Churches of Rochester

Corpus Christi was the fourteenth parish established in Rochester, organized in 1888 to serve the east side of the city. The parish territory was carved from parts of the existing St. Mary's and St. Bridget's parishes, embracing the district from the east side of North Street and the north side of East Avenue.

Father James Leary served as the founding pastor from 1888 to 1901. His successor built the present church on corner property that had been purchased in 1899. Designed by the Rochester architectural firm of Gordon and Madden, the church was dedicated by Bishop McQuaid on June 14, 1903.

Notable pastors include Monsignor John F. O'Hern, who served from 1923 to 1929 before being named the third Bishop of Rochester, and Monsignor William M. Hart, who led the parish from 1929 to 1955 while also serving as vicar general of the diocese.

Today, Corpus Christi is part of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parish and also serves as the remaining worship site of the former Our Lady of the Americas parish.

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