St. Paul's Church
November 2, 2026

The founding of Saint Paul’s Parish began with the expansion of Catholics into West Cambridge in the late 19th century, specifically around Harvard Square. In 1873 Shepherd Congregational Church, on the corner of Mt. Auburn and Holyoke Streets, was purchased for the budding community. The parish was formally erected two years later in 1875. Even after substantial renovations to the existing church, a larger church building was quickly needed for the growing community of Irish immigrants.

The property at Bow and Arrow Streets was purchased in 1889. Construction of the current Saint Paul’s church began in 1915 under the supervision of architect Edward T. P. Graham, a Harvard graduate and Saint Paul’s parishioner. The cornerstone was laid on November 12, 1916 by Fr. John J. Ryan. Following delays due to the First World War, the new Saint Paul’s church held its first Mass on Easter Sunday 1923. Construction continued and the church was dedicated on October 13th of the same following year.

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