Edward Hannin, pastor of St. Patrick's, set out to create "the finest church in this part of the land," for his congregation and began to raise money for construction.

When it was completed, St. Patrick's was considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.

[3] The exterior is constructed of Amherst blue sandstone and the interior contains ten red granite columns.

On September 9, 1980, the 240 ft (73 m) steeple was destroyed by fire caused by a lightning strike.

After her death February 25, 2006, Parishioner Margaret Tank bequeathed funds for the steeple's reconstruction and other upgrades in the church.