L'Eglise du Precieux Sang

The Church of the Precious Blood is a Catholic church in Woonsocket featuring High Victorian Gothic architecture with distinctive red brick walls and a prominent bell tower. The building stands as part of a larger complex that includes a rectory and a convent with an attached academy.

Construction began in 1873 under the direction of Worcester architects E. Boyden & Son and was finally dedicated in 1881 after various delays. The ambitious project reflected the growth and prosperity of the French-Canadian population in the region.

The church served as a gathering place for the French-Canadian community and helped preserve their language and traditions in the city. Beyond religious worship, it functioned as a center for education and community life.

The church stands at the intersection of Carrington Avenue and Park Avenue and is easy to locate from the main roads. Since it remains an active place of worship, visitors should be respectful of ongoing religious activities and services.

The churchyard contains the burial place of Aram J. Pothier, a former Governor of Rhode Island, linking the site to local political history. This notable burial shows how religious and political leadership were intertwined in the region's past.

Location: Woonsocket

GPS coordinates: 42.00167,-71.50917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:03