St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Rectory and School

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Rectory and School is a three-part complex on West Market Street containing a church building, a residence for clergy, and a school facility all designed in Gothic Revival style. The structures use stone and brick with architectural details typical of the 1870s period.

Architect Jeremiah O'Rourke designed the complex in 1871 to serve the growing Catholic population near the Morris Canal area in Newark. The cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day in 1872, but construction delays meant the building was not dedicated until 1880.

The parish began in 1859 as a gathering place for Newark's growing Catholic community. The complex remains a center where local families have gathered for worship and education across generations.

The complex is accessible for visitors who wish to view the exterior architecture and grounds of the buildings. The interior of the church is typically open during worship services, so check ahead for specific times when you can visit inside.

After 1980 the New Community Corporation transformed portions of the complex into commercial spaces, offices, and a performance venue. This adaptation shows how historic buildings found new purposes while remaining part of the neighborhood's story.