Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Worcester

Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Worcester has a rich and evolving history that reflects the changing religious landscape of the city. Originally constructed between 1908 and 1911, the church on Belmont Street was designed by the architectural firm Fuller and Delano. Built of granite in the neo-Gothic revival style, the structure was first home to the First Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which had been established in 1881. The church served the Lutheran community until 1948 when the congregation merged with two others to form the new Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1951, the Lutherans relocated to a new building on Lancaster Street, and the Belmont Street church was sold to the Catholic Diocese of Worcester.

Following its purchase, the building was consecrated as Our Lady of Fatima Church in 1950, serving the town’s Catholic community. The parish quickly grew and became a significant center for spiritual education, social meetings, and community projects. By its peak, Our Lady of Fatima gathered approximately 1,500 families. However, the church structure suffered damage over the years due to vibrations from nearby Interstate 290. Major renovations were undertaken in 1999, which included the removal of the bell tower at the southeast corner of the church.

Despite its historical and cultural importance, Our Lady of Fatima Parish was closed in 2009 as part of a diocesan restructuring effort. It was merged with Saint Bernard’s Church to form Our Lady of Providence Parish. The vacant church faced potential demolition, but in 2012, the Diocese sold the building to the Chinese Gospel Church of Massachusetts. This congregation, which had previously worshiped at 21 Belmont Street, also has a church in Southborough and has been serving the Chinese Christian community since the 1980s.

Today, while Our Lady of Fatima Church no longer serves as a Catholic parish, its architectural and historical significance remains an integral part of Worcester’s religious heritage. The granite structure continues to stand as a testament to the city's evolving faith communities and their enduring presence in the region.