Listen closely. Our Lady of the Valley Parish was organized on September 8th, 1873. It began humbly as a mission. It was linked to the “Mother Church” of St. John’s Church in Orange.
The trustees of St. John’s made a significant purchase. They acquired the Orange Valley Congregational Church. This was a small stone church. It stood at the corner of Nassau and Valley Streets. Reverend G.A. Vassaldo became the first pastor. He served from 1873 to 1874.
Reverend James A. Walsh took over on September 6th, 1874. He continued the early work in the growing “Valley Parish”. During his time, funds were raised. They built a parochial house between 1874 and 1877.
On June 10, 1877, Reverend Walter M.A. Fleming became the pastor. The parish was growing quickly. Father Fleming saw the need to expand. He altered and remodeled the church. This cost $8,570.00. It was necessary to meet the demands of the growing congregation.
Reverend W.M.R. Callan became the fourth pastor on July 28, 1879. His priority was the education of the children. He reached out to Chestnut Hill, PA. He requested the Sisters of St. Joseph. In September 1882, three sisters arrived. They came from St. John’s in Newark. They taught in Orange every morning.
In December 1882, Father Callan bought a small house. It was located on the hill above Scotland Road. This served as a temporary convent for the three Sisters. Mother Raphael was placed in charge of the new mission. A year later, in 1883, a four-story frame building was constructed. It stood at 518 Valley Street. The number of resident Sisters increased from three to six.
Father Callan deeply cared for the youth. On December 11, 1891, a resolution was passed. It aimed to erect a new building. This was for the young men of the parish. It would provide a space for their leisure hours. On October 29, 1895, the parish suffered a loss. A fire broke out. The plans for the building had to be put on hold temporarily.
Father Callan passed away on February 25, 1898. Reverend Thomas A. Wallace succeeded him. He served for five years. He then resigned to resume his duties. He was the Chancellor of the Diocese and Secretary to Bishop O’Connor. During his pastorate, Father Wallace built and equipped the Lyceum. This fulfilled Father Callan’s hopes. It provided a space for the young men.
The parish continued its rapid growth. In 1909, construction began on the present Our Lady of the Valley Church and Rectory. The cornerstone of the new church was laid. It was on the site of the old church. Bishop John J. O’Connor solemnly blessed it. The estimated cost of the new church was around $100,000. The new Our Lady of the Valley Church was dedicated on February 26, 1911.
Today Our Lady of the Valley stands as a testament to faith. It shows love and devotion. The Our Lady of the Valley parishioners will never neglect their faith. They have love to Our Blessed Lady. She implores blessings from Her Divine Son, Jesus.