St. John's Church, Omaha

St. John’s Church, formally St. John’s Parish at Creighton University, is a historic Roman Catholic church connected with the university’s Jesuit identity. Creighton University opened in 1878, while the church was designed in 1886 and dedicated on May 6, 1888 as St. John’s Collegiate Chapel.

It became a formal parish in 1897, allowing baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The church was substantially expanded between 1920 and 1922, with the completed building dedicated in 1923. It continues serving students, faculty, alumni, parishioners, and visitors. Designed by architect P. J. Creedon, the original church follows the English Gothic Revival, particularly the Early English Lancet tradition. Its exterior uses Warrensburg sandstone with Bedford stone trim, while the 1920s additions feature Indiana limestone. Architectural elements include pointed lancet windows, a prominent tower, transepts, sanctuary, sacristies, and a long nave. Most stained-glass windows were installed between 1946 and 1949, while the tower received its present steeple and clock hands in 1977. Religious sculpture, wood furnishings, stained glass, and devotional artwork enrich the interior.

St. John’s remains an active Jesuit parish and an important place of Catholic worship on the Creighton campus. Regular Masses are celebrated on weekdays and weekends alongside Eucharistic adoration, weddings, funerals, university liturgies, music ministry, and prayer. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Omaha and is ministered by Jesuits. Visitors may attend public liturgies or arrange tours highlighting the church’s history, stained glass, architecture, and continuing religious role.