Established in the 1840s as Springfield's first Catholic parish, it uses a Gothic Revival church building, the towers of which hold a prominent spot in the city's skyline.

Over the next quarter century, twelve different priests served the parish, holding tenures ranging from one to eighteen years.

Six years passed before the completion of the replacement building, which was consecrated by William Henry Elder, the Archbishop of Cincinnati, on July 17, 1898.

In 1923, when Archbishop Moeller was raising money for Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West, St. Raphael's was wealthy enough to provide $10,000 for the school fund, amounting to fully 10% of the total.

[3]: 207  Its funds also sponsored Springfield Central Catholic High School, meant for students of all city parishes rather than for St. Raphael parishioners only.

By climbing 156 steps to the summit of the principal tower, one gains a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside.

[2]: 504  The building's general plan is that of a streamlined Latin cross, with slight gabled projections near the rear forming the crosspieces.

Cregar was responsible for numerous grand buildings in Springfield, including City Hall, and St. Raphael's is among the chief examples of his work.