Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Documenting the history and culture of Catholicism in the United States, and the history of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Today in 1986, the parish of Saint Maximillian Kolbe was founded in Westtown, south of West Chester. A few of the earlie...
06/16/2026

Today in 1986, the parish of Saint Maximillian Kolbe was founded in Westtown, south of West Chester. A few of the earliest Masses were celebrated at the West Chester University Newman Club’s chapel. The pictures are from when Archbishop Bevilacqua dedicated the church on September 11, 1988.

Today in 1921, the parish of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Essington was founded. The first church/school was an old woo...
06/15/2026

Today in 1921, the parish of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Essington was founded. The first church/school was an old wooden dormitory that had been used by the Post Office at the Hog Island Shipyard. In 1944, the state built Route 291, which required destroying half of the old church. The new church would be built in 1949. In 2014, St. Margaret Mary would merge with St. Gabriel Church in Norwood.

We would like to announce the opening of our brand new exhibit: "From Revolution to Commemoration: America's Founding a...
06/11/2026

We would like to announce the opening of our brand new exhibit: "From Revolution to Commemoration: America's Founding and Catholic Memory." Visitors will learn about and see items that fuse together the various commemorative anniversaries of our country with the American Catholic identity. Also featured are items that pertain to some of our Catholic Founding Fathers and the era of the American Revolution.

There was also a third parish that was founded on this day in 1966: St. Irenaeus in the Eastwick neighborhood of Southwe...
06/08/2026

There was also a third parish that was founded on this day in 1966: St. Irenaeus in the Eastwick neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia. With Rev. A James Chapman as the first pastor, the parish broke ground for its church on April 16, 1967 and used the auditorium of St. Clement until it was complete.

The second parish to be founded to day was Saint Martha's in Northeast Philadelphia. The first pastor, Rev. George Doug...
06/08/2026

The second parish to be founded to day was Saint Martha's in Northeast Philadelphia. The first pastor, Rev. George Dougherty, would say the first Mass in the lower Church of Saint Anslem's on June 19th. Starting in the fall of 1966 until the Church was completed in December of 1967, the auditorium of the neighboring Archbishop Ryan High School.

Today in 1966, the first of three new parishes formed was Saint Ephrem in Bensalem, created due to the large number of C...
06/08/2026

Today in 1966, the first of three new parishes formed was Saint Ephrem in Bensalem, created due to the large number of Catholics moving to the area. Until the current church was completed in 1969, Masses would be said by Rev. William Herrity at the Newportville Fire House starting on June 26th.

Today, during the Bicentennial year of 1976, the parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Bensalem was formed with Rev. Jo...
06/02/2026

Today, during the Bicentennial year of 1976, the parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Bensalem was formed with Rev. John J. Duffy serving as its first pastor. For the first two years until the main church was completed, Masses would be said at the chapel of Saint Francis Home for Boys in Eddington.

On this day in 1971, the parish of Saint John Fisher in Boothwyn was established with Rev. Charles J. Dombay as the firs...
06/02/2026

On this day in 1971, the parish of Saint John Fisher in Boothwyn was established with Rev. Charles J. Dombay as the first pastor. Before the church could be built in 1973, the Sisters of Saint Francis offered the use of the Assembly Hall of Our Lady of Angels College (the future Neumann University).

Today in 1951, the Catholic Church lost Dennis Cardinal Dougherty on the 61st anniversary of his ordination. A week late...
05/31/2026

Today in 1951, the Catholic Church lost Dennis Cardinal Dougherty on the 61st anniversary of his ordination. A week later on June 7th, a Requiem Mass was held at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. In the homily given by Bishop Hugh Lamb, he mentioned "that the Catholic Church has lost a great priest and Bishop; America has lost a sincere patriot, and Philadelphia has lost a highly respected citizen."

Today in 1961, a new parish was formed in Westtown: Saints Simon and Jude. With Rev. Joseph Cavanaugh as their first pas...
05/31/2026

Today in 1961, a new parish was formed in Westtown: Saints Simon and Jude. With Rev. Joseph Cavanaugh as their first pastor, Masses would be said in a meeting hall adjoining the Goshen Fire House. Groundbreaking for the first church building took place later that year in November, opening the following September.

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6719 Calvert Street
Philadelphia, PA
19149

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Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

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