Epiphany of Our Lord Church

Epiphany of Our Lord Parish was created from Annunciation Parish by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in September of 1889 under the leadership of Monsignor James Nash, the first Pastor. The first of these immigrants were poor hardworking Irish who were described at that time as €œthe faithful who patiently, with trust in their clergy, gave mostly out of small means week after week for years. Contri

buting pennies, nickels, and dimes for sixteen years, they boldly paid for and had constructed the 4th largest church in Philadelphia. The gothic architecture reflects a heavy European influence which made her a familiar sight: French Caen marble altars, hand-blown German stained glass windows, and Italian marble altar rails. However, this new Church also contained some American materials and features: Indiana limestone arches and Vermont marble floors to mention two. She truly encompassed the best of the Old and New Worlds. The outside of the Church grounds serves as the burial place for Reverend Leo Burns, a former pastor of Epiphany Parish (also, a former Rector of Roman Catholic High School). From the very opening of its doors, Epiphany of Our Lord Church was a safe harbor from ethnic intolerance and anti-Catholic prejudice. These biases were endured in the workplace and in social surroundings in turn-of-the-century Philadelphia. In the 1920s and 1930s, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish experienced another huge influx of immigrants. This new group consisted mainly of Italians. The Italians also committed themselves to the care of the parish and Church, passing on their own values and traditions, giving the parish and church a distinctly Italian flair. Today, mostly Italian-American and Irish-American parishioners, some of whom are descendants of the originals, continue to support the church and now also the school, keeping both in fine form. Epiphany of Our Lord Church and Parish has always been a source of strength and energy to the South Philadelphia neighborhood where she is located. She continues to serve the community through the theme of her Catholic name, Epiphany: ”Seeking The Light…Sharing Him!”, making her one of the finest parishes and pleasant sites in Philadelphia. With her 127-foot tower dominating the southeastern section of Philadelphia, she still continues to embrace any and all Catholic immigrants in this diverse community, embodied in the theme of the building’s centennial celebration (2005). Today, under the leadership of our pastor, FatherJames R. Casey, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish continues to thrive under one simple mantra:

ALL ARE WELCOME!