St. John’s Parish 🇺🇸

Located at 2500 California Plaza on the Creighton University campus in Omaha, Nebraska, St. John's Parish is a historic Roman Catholic church and a ministry of the Jesuits' Midwest Province. Designed by local architect P.J. Creedon in the classic English Gothic style, this beautiful house of worship has served as a cornerstone of the local community for generations.

When the cornerstone was laid on May 6, 1888, it drew 4,000 people—the largest crowd assembled in Nebraska up to that point. Although Omaha's original bishop initially intended it as a temporary church for college students, it became a regular parish in 1897. Much of the original funding came from John A. Creighton, alongside Mary Creighton, who generously donated her jewelry to the construction fund before the building even stood.

When you visit today, you will admire a historic structure enriched by deep university ties. You can see the 1923 addition consecrated by Bishop Patrick A. McGovern, a Creighton alumnus and the only bishop ever consecrated here. Following major renovations in 2006 and the addition of a side elevator in 2015, the church offers modern accessibility connecting the main church to its lower level.

What to see at St. John's Parish

• English Gothic style architecture designed by P.J. Creedon
• Historic 1888 cornerstone ceremony that drew 4,000 attendees
• Funding legacy from benefactors John A. and Mary Creighton
• 1923 consecrated addition by Creighton alumnus Bishop Patrick A. McGovern
• Side elevator providing accessibility to the lower level

Visiting tips

Use the side elevator added in 2015 if you require step-free access between the main church and the lower level.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. John's Parish is easy to reach on Omaha’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Joslyn Art Museum and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Omaha travel guide.