In 1920, an electronically operated pipe organ was proudly installed. In the next few decades, the parishioners worked hard to improve their parish church. Bells were hung in the tower in 1897. Still in use today, these same bells were electrified with computerized settings in 1993. The church, 129 feet long and 65 feet wide was built in a pure Gothic style. By that time the parish numbered 400 families with about 1,500 members. Unfortunately on January 22, 1892, just a few years after it had been built, the church caught fire and burned to the ground. The congregation was determined to rebuild and in September 1896 the cornerstone was laid for a new church at its current site.īricks salvaged from the first church were incorporated into the church walls along with the new brick. At this time there were over 100 Irish and American families registered in the parish. But, it was not long before the need for a new larger building became evident and in May, 1887 a new church was dedicated by Bishop Phelan. The new parish was named in honor of the Immaculate Conception and the first church was dedicated by Bishop Domenic in July 1873. In 1871, a house located off Orchard Alley was purchased and remodeled into a church. The priest would celebrate Mass, hear confessions and confer the other sacraments as needed before moving along on his way. In 1837, the bishop of Philadelphia appointed the first specific pastor, Father Michael Gallagher, to serve the Catholics in the Connellsville area. His parish included the counties of Fayette, Greene, Washington and parts of Westmoreland and Somerset. It would be 40 years before Connellsville would have a parish of its own.Īs the number of area Catholics began to grow, particularly with a large influx of Irish immigrants, the bishop of Philadelphia, in 1870, felt the need to appoint a resident pastor to celebrate Mass every Sunday in Connellsville. Quickly a search for a suitable building to house a church began. The roots of the parish can be traced back to the early 1800s when priests traveling through the area would minister to scattered Catholic families. Immaculate Conception Parish has a long and proud history. HISTORY View the IC Anniversary Booklet
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