The Church of Saint John the Evangelist was the first Catholic Church in Rochester. It was founded in 1863 by Rev. James Morris, who bought three lots opposite the old Court House as a site for a church. It is on this spot that The Church of St. John the Evangelist still stands.

The church was completed at a cost of $40,000. On December 1, 1872, it was dedicated by Bishop Grace, assisted by Rev. John Ireland of St. Paul, Rev. J. B. Cotter of Winona, and Rev. Thomas O' Gorman, pastor.

The church was completed at a cost of $60,000 in 1905. On April 27th of that year, Archbishop Ireland delivered the sermon at the Mass. Of special interest in the church were a number of stained glass windows given by parishioners for their family members as memorials.