Church of the Immaculate Conception (Connellsville, Pennsylvania)

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic parish church in Connellsville, Pennsylvania in the Diocese of Greensburg. It was designed by Frederick C. Sauer, a well-known German-American architect in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[1][2] The cornerstone of the church was laid in September 1896.[3] Immaculate Conception High School (now called Geibel Catholic High School) operated as the parish's school until 1967 when it became a regional parochial school.[4]

Church of the Immaculate Conception
Front view of the church in February 2020
Location148 E. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, Pennsylvania
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusParish Church
DedicationImmaculate Conception
Architecture
Architect(s)Frederick C. Sauer
StyleGothic
Years built1896
Specifications
Length129 feet
Width65 feet
Administration
DioceseRoman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg

History

Several buildings had been home to the Immaculate Conception parish since its establishment. The increasing number of Catholics in the town necessitated the construction of a larger church which was later destroyed by fire on January 22, 1892.[3] The congregation was eager for a new church which was then designed by Frederick C. Sauer, an architect well-known for his churches in the Pittsburgh region.[2] Father John T. Burns was assigned to the church in 1896 to oversee construction. After its completion he continued his own projects, including a parsonage which was completed in 1908 and a parochial school begun in 1911.[5]

The church featured a 185 ft steeple topped with a 14 ft cross which could be seen for miles. However, in the early 20th century tremendous winds collapsed the structure. It was decided not to rebuild and the cross was moved to the center peak of the roof.[3]

The church underwent a complete interior restoration in 2017 under the leadership of Fr. Robert Lubic, returning it to its original Gothic design, including installing high altars, which had been lost during previous renovations.[6] The parish celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019 with a year-long celebration which included the dedication of a new electronic organ and a mass celebrated by Bishop Edward C. Malesic.[7]

  • View from downhill in February 2020
  • The church as seen in 1919 before the collapse of the spire

References
  1. "The Brickbuilder". The Brickbuilder. 5: 93. January 1896. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  2. "Building Intelligence". The American Architect and Building News. 52: 17. May 30, 1896. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  3. "Immaculate Conception History". Connellsville Catholic Community. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  4. "Who We Are". Geibel Catholic High School. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  5. Jordan, John; Hadden, James (1912). Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County Pennsylvania. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company. pp. 141–142. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  6. Borsodi Zajac, Frances. "Connellsville church restoration highlights Gothic architecture and early years of parish". Herald Standard. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  7. Tomasic, Megan. "Greensburg man to introduce new organ at 150th celebration of Connellsville church". Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
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