Cathedral of Saint Paul (Worcester, Massachusetts) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Paul
Cathedral of Saint Paul in 2025
Location in Massachusetts
42°15′42″N 71°48′15″W / 42.2616°N 71.8043°W / 42.2616; -71.8043
Location	38 Chatham St. Worcester, Massachusetts
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic Church
History
Founded	1869
Architecture
Architect(s)	E. Boyden & Son
Style	Gothic Revival
Completed	1874
Specifications
Length	168 feet (51 m)
Width	91 feet (28 m)
Height	96 feet (29 m)
Number of floors	2
Spire height	145 feet (44 m)
Materials	Granite, wood
Administration
Diocese	Worcester

The Cathedral of Saint Paul, also called Saint Paul's Cathedral, is a very important church. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester. You can find it in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, at 38 Chatham Street. This beautiful church was built a long time ago, between 1868 and 1889. It's a great example of Victorian Gothic style, which means it looks like old European churches. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 because of its historical importance.

What Does the Cathedral Look Like?
- Outside Features
History of Saint Paul's Cathedral
Images for kids
More to Explore
See also

What Does the Cathedral Look Like?

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is in downtown Worcester. It faces north on Chatham Street. This large church is made from rough granite blocks. It has a cross shape when viewed from above.

Outside Features

The front of the church has a tall square tower on the right. In the middle is the main part of the church with a pointed roof. On the left, there's a smaller square tower with a round turret on top. You can enter the church through the base of the large tower. There are also entrances in front of the main part of the church. These entrances have tall, pointed arches. The main roof is very steep. A cross sits at the front of the pointed roof. The church also has tall, pointed windows in its gables.

History of Saint Paul's Cathedral

The story of Saint Paul's began in 1866. A priest named John Power started the parish. The church was designed by architects E. Boyden & Son. Construction started in the spring of 1868.

Building the Church

The first church services were held in the basement in 1869. The main part of the church, except for the tallest tower, was finished by 1874. That's when the church was officially dedicated. The building is about 168 feet (51 m) long. It is about 91 feet (28 m) wide. The church stands about 96 feet (29 m) tall.

Becoming a Cathedral

In 1950, something special happened. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester was created. Because of this, Saint Paul's Church became a cathedral. Bishop John Joseph Wright made it the main church for the diocese on March 7, 1950.

Special Features Outside

There is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi in a small garden next to the church. During the Christmas season, the church also sets up its Nativity scene here.