history

History of Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception was first dedicated on December 8, 1916 by Bishop James J. Hartley, D.D., Bishop of Columbus. The Reverend C.J. Norris was the founding pastor with the Reverend John J. Murphy replacing Father Norris in 1917.

In 1922 there was a small frame chapel which provided room for about 50 families. Also that year, a private residence was purchased and used as a sister's convent, with two rooms used as classrooms. Father Murphy began the school and the Sisters of Saint Francis of Joliet, Illinois were placed in charge of the classes.

In 1923 the Reverend John J. Fagan came to Immaculate Conception as the new pastor. Because of the rapid growth in the parish, it was necessary to build a new school. In 1925, the new school was ready for use and part of the building was used for Church services. In 1954, a gym and four classrooms were added. In 1959, three more classrooms were added along the back alley and the older part of the building was remodeled.

By 1938, still rapidly growing as a parish, the new and present church was started. The church was completed and dedicated in 1939.

In 1956, the old convent was removed and a new convent built and dedicated in 1957. In 1976 the convent became a residence for senior adults no longer able to live in their homes. Immaculate Conception continued to offer this service to the community until it's closing in 1992. The facility was remodeled in 2003 and it is now used for Kindergarten, Latchkey, PSR and other parish needs.

Right Reverend Monsignor John J. Fagan died in August of 1960 and Reverend Richard C. Crosser became the new pastor. The Grotto was constructed and completed in 1961. The stones were collected from every state in the union and some stones came from foreign countries. Father Crosser also donated stones from the Holy Lands.

In 1966 our parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee with special anniversary activities. Also in that year, the old rectory was removed to make way for a new administration building. This was completed in 1967. Father Crosser retired from Immaculate Conception in June of 1970 and Robert Schmidt became pastor.

In 1983 Reverend James Smith became pastor. The parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of the construction of the church on May 14, 1989.

In July 1991, Reverend Msgr. Anthony Missimi came to Immaculate Conception as pastor. In November 1991 our parish celebrated its 75th Jubilee with a week-long celebration and activities.

In January 2002, Immaculate Conception launched a $4 million dollar capital campaign for the construction of additional classrooms, school air conditioning and other updates to our Kindergarten and School buildings. A parish hall (Marian Hall) and gathering space was added on to the west side of the Church. The project was completed in 2003 and the debt was retired in May 2008.

In August 2002, Immaculate Conception began Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel of the old convent (now the Children's Center). It has continued uninterrupted as the Eucharist is exposed on the Altar 24 hours a day. Immaculate Conception is truly unique as the only parish in the Diocese with Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration with Exposition.

Msgr. Missimi retired June 2008 and Reverend Msgr. Stephan Moloney came to Immaculate Conception as the new pastor July 2008.

Immaculate Conception is still growing with new parishioners coming to our Church. Our long history is something to be proud of and with the continued support and involvement of the people of the parish, Immaculate Conception will continue to be a vital part of this community.