The church is located at 1439 West Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island.

It is an early example of Richard Upjohn's work in translating Gothic architecture from stone to affordable designs for small, wooden churches.

In its survey of Middletown's architectural resources, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission recommended the Church of the Holy Cross for inclusion in the National Register, along with Upjohn's more luxurious Italianate Hamilton Hoppin House.

[1] A 1-story, end-gable, Gothic Revival structure with patterned-shingle sides, a projecting pedimented entry, square belfry in front and stained-glass Gothic windows.

[2] At its consecration on October 14, 1845, Bishop Henshaw said, "Rustic in its exterior, but so chaste in its interior finish, and so perfect in its proportion, that it is more imposing in its religious impression and far better adapted to its sacred use than many buildings of far greater cost and pretensions."