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Proclamation congratulating St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Crafton upon the momentous occasion of its 180th Anniversary.
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WHEREAS, St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, located in Crafton Borough, stands as a pillar for the local community, providing service ministries and spiritual guidance to generations of individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, St. Philip Church, founded on July 25, 1839, is one of the first six parishes in Western Pennsylvania after the Diocese of Pittsburgh was founded in 1843; and
WHEREAS, St. Philip’s original church measured 40 feet by 25 feet; however, under Fr. William Kelty, the churches second pastor for more than 50 years, a new Gothic-style church was built and dedicated in 1906; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Fr. Kelty, St. Philip Church saw tremendous growth. There was an increase in parishioners and in 1915 he opened St. Philip Elementary School, which was staffed by the Sisters of Charity; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, the St. Philip community merged with the communities of the former parishes of Guardian Angels in West End, Holy Innocents in Sheraden, and Ascension in Ingram. The four parishes were part of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh merger “On Mission for the Church Alive!” initiative. The name “St. Philip” was kept during the merger due to its long history in the area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Allegheny County Council Member Pat Catena, do hereby congratulate St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Crafton upon the momentous occasion of its 180th Anniversary. We wish the church, its administration and its followers the best in all future endeavors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 2nd day of November 2019.