St. Joseph's Church and Rectory (Rochester, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and Rectory
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The preserved facade of St. Joseph's Church
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 108 Franklin St., Rochester, New York |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1843-1846 |
| Architect | Jones & Nevins |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate |
| MPS | Inner Loop MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001197 |
| Added to NRHP | May 29, 1975 |
The St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and Rectory was a very old church building and a rectory (a house for priests) in Rochester, New York. It was located at 108 Franklin Street. This important place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Even after a big fire, part of the building's front was saved. It now stands as a special monument in a park.
Contents
Building Style and Design
The church was first built between 1843 and 1846. It was designed in the Greek Revival style. This means it looked simple and grand, like ancient Greek temples. The outside walls were made of gray stone with many arched openings.
Changes Over Time
In 1849, the church was made bigger. It was changed into a cross shape, which is called a cruciform plan. This new design allowed it to hold about a thousand people. The inside of the church was updated again in 1895.
The church also had a tall steeple. The first steeple was added in 1859. Later, in 1909, a new tower was built to replace it. This new tower was designed by an architect named Joseph Oberlies.
The rectory, which was the community house for the church, was built in 1870. It was designed in the Italianate style. This style often includes features like tall, narrow windows and wide overhanging roofs.
A Look at Its History
St. Joseph's Church was very important for German Catholic communities in the area. It was known as the "mother church." This means it was one of the first and most important churches for these groups.
Challenges and Closure
Over time, many new Catholic churches and schools were built nearby. These new places attracted many people who used to go to St. Joseph's. This caused the church to lose members and students. Because of this, the church complex was eventually closed and sold in the 1970s.
The Fire and Preservation
In October 1974, a very serious fire broke out at the church. The fire destroyed most of the building. Only the tall tower and the main walls were left standing. The church could no longer be used after the fire.
However, several groups wanted to save what was left. The Landmark Society of Western New York, a college, city officials, and the original church group all worked together. They decided to save the bell tower and the front part of the church. This saved section was then placed inside a new park. The park was named St. Joseph's Park. The Landmark Society of Western New York completed this special project in 1980.
