's chair to the right.
Devotional shrines, such as one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enhance the spiritual ambiance. Additionally, statues of saints like Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Theresa often grace the church, while the baptistry dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is prominently positioned on the right.
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St. John's Catholic Church on Map
Sight Name: St. John's Catholic Church
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Worcester, USA (See walking tours in Worcester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Worcester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canal District Walking Tour
The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester鈥檚 industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Worcester Introduction Walking Tour
Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Worcester Architectural Jewels
In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles