St. Patrick Catholic Church: A Jewel in the Arizona Desert

St. Patrick Catholic Church, often called a jewel in the Arizona desert, is a testament to Bisbee's vibrant past. Constructed between 1915 and 1917, when Bisbee was a booming copper mining town, the church stands on Higgins Hill, overlooking Tombstone Canyon. The church was built to accommodate the growing Catholic population, many of whom were Irish and Welsh miners drawn to the area by the promise of prosperity.The church's architecture, designed by Albert C. Martin, showcases the Late Gothic Revival style. Its design was inspired by St. Begh's Priory in Whitehaven, England. The exterior features terra-cotta facing from Gladding McBean Company in California and a Vermont slate roof. Inside, the church boasts a ribbed vault ceiling reaching 40 feet, stained glass windows crafted by Emil Frei Art Glass Company of St. Louis, and altars by the Daprato Statuary Company of Chicago. The stained-glass windows depict the Assumption of Mary and the life of Jesus Christ.Today, St. Patrick Catholic Church remains an active parish and a significant landmark in Bisbee's historic district. Visitors are welcome to admire its architecture, attend services, and explore the gift shop, which offers a variety of religious items and handmade gifts. The church is a contributing building in the Bisbee Historic District and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.