In 1849, Stamford’s small Catholic community purchased land, and, on July 4, broke ground for the original church of Saint John the Evangelist on Meadow Street.
The small, one-story wooden framed church structure measured 60 feet by 40 feet, with some rudimentary gothic decorations, a small steeple and a bell.
It was dedicated in 1851.
By 1854, Saint John’s became an independent mission, with Father Edward J. Cooney, its first pastor.

To meet the growing Catholic population, a larger church was built in 1868.
A few years later, the adjacent property and private home was purchased to serve as a rectory, and another parcel was purchased to be used in the future for the new parish school and convent.
James Murphy of Providence, Rhode Island was the architect of the new stone church, having designed and constructed fifty-six of the Catholic churches throughout New England.
The interior was designed by John Ennis, a Dublin theater designer.
The Saint John the Evangelist church was completed and consecrated on May 30, 1886, by Bishop Lawrence Stephen McMahon.
It was the largest in the state at the time.
It is known as "The Mother Church of Stamford."

Two new convents were constructed at the site of the new church on Atlantic Street.
The Saint John’s School, completed in 1906 and directly behind the new church, was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and operated until its closure in 1973.
Saint John’s Parish donated most of the funding for the construction and outfitting of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, which opened its doors in Stamford in 1942 and served the community until 1999.
In 1849, Stamford’s small Catholic community purchased land, and, on July 4, broke ground for the original church of Saint John the Evangelist on Meadow Street. The small, one-story wooden framed church structure measured 60 feet by 40 feet, with some rudimentary gothic decorations, a small steeple and a bell. It was dedicated in 1851. By 1854, Saint John’s became an independent mission, with Father Edward J. Cooney, its first pastor.
To meet the growing Catholic population, a larger church was built in 1868. A few years later, the adjacent property and private home was purchased to serve as a rectory, and another parcel was purchased to be used in the future for the new parish school and convent. James Murphy of Providence, Rhode Island was the architect of the new stone church, having designed and constructed fifty-six of the Catholic churches throughout New England. The interior was designed by John Ennis, a Dublin theater designer. The Saint John the Evangelist church was completed and consecrated on May 30, 1886, by Bishop Lawrence Stephen McMahon. It was the largest in the state at the time. It is known as "The Mother Church of Stamford."
Two new convents were constructed at the site of the new church on Atlantic Street. The Saint John’s School, completed in 1906 and directly behind the new church, was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and operated until its closure in 1973. Saint John’s Parish donated most of the funding for the construction and outfitting of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, which opened its doors in Stamford in 1942 and served the community until 1999.
Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist