Parish Timeline

1852

Bishop John N. Neumann authorized the purchase of property for a new church and cemetery for the German Catholics who had settled in York. The cornerstone for the new church, to be named Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was laid on July 25, 1852. The first German mass was said on October 25, when the church was completed.

1853

On July 25, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Neumann as a German National Parish and a parochial school was built and overseen by lay teachers.

1869

A second, larger school was built. When it opened, it was staffed by the Good Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Glen Riddle, PA.

1884

On May 25, the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Jeremiah Shanahan for a new, larger brick church of Gothic design. The first Mass was said and new bells blessed in December.

1906

A new (present) school was built on South George Street.

1909

The parish established St. Joseph's Church as a mission. It remained a mission until 1913.

1914

A stone façade was built over the brick front of the church and a cement pavement laid. The church was also rededicated on December 14.

1921

The entire interior of the church was remodeled. Existing floors and pews were removed and replaced. Marble altars, statues, floors were added, and new Stations of the Cross and sanctuary furnishings were installed. The church was also consecrated, free from financial encumbrance.

1923

Responding to a need for spiritual direction for Catholics in the area of Saginaw, a mission church was opened.

1927

A new hall and gym were built to support the school and athletic events of the parish. The school began a high school program of study.

1943

A mission church in York Haven, called Church of the Holy Infant, was established. This mission replaced the mission in Saginaw; it would eventually become Holy Infant parish.

1952

The interior of the church was remodeled and a new lighting system installed as the church celebrated its 100th Anniversary.