St. Peter's Church and Mount St. Joseph Convent Complex

St. Peter's Church and Mount St. Joseph Convent form a large stone complex built from locally quarried stone, housing a chapel, residential areas, school buildings, and care facilities for elderly residents. The structures are arranged close together to create a unified compound within the neighborhood.

Built between 1869 and 1873, the complex was designed by architect Patrick Charles Keeley of Brooklyn and constructed by Italian American stoneworkers. Its construction reflected the growth of Catholic presence and the expanding Irish and Italian immigrant communities in the area.

The complex served as the center of Catholic life in Rutland, drawing people from across the region to worship and participate in community activities. It became a place where the Irish-Italian community maintained its identity and gathered together.

The complex sits within the city and is easily accessible on foot, with sturdy stone structures that remain intact regardless of weather conditions. Visitors should know that different parts of the compound serve different purposes, and not all areas are open to the public.

Father Charles Boylan, who oversaw the church construction, is buried beneath a monument next to the church tower, creating a lasting memorial to his role in the project. This quiet burial site is frequently overlooked by visitors despite its significance to the building's story.