Churches of Rochester
Ss. Peter and Paul

Ss. Peter and Paul

Closed

City of Elmira, Chemung County

Ss. Peter and Paul is the oldest Catholic parish in Elmira, with roots possibly dating to 1834 when Father Francis O'Donoghue first ministered to the area's Catholics. The parish was certainly established by 1848, making it the first Catholic church in the city. The present church building was dedicated on July 19, 1857.

The early pastors were predominantly Irish, reflecting the immigrant population that established the parish. Fathers O'Donoghue, Bradley, Sheridan, and O'Boyle shepherded the growing community through its formative years, building the foundation for Catholicism in Chemung County.

For over 170 years, Ss. Peter and Paul served as a cornerstone of Catholic life in Elmira. In 2018, the parish became part of the consolidated Most Holy Name of Jesus parish that comprises all five Catholic churches in the city. Due to declining attendance and revenue, Ss. Peter and Paul Church was closed in November 2021, though its legacy as Elmira's founding Catholic parish endures.

Exterior Photographs

Exterior. Front of the church. From right angle. Right side. From left angle. Left side. Memoiral plaque. Church sign. Shrine to Our Lady. St. Francis statue.

Interior Photographs

Interior. Interior. View down the left side. View down the right side. From back left corner. Right side. From front left corner. Back of the church. Back of the church. From front right corner. Left side. From back right corner. Front of the church. Sanctuary. High altar. High altar from angle. Statue of St. Peter. Statue of St. Paul. Statues in the high altar. Appear to be the Evangelists. Statues in the high altar. Appear to be the Evangelists. Angel statues atop reredo. Altar. Ambo. Celebrant's chair. Crucifix. Lamb of God relief. Eucharistic symbols reliefs. Christ giving St. Peter the keys to the Kingdom. Christ appearing to St. Paul. Altar rail. Sanctuary seen from right angle. Infant of Prague statue. Right side shrine. Holy Family statues. Left side shrine. Baptismal font. Ambry. Crucifix. St. Cecilia statue. Sacred heart statue. Last Supper tapestry. Risen Christ painting. Holy water font. Crucifix. Our Lady of Victory statue. Icon of Christ, the two patron saints of this church, and two of the closed eastide churches in Elmira. Painting of Our Lady with Christ child. Holy water font. Banner from the former St. John the Baptist church. Back of the church. Painting of Our Lady with Christ child on the choir loft wall. Angels above main entrance. One of the angel reliefs. Intricate designs on the arches. Intricate designs on the ceiling.

Paintings on the Ceiling

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Stations of the Cross

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Stained Glass

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Historical Photographs

Exterior of church, 1939. Source: Catholic Courier Golden Jubilee Edition: 1889-1939 Old photograph of interior, 1920s. Source: Star Gazette