SAINTS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Saints Peter & Paul (Catholic Church):
A large aluminum-sided church, set near the road on a wide, shallow lot atop a bluff overlooking Main Street. Because of its site, the building, unlike most other churches, has its broad side to the street and faces the side of the lot. The trianglular facade contains three separate entires on the first floor, one at the center and one at each side; three vertical, round-headed windows above that; and a square steeple and pyramidal spire.

The parish had its beginning in 1853, when Roman Catholics in the area purchased "Rock Chapel," a church located between Briggs and Pleasant Streets, from an Episcopal congregation. First operated as a mission of Our Lady of Mercy in East Greenwich, the church became independant parish in 1857. Soon after, a Baptist meetinghouse on Highland Avenue (the site of the present Church) was purchased. It was dedicated on May 29, 1859, under the patronage of Saints Peter and Paul. In 1888-1889, fund raising began for a new building. The lonsdale Company, owners of the Phenix Mill, gave additional land and built a retaining wall. The church conorstone was laid on May 1, 1892, and the building, designed and built by George H. Page of Centerville at a cost of $17,000, was dedicated on September 18 the same year. In the 20th century, the church was remoleled, and a convent, a rectory, and a parish school were built. In the 1930's about 800 parishioners of Portuguese decent formed a new parish, St. Anthony's.

PRESENTATION OF THE PLAQUE

Back to Plaque Pages
Back to Opening page
Home Page
PVHistory@yahoo.com