The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Providence, Rhode Island is a parish that traces its history to November 12, 1882, when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time by Father James Brennan, appointed by Bishop Thomas Hendricken to minister to approximately 500 Catholic families residing on Providence's East Side. Three days before that first Mass, a tract of land consisting of ten lots, located at the corner of Camp and Jenkins Streets, was purchased in anticipation of a site for a new church for the sum of $6,650. The first church building was a two-story wooden structure which opened in August of 1883. As the 1880s drew to a close and the number of parishioners continued to grow, more nearby land was purchased for a new church on Camp Street. The cornerstone for this church was laid on June 21, 1896, and after four years of construction, it was dedicated on September 10, 1900. 

The present church building follows the design of the early Roman basilicas dating back to the fourth century when Christian communities grew too large to meet in members' homes. The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, begun by Constantine about 313 A.D., is similar in style to Holy Name. The mosaic floor of the Holy Name vestibule recalls the first churches of Rome, while the Corinthian pilasters, large barreled vaults, and coffered ribs are typical of the late Renaissance or early Baroque. 

As you enter the nave, the church proper, the perspective leads your eyes to the High Altar which faces east as dictated by tradition and is symbolic of the rising sun and the risen Christ. You will note on each side the rows of columns creating side aisles--this is where the unbaptized would visit the Mass until they became baptized members of the Church. The two rows of columns, surmounted by Corinthian and composite capitals, form the columnates. Pilasters of half-hidden faces of cherubs peer out from acanthus leaves. Light from the clerestory windows draws attention to the sculptured heads of the apostles above the massive columns. 

The ceiling of the apse (above the Altar) is topped with the form of a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, encircled by cherubim. On either side of Our Lord are two angels in adoration. Over the sanctuary arch is the head of Christ bending slightly downward, with the words, "Et Sanctum Nomen Ejus" (and Holy is His Name). The High Altar of Sacrifice is constructed of white and green Italian marble, glittering with mosaics, and divided into three sections. The Lamb of God is carved in the center panel, and on either side are the symbols of Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end). The altar piece is Baroque with its Corinthian columns and its half dome synchronizing with the frescoed dome of the apse. 

The canopy over the tabernacle has four marble columns supporting a beaded gold roof that evokes images of the Near East. Above the High Altar are two stained glass windows, one depicting the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple, the other the Blessed Trinity. The stained glass windows were designed by Mayer of Munich, Germany. Those in the nave of the church depict the life of Jesus beginning with the Annunciation. 

The Lady Chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, with its statute of Mary in a grotto-like structure is off to the right of the right side Altar and has a separate entrance located directly adjacent to the bell tower. As you leave Holy Name, at the rear of the nave, the Baptistry is located in the northwest corner and is dominated by a stained glass window of Jesus being baptized in the River Jordan. 

In January of 1965, Holy Name Church was badly damaged by fire. Restoration began immediately, and the church was rededicated in April, 1966. On the first Sunday of Lent in 1994, the Traditional Latin Mass was once again celebrated at Holy Name, and is now offered every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.