St. Patrick Parish

History

St. Patrick Church is situated in Dixon, Illinois, approximately 100 miles from Chicago. The parish was founded in 1854 with 25 families registered. At present There are 820 registered families. Religious education program has an enrollment of 120 students, and the parish school, St. Mary's, has an enrollment of 251.
St. Patricks, 2004
St. Patrick's Church today. Registered family members - 820.

St. Patricks, 1873
St. Patrick's Church shown above shortly after being completed looks much the same as it does today. The edifice was reported to have cost $30,000, including altar furnishings and had a seating capacity of 600. The church bell cost $900 and weighed 2,500 pounds. One hundred twenty years ago the parish numbered 200 families.

1854 - First resident priest was sent to Dixon by Bishop O'Regan of Chicago. Parish had about 25 families.

1856 - Frame church built on Highland Ave. Mass had previously been said in the Court House.

1872 - Cornerstone of new brick church laid.

1873 - Bishop Foley dedicated completed church on November 2nd.

1885-1892 - Church was destroyed by fire but was immediately rebuilt.

1973 - Centennial Celebration with mass celebrated by Bishop Arthur J. O'Neill.

1985 - Parish center (Holloway Center) adjoining church is completed

1998 - Dedication of church by Bishop Thomas G. Doran upon completion of renovation.


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