Worcester Saint Paul Cathedral, Worcester

Saint Paul's Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester. Located in the heart of downtown Worcester, the cathedral stands as one of the city's finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. Built between 1868 and 1889, this historic landmark was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The cathedral’s imposing cruciform structure, constructed from rock-faced granite blocks, gives it a formidable yet graceful presence. Its main façade is marked by a tall square tower on the right, a gabled nave end at the center, and a smaller tower with a round turret on the left. Several Gothic-arched entrances grace the building, and the steeply pitched roof, adorned with a cross at the front gable, adds to its grandeur. The tall Gothic windows in the nave and transepts allow light to filter through, illuminating the vast interior.

Founded in 1866 by John Power, the parish of Saint Paul saw the cathedral’s design entrusted to E. Boyden & Son. Construction began in 1868, and the first services were held in the basement by 1869. The main superstructure, excluding the towering spire, was completed by 1874, allowing for its dedication. The cathedral stretches 168 feet (51 meters) in length, 91 feet (28 meters) in width, and rises 96 feet (29 meters) in height. When the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester was established, Bishop John J. Wright elevated the church to cathedral status on March 7, 1950.

A small courtyard on the side of the cathedral is home to a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, a serene presence amidst the Gothic stonework. This area also serves as a site for the Nativity display during the Christmas season, enhancing the cathedral’s role as a spiritual and communal landmark.

Today, the Cathedral of Saint Paul remains a cornerstone of the Catholic faith in Worcester, standing as a monument to both history and architectural splendor.