A granite parish church from the 1850s, still the oldest church building standing in Fall River and now the seat of the local diocese.
At a glance
Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral and parish church in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dedicated to Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Assumption, it was built between 1852 and 1856. The church and its adjacent rectory were listed together as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Rectory on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
History
Saint Mary’s was one of the first Catholic parishes established in Fall River. Construction began in 1852 and concluded four years later. The building has since outlasted its contemporaries. It remains the oldest extant church in the city.
What you see
The cathedral stands with its rectory as a single historic complex. Both structures were judged significant enough as a pair to be named to the National Register in 1983. The church itself dates to the mid-nineteenth century and serves the Diocese of Fall River.
Cultural significance
As the cathedral of the Diocese of Fall River, Saint Mary’s holds a central role in the religious life of the area. Its dedication to Our Lady of the Assumption ties the parish to a long tradition of Marian devotion. The 1983 National Register listing recognizes the building’s place in the city’s early Catholic history.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Fall River, Massachusetts
- Coordinates: 41.6986, -71.1578
- Built: 1852–1856
- National Register of Historic Places: 1983
Practical information & getting there
Saint Mary’s Cathedral is located in Fall River, Massachusetts. Visitors can reach the city by car via Interstate 195. The cathedral remains an active parish church, so access may vary with the liturgical schedule.
Sources & resources
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