Church History

St. Anthony of Padua Church: A Legacy of Faith, History, and Community


The church motto, inscribed over the front door in Latin, is "The working people of Saint Anthony have built this temple to the Lord."

Founded in 1895, on the 700th anniversary of the birth of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Anthony of Padua Parish has been a significant part of New Bedford's religious and cultural history for more than a century.


Designed in 1902 by Montréal architect Joseph Venne and dedicated on November 28, 1912, the church stands as a remarkable example of religious architecture and a lasting symbol of the faith and determination of its founding parishioners.


Church Facts and History


  • Parish Established: 1895
  • Architect: Joseph Venne of Montréal, Canada
  • Church Dedicated: November 28, 1912
  • Steeple Height: 256 feet
  • Nave Length: 241 feet
  • Seating Capacity: 1,840 people
  • Original Construction and Furnishing Cost: $342,000 (1903 to 1912)
  • Parish Size in 1909: Approximately 2,000 families


Built on Faith and Determination


Between 1860 and 1930, thousands of French Canadian immigrants settled in New Bedford, drawn by employment opportunities in the city's thriving textile mills. Proud of their Catholic faith, French Canadian heritage, and cultural traditions, these hardworking families envisioned a church that would reflect their identity and serve as a lasting symbol of their community. The church's magnificent 256 foot steeple was intentionally designed to rise above the factory smokestacks that dominated the city's industrial skyline. It represented the importance of faith in the daily lives of the mill workers and their families. By 1909, the parish had grown to approximately 2,000 families, becoming a center of worship, community life, and cultural identity.


A Living Legacy


Today, St. Anthony of Padua Church remains a testament to the faith, perseverance, and contributions of generations of immigrants who helped shape New Bedford. The parish continues to welcome worshippers from diverse backgrounds, carrying forward the same spirit of faith and community that inspired its founders in 1895. In 1909, the Standard Times described St. Anthony of Padua Church as: "An architectural prayer, by its very loveliness an offering of praise to God." More than a century later, those words continue to capture the beauty, history, and spiritual significance of this remarkable church.