Catholics first gathered for Mass on East 2nd Street in 1763 in a two-story house with a chapel. The first actual church was built in 1800 by Fr. John Dubois, SS. The current church was completed and on April 26, 1837, was the first Catholic Church in the United States to be consecrated. Father John McElroy, S.J. was the pastor. The Spire, which is the highest point in the city, is topped with a gold-leaf dome and cross and was restored in 2019. The Greek Revival Style Church houses the masterpieces “The Crucifixion,” (Pietro Gugliardi) behind the altar, and “The Ascension,” (Baraldi) ceiling in the center crossing. In the early 1900s, panels behind the organ in the choir loft were removed during the restoration of the church, exposing several poems and signatures. It seems, because of the height of its windows, St. Johns may have detained Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. stjohn-frederick.org *handicap, restrooms, hospitality, civil war* Front doors are wheelchair accessible (no steps); ramps on side of church from handicap parking. Bill Powell, Organ (4–5pm) Caroling, Caroling, Off We Go! - Favorite Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long! (5–6pm) Peggy Frazier, Soprano (6–6:30pm) Seasonal Selections for Piano and Strings: Kate Fitzgerald, Piano; Charles Finney, Cello; Elise Alley, Violin (6:30–7pm) St. John’s Adult Choir(7–7:30pm) Miriam Meglan, Organ (7:30–8pm) Acapella Catholica Choir, Jan Sadowski directing (8–9pm)