St. Joseph's Church and Rectory

St. Joseph's Church and Rectory is a church building in Rochester combining gray stone walls with arched bays and architectural elements from Greek Revival and Renaissance Revival styles. The structure was organized with a cruciform floor plan and featured detailed stonework throughout its original design.

Construction took place from 1843 to 1846 and the building served as the main place of worship for German Catholic communities in Rochester. As smaller satellite churches were later established, this building's role within the community shifted.

The structure reflects how German Catholic communities expressed their faith and pride through elaborate stonework and carefully proportioned architectural details. Today the preserved walls still show the craftsmanship that was important to those who built and supported it.

The preserved facade is located at 108 Franklin Street and is accessible as a public park space with free entry. The site works well for a short walk through Rochester's downtown historic area.

A fire in 1974 destroyed most of the original structure, but the local community chose to preserve the remaining tower and walls as a lasting memorial. This decision shows how much the community valued saving what remained of their religious heritage.