The parish was formally established in 1889 to serve in the local Portuguese community, after two decades of itinerant services by priests from New Bedford.

It is stylistically subdued, but has fine stained glass windows, a tile roof with copper coping, and cast stone pinnacles.

Father Neves presented to Bishop Harkins the need for the mission to be elevated to parish status with its own clergy.

At Father Neves’ suggestion the parish received a new name: “Senhor Santo Christo dos Milagres” (Holy Christ of the Miracles).

[5] From May 1889 to June 1892, the mission was under the care of St John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford; Holy Mass was celebrated here on Sundays only.

Bettencourt made an appeal to the parishioners and started to collect funds for the completion of the interior of the upper church.

The renovation of the exterior, envisioned to be carried out in three phases, would consist of a restored belfry; new protective covers and frames for the stained glass windows; the replacement of clay roof tiles with asphalt shingles; new gutters; new front and side doors; and the repair of all leaks.

As of the spring of 2017, Phase 2 was nearly completed (restoration of the nave’s exterior walls, windows and roof; new front and side doors), with expenses thus far totaling $1.25 million — much less than was originally estimated.

The fourth and last phase of the building restoration will involve the interior: plaster repairs, lighting upgrades, and fresh paint.