Built in 1855 at the height of the anti-immigrant Know Nothing movement, it stands as a major symbol of the city's Irish-American heritage, and a high quality local example of Gothic Revival architecture.

[2] The church interior is divided into a long nave, with transepts housing chapels at the sides.

[3] The church was designed by New York City architect Patrick Charles Keely, and was built in 1855-56, during the tenure of Fr.

Its construction was done by primarily local Irish laborers during the anti-Irish anti-immigrant Know Nothing movement, which was then at its height.

[2] The building today also houses the parish offices of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, which includes the church of St. John, as well as St. Mary's in Bangor, St. Joseph and St. Theresa of Avila in Brewer, St. Matthew in Hampden, and St. Gabriel in Winterport.