St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Newark
Saint John's Roman Catholic Church, located on Mulberry Street in Newark, is a historic site rich in cultural and religious significance. Established within the Archdiocese of Newark, it stands as the third-oldest Catholic church in the state and the first to be built in Newark, serving as a pioneering institution for the Catholic community in northern New Jersey.
The foundation of Saint John's Church dates back to 1826 when its congregation first convened in the basement of Charles Durning's home, amidst a backdrop of anti-Catholic sentiment in the area. The construction of the Morris Canal and the rise of factories brought many Irish workers to Newark, increasing the need for a dedicated place of worship. The church was completed in 1828, overcoming financial hurdles that nearly resulted in its sale.
Saint John’s underwent several enlargements and renovations throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, which included the integration of the original structure’s walls into newer additions. Notably, it was the first church in Newark to introduce chimes in 1859, enhancing its community presence.
Today, Saint John's is not only a place of worship but also a vital community resource. It runs a soup kitchen, a women’s shelter, and an art gallery for children, earning it the nickname "the people's church" due to its extensive services and outreach to the less fortunate.
The church's historical and architectural significance was recognized in 1972 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. As the oldest Roman Catholic church in Newark and a foundational institution for Catholics in the state, Saint John’s continues to be a beacon of faith, service, and community solidarity.
The foundation of Saint John's Church dates back to 1826 when its congregation first convened in the basement of Charles Durning's home, amidst a backdrop of anti-Catholic sentiment in the area. The construction of the Morris Canal and the rise of factories brought many Irish workers to Newark, increasing the need for a dedicated place of worship. The church was completed in 1828, overcoming financial hurdles that nearly resulted in its sale.
Saint John’s underwent several enlargements and renovations throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, which included the integration of the original structure’s walls into newer additions. Notably, it was the first church in Newark to introduce chimes in 1859, enhancing its community presence.
Today, Saint John's is not only a place of worship but also a vital community resource. It runs a soup kitchen, a women’s shelter, and an art gallery for children, earning it the nickname "the people's church" due to its extensive services and outreach to the less fortunate.
The church's historical and architectural significance was recognized in 1972 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. As the oldest Roman Catholic church in Newark and a foundational institution for Catholics in the state, Saint John’s continues to be a beacon of faith, service, and community solidarity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Newark. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. John's Roman Catholic Church on Map
Sight Name: St. John's Roman Catholic Church
Sight Location: Newark, USA (See walking tours in Newark)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Newark, USA (See walking tours in Newark)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Newark, New Jersey
Create Your Own Walk in Newark
Creating your own self-guided walk in Newark 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.
Newark's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Founded in 1666, Newark has no shortage of historic locations: districts, buildings, parks, cemeteries, and other venues. Much of its old-time architecture are notable sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One such is the Essex County Courthouse, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, built in 1904. This grand building, with its impressive marble columns, ornate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One such is the Essex County Courthouse, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, built in 1904. This grand building, with its impressive marble columns, ornate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Newark Introduction Walking Tour
Newark, the most populous city of New Jersey, is also one of the oldest cities in the United States, established in 1666. Settled by Puritans from New Haven Colony, Newark was initially a theocratic community, which diversified as new settlers introduced different ideas.
Named likely after Newark-on-Trent in England, the city's moniker reveals its colonial roots. Alternative theories... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Named likely after Newark-on-Trent in England, the city's moniker reveals its colonial roots. Alternative theories... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles