How about a journey back to 1892 when Saint Patrick Catholic Church was founded? Bishop Lawrence Scanlan wanted to serve Catholics on Salt Lake City’s west side. He bought land on 500 West and 417 South in 1889. In 1892, he acquired a lot with a brick cottage. This building became the first Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Father Denis Kiley was the first pastor.
In 1907, the land was sold to a railroad company. A new location was needed for Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Property was purchased on 400 South in 1914. A cornerstone was laid but construction stalled. Father William K Ryan died and so did Bishop Scanlan in 1915.
Bishop Joseph S Glass chose the current site on 400 South and 1040 West. Father Michael F Sheehan oversaw the building. Construction finished in November 1916. However dedication was delayed because of World War I. This mission-style building stands as a testament to their vision.
Saint Patrick Catholic Church’s early members reflected its diverse nature. The census included names like Polanshek and Cosco. There were Hennigans and Brennans too. Anselmos and Cugliettas also called this church home.
Saint Patrick Parish once included Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. In 1930, it became a separate community. It grew into Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
A fire gutted Saint Patrick Catholic Church on Christmas Eve in 1924. Only the walls remained. Parishioners rebuilt it in eleven months. Bishop James E Kearney blessed the refurbished church.
Religious women have greatly contributed to Saint Patrick. The Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters arrived in 1939. They were the first to serve.
During World War II, Father Giovannoni worked with Italian prisoners of war. Father Edward Dowling became administrator and later pastor. In 1948, an old Army Air Base chapel became a recreation hall. Parishioners transported and renovated it.
By 1950, Saint Patrick had 1000 parishioners. Father Patrick Cullen became administrator in 1952. Father Francis Sloan later became pastor. He oversaw major repairs. A sagging wall was reinforced in 1955.
The Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Cross opened Bishop Glass Intermediate Learning Center in 1954. Grades one through four were taught here. The school closed in 1980.
Deacon Silvio Mayo became the first non-priest Chancellor in the US in 1984. He served Saint Patrick Parish. Many other deacons have also served including Deacon Sefo Manu.
In 1965, another fire struck Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Again, the church was repaired.
Over the years, Saint Patrick grew more diverse. Italians, Mexicans, Cubans, and African Americans joined. The church welcomed Koreans and Tongans too. People from Africa also found a spiritual home here.
The Vietnamese Catholic Community arrived in 1975. They found a home at Saint Patrick in 1981. Father Dominic Thuy Dang Ha led them.
In 1992, Saint Patrick celebrated its centennial. The stained glass windows were restored. Parishioners donated to refurbish the building. The Korean Catholic Community also found a home.
Today Saint Patrick Catholic Church continues its legacy. It embraces diversity and serves its community. Masses are offered in multiple languages. These include English, Korean, Tongan and various African languages.
Father Anastasius Iwuoha is the current Parish Administrator since 2016. He brings passionate preaching. The parish celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 2019.
Saint Patrick Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith. It represents community and diversity in Salt Lake City.