In the early 19th Century, immigrants from Ireland moved in large numbers to Middletown.

By 1830 there were enough families there to form a vibrant and close-knit Irish community that desired its own place of worship.

[1][2] Saint John Church was built back in 1843, predating the erection of the Diocese of Norwich on August 6, 1953, by Pope Pius XII, making it the oldest church in the newly organized diocese.

[1][2] The imposing 1843 Irish-influenced ecclesiastical Gothic Revival church building was designed by architect, Patrick Charles Keely and it was built by local Irish immigrants that were led by prominent local builder Barzialli Sage.

The building is listed as significant contributing property of the City of Middletown Historic District.