Pre-tour Gathering Spot and Check-in
441 Frederick Douglass St, Rochester, NY 14608 – view map
Irish Immigrants founded the Church in 1847, with the first structure erected in 1849. That building destroyed by fire was rebuilt in 1864 in a modified Romanesque style and then expanded in 1872 after another damaging fire. The parish built its first school in 1871. A larger school was erected in 1894, with the present-day structure built in 1926. The parish had about 4000 parishioners each Sunday, and the school had 900 students. Immaculate Conception Church was accepted to the National Register of Monroe County Historical Buildings in 1992
The significant windows on the sides of the Church were from the Tyrolese Glass Art Studio in Austria, installed in 1899. In the 1950s, Pike-Stained Glass Studio created the rose-colored windows at the main entrance.
In 1962, lightning struck the 98-year-old steeple on the Church, making it structurally unsound, and removed. During the 1960s, the Church and pastor were a focal point for anti-war and peaceful protest. Sunday was a gathering spot for thousands.
In 2010 St. Bridget’s and Immaculate Conception Parishes became one worship site. “We are a faith-based Catholic community grounded in the African-American tradition.” All are welcome to join the 10:00 am Sunday worship.
