Marjorie MillerI always make it a point to tell people to step into a local church when they visit our city for the first time. I know for a fact that the churches of Jacksonville will never disappoint, as each one has an interesting story.
From towering Gothic spires and Spanish domes, these churches aren’t just places of worship but also living pieces of architecture and history. Let’s take a glimpse into the quiet beauty and serene reflection they offer to locals and visitors.
- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- St. John’s Cathedral
- Riverside Baptist Church
- Bethel Baptist Institutional Church
- St. Paul’s Catholic Church
- Aspire Church San Marco
- Historic Mount Zion AME Church
- Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
- Snyder Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
- First Presbyterian Church
- St. George Episcopal Church
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
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Website
Location: 121 E Duval Street
Contact: +19043590331
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8 AM–3 PM
- Friday, 8–11 AM
Key feature: Gothic Revival spire
When I first walked into the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, I was immediately struck by its intricate stained glass touches. Combined with its soaring spire, it’s pure Gothic grandeur.
It’s one of those churches whose architecture quiets you even before the service begins. Built in 1910, but rooted in a congregation from 1845, the place carries layers of history in every stone and arch.
Pro-tip: Flash photography and external lighting are permitted during the processional and recessional, but not allowed during the liturgy.
St. John’s Cathedral
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Website
Location: 256 E Church Street
Contact: +19043565507
Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, 8 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday, 8 AM–8 PM
- Thursday, 8 AM–4 PM
- Friday, 8 AM–3 PM
- Sunday, 8 AM–2 PM
Key feature: Great Organ
St. John’s Cathedral impresses me, not just with its history, but with how alive it still feels. Its stained glass windows glow like they’re lit from within, and when the Great Organ plays, the entire space hums with a kind of sacred energy you can feel.
The Gothic arches, vaulted ceilings, and intricate woodwork make it a visual feast for anyone who loves ecclesiastical design. If you’re into architecture or just want a quiet place to calm your spirit, this cathedral hits both notes beautifully.
Pro-tip: The cathedral features a wheelchair/walker-accessible ramp at the entrance facing Cathedral Park.
Riverside Baptist Church
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Website
Location: 2650 Park Street
Contact: +19043887692
Hours: Sundays, 11 AM to noon
Key feature: Structure that forms a Greek cross
I didn’t expect to find famed architect Addison Mizner’s only church design right here in Jacksonville, but Riverside Baptist Church floored me. It’s one of those churches that break the mold yet still manage to feel deeply reverent.
The mix of Romanesque and Spanish Revival styles makes the whole building feel like something entirely plucked from an old European city. The amber-tinted windows cast this warm, golden glow that makes the stonework and carvings even more striking.
Pro-tip: Learn more about this church’s history by signing up for a Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) neighborhood tour, which includes it as a stop.
Bethel Baptist Institutional Church
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Website
Location: 215 Bethel Baptist Street
Contact: +19043541464
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 AM–4 PM
Key feature: Greek and Romanesque Revival designs
Stepping into Bethel Baptist Institutional Church feels like walking through a living chapter of Jacksonville’s Black history.
The Romanesque arches and stained glass aren’t just decorative but also echo the resilience of a congregation that legally secured its right to worship independently in 1868. This 1904 sanctuary was rebuilt after the Great Fire and stands as a testament to that legacy.
Pro-tip: This church has 25+ ministries you can join depending on your skill or interest.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
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Website
Location: 523 Pablo Ave, Jacksonville Beach
Contact: +19042492600
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 8–8.30 AM, 5.30–6 PM
- Sunday, 8–9 AM, 10.30–11.30 AM, 5.30–6.30 PM
Key feature: Historic bell
I was drawn to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood by its serene Spanish Mission-style architecture. The white stucco walls and red-tiled roof stood out beautifully against the Florida sky.
Its bell tower is a nod to historic Spanish missions and adds a timeless charm. Inside, the church offers a peaceful retreat with its simple yet elegant design, reflecting a vibrant parish community that’s been active since 1923!
Pro-tip: When visiting, avoid overly casual attire such as shorts, tank tops, or clothing with inappropriate graphics.
Aspire Church San Marco
Website
Location: 1435 Atlantic Blvd
Contact: +19043966633
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8 AM–4 PM
- Sunday, 9 AM–1 PM
Key feature: Emergence mural
Aspire Church San Marco surprised me with its bold embrace of art and community. The “Emergence” mural, a massive lion painted by local artist Keith Doles, commands the side of the building. It blends faith and public art in a way that feels both modern and rooted.
Inside, the sanctuary balances tradition and warmth. Honestly, though, it’s the lion outside that stuck with me as the church’s visual mission statement: strength, presence, and welcome.
Pro-tip: The church welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds for projects like building fences, packing lunches, and providing support for community members in need.
Historic Mount Zion AME Church
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Website
Location: 201 E Beaver Street
Contact: +19043559475
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM
Key feature: Romanesque Revival architecture
The historic Mount Zion AME will catch your eye with its bold brickwork and tall bell tower, but its real attraction lies in its history. Rebuilt after the Great Fire, it’s one of the oldest Black churches in Jacksonville.
Stepping inside, you’ll feel the strength of the community that’s kept it alive since 1866. For most in the community, it’s not just a church, but a story of resilience told in stone and spirit.
Pro-tip: You can donate to the church online.
Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
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Website
Location: 7801 Lone Star Rd
Contact: +19047256566
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9.30 AM–2.30 PM
- Sunday, 10.30 AM–noon
Key feature: Late Gothic Revival architecture
Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church looks and feels like a time capsule with pointed arches and brickwork that whisper stories from 1887. It’s one of the few buildings that survived the Great Fire, and you can feel the resilience in its quiet charm.
Though no longer an active church, it’s beautifully preserved and now hosts events, letting its architecture speak even when the pews are empty.
Pro-tip: Weddings are welcome to be held at this church, with a ceremony capacity of up to 150 guests.
Snyder Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
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Website
Location: 226 N Laura Street
Contact: (904) 630-2489
Hours: By appointment
Key feature: Rose window
Snyder Memorial caught my eye with its castle-like tower and that incredible rose window—it’s the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step. Even though it’s no longer an active church, the space still radiates reverence and history.
Built in 1903 from stone that feels as permanent as its legacy, Snyder has hosted everything from worship to civil rights allies. If you’re downtown, this Gothic gem is worth a quiet moment or a photo op.
Pro-tip: Watch out for events like art walks and community gatherings that are hosted regularly at this venue.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
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Website
Location: 11757 Old St Augustine Rd #2001
Contact: +19042685422
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–4.30 PM
Key feature: Crucifixion scene
St. Joseph feels like two churches in one: steeped in tradition yet gracefully modern. This historic chapel from 1912 is all wood and warmth, while the main sanctuary’s updated dome and crucifix scene add a sense of grandeur without losing its reverence.
It’s the kind of place where you can feel both history and presence in every Mass. If you like architecture that evolves with faith, this one’s a quiet standout.
Pro-tip: The church holds Christmas Masses in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; check ahead for the latest schedule.
First Presbyterian Church
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Website
Location: 118 E Monroe Street
Contact: +19043548439
Hours: Sunday worship, 10.30 AM
Key feature: Gothic Revival architecture
First Presbyterian drew me in with its Gothic arches and gorgeous stained glass. It’s classic, reverent, and beautifully preserved.
Built in 1902, it feels like a quiet anchor in the middle of the city. It’s also one of Jacksonville’s oldest congregations, whose legacy is especially felt during its Sunday services.
Pro-tip: There’s a wheelchair ramp on the south side of the building, with all sidewalks and crossings on the north side being PWD-accessible.
St. George Episcopal Church
Website
Location: 10560 Fort George Rd
Contact: +19042519272
Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, 9 AM–3 PM
- Thursday, 9 AM–1 PM
- Sunday, 9.30–11.30 AM
Key feature: Carpenter Gothic architecture
It feels like stepping into a storybook when I step inside St George’s Episcopal Church. It’s tiny, made of wood, but full of soul. If you’re into hidden historic chapels, this one’s worth the short detour.
Built in 1882, its Carpenter Gothic details are a picturesque, quiet delight. The grounds are lush, sometimes with actual peacocks strutting by, which only adds to its charm.
Pro-tip: Check out the small stained glass window above the altar, which features St George slaying a dragon.
