Churches of Rochester

Holy Cross Church traces its origins to 1862 when Father Louis Maurice purchased land in the Charlotte neighborhood for $1,050. A renovated home on the property became the first Holy Cross Church, serving just 25 parishioners. The church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Timon of Buffalo on the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross on May 3, 1863.

Father John J. Donnelly was appointed as the first resident pastor on July 7, 1873, when Holy Cross was elevated from a mission to a full parish. The present church building was constructed and dedicated in the fall of 1882, with a rectory following in 1887.

As the Charlotte community grew at the turn of the century, so did Holy Cross Parish. The church became a vital part of the neighborhood's development, with its pastors and members actively participating in community life. Today, Holy Cross continues to serve the Lake Avenue corridor, sharing a pastor with nearby Our Mother of Sorrows parish.

Church Information