Didn’t you feel a sense of warmth envelop you as you approached Saint William Roman Catholic Church? This vibrant church serves as a spiritual home. It stands proudly on Rising Sun Avenue in Philadelphia. Saint William’s is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and community.
Founded in January 1920 Saint William Parish began humbly. It served only 70 households. Imagine those early days. Mass was held at the Germania Maennerchor Hall. This hall is now St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.
The parish quickly grew. A combination church and school was built in 1921. Bethayres stone formed its walls. Bishop Michael Crane dedicated it. The elementary school opened in 1924. Sisters taught 104 students. They commuted from St. Joachim’s Parish each day.
As the parish expanded new buildings were added. These included a rectory a convent and a kindergarten. The original church became a hall. A new basement church was completed in 1927. It also featured Bethayres stone.
During World War II Saint William Parish supported the war effort. Parishioners bought war bonds collected scrap metal and served as air raid wardens. A bronze plaque honored twelve men who died in the war. 317 names appeared on the Roll of Honor.
The post-war years brought significant changes to Saint William Church. The parish population grew. The current granite and sandstone building was constructed. Gleeson and Mulrooney designed it. The first mass was held in the new lower church on Christmas Day 1956. The upper church was completed in 1963.
Father William Boyle led the parish for 24 years. He was known as the builder. During his tenure the parish population nearly tripled.
In 1974 Father Kimble started the Parish Carnival. This event helped fund expansion and maintenance. It lasted for well over a decade.
James E Mortimer became St William’s sixth pastor in 1980. He served for 22 years. Many refurbishments were carried out with help from parishioners.
The St William Creche was dedicated in 1986. Parishioner Gregor Betz carved wooden statues for it. Memorial Hall was completed in 1988. The Adoration Chapel opened in 1989.
By the early 1990s Saint William Parish had grown. It comprised nine buildings and two large churches. Over 9600 parishioners were registered.
In 2002 Msgr Nelson Perez became pastor. He addressed the parish’s debt and improved the physical plant.
Today Saint William Parish remains a vibrant community. It embraces diversity. Spanish Haitian Pakistani Vietnamese and English speakers worship here. Eight masses are celebrated each Sunday.
Music plays an integral role in parish life. Over 50 people comprise the Music Department. Ken Houser has served as director since 2002.
Art adorns Saint William Church. Parishioners have created hand-carved hand-painted and hand-sewn pieces. These works reflect the community’s talent and devotion.
Stained glass windows tell stories. The lower church windows date back to the 1920s. The upper church windows depict the Eucharistic Prayer and the life of Christ.
Although the school closed in 2012 Saint William Parish continues to thrive. It addresses the spiritual and social needs of its members.
As you stand before Saint William Roman Catholic Church remember its rich history and the countless lives it has touched. It is a beacon of faith a testament to community and a place where all are welcome.