Our beautiful Church...was dedicated on December 8, 1901











 

In 1852 a larger track of land along Carlisle Street was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Martin.  A large frame church was erected on the property.  "At first it was used only for religious instruction classes, Mass on weekdays and certain Holy Days."  Up to this point the Church was a mission to Sacred Heart in Conewago where the Jesuit priest would travel up to celebrate Mass.  

Then in 1879, "New Oxford and Paradise missions were combined into one charge and Sunday Mass was celebrated on alternate Sundays.  

Our first resident pastor, Father Pius P. Hemler was appointed in 1891.  The parish at the time had 300 registered souls.  Under his pastorate, he built a brick school house.  

Plans were drew up for the current Church and the old Church was razed on July 22nd 1900.  Bishop John W. Shannahan laid the cornerstone of the present Church on September 8th, 1901 and a few months later the Church was dedicated on December 8, 1901.  

It was in 1913 a new school was built and the Sisters of Mercy replaced the Sisters of Charity who were teaching in the school.  Our parish school closed in 2017 when it was merged with Sacred Heart in Conewago and Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in McSherrystown to form Saint Teresa of Calcutta School.  

Currently our parish has just over 500 families.  

Excerpts taken from the Diocese of Harrisburg history book for the centienial.  
 

 
Our former school, now the Parish Activity & Education Center
101 N. Peters Street
New Oxford, Pa 17350