Saint Michael's Church

Saint Michael's Church is a Gothic Revival church building on North Clinton Avenue, rising approximately 246 feet with a tower topped by a gilded cross. The structure was constructed using Lockport sandstone and Medina brownstone, materials transported via the Erie Canal.

Construction began in 1887 after German Catholic families requested a place of worship closer to their homes in the area. The building fulfilled the spiritual needs of the growing immigrant community that had settled in this neighborhood.

The parish transformed from serving German dairy farming families into a vital center for Rochester's Hispanic community, with services now primarily held in Spanish to reflect its current congregation.

The church is located on North Clinton Avenue in the neighborhood and holds services at various times throughout the week. Visitors should check current service schedules in advance to plan their visit accordingly.

The church complex remains the only complete 19th-century religious campus in Rochester, housing fifteen stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. This artistic collection in this particular configuration is rarely found elsewhere and sets it apart from other churches in the region.

Location: Rochester

Inception: 1890

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://saintmichaelsofrochester.org

GPS coordinates: 43.17444,-77.61314

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03