History
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
In 1975, because of decreasing congregations, St. Mary's Church and Sacred Heart Church were combined to form a new parish at St. Mary's as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Fr. Kenneth Menge was appointed Pastor on August 2, 1975 and the first Mass of the new parish was on September 14, 1975, the day that our Patron Saint was canonized a Saint by Pope Paul VI. The parish has grown into a strong and vibrant multicultural faith community celebrating it's 35th year in 2010.
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church, was the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Chautauqua County, NY. St. Mary's Church, in 1850, was organized mainly for the Irish and German Catholics. Starting in a wooden structure at West Second Street and Plover Street as a mission, Masses were held there until a new permanent brick structure was completed at Washington Avenue, in 1854. The Passionist's were invited by Bishop Timon of Buffalo to take charge of St. Mary's and built a Monastery next to the church in 1861. In 1972 they returned the parish to the Diocese of Buffalo.
Passionist Centenary In America 1852-1952
Rectors at St. Mary's Monastery 1863-1965
Passionists who served St. Mary's Parish
Sacred Heart Church
In 1857, the German parishioners met and decided to build a church for themselves. This church was completed in 1858 and dedicated to St. George. In 1876 a new church was completed and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The last Mass said at Sacred Heart Church was on September 7, 1975 and the building was demolished in 1981. The church bells were preserved and remain displayed today at the corner of Main and Ruggles Street. The Tower Cross is located atop a monument in St. Mary's Cemetery as a sacred symbol of the former Sacred Heart Church.
The Early Years In The Small Wooden Church 1858-1876
The New Era Of The Present Church 1876-1958
Golden Jubilee 1858-1908 Souvenir Book
100th Anniversary 1858-1958 Souvenir Book
Historical Slideshow
