Honoring Saint Bernard Parish on the occasion of its' 75th Anniversary.

WHEREAS

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On December 17, 1927, the

Catholic Standard and Times

contained an announcement of the new parish of Saint Bernard. Reverend Edward Holahan was appointed founding pastor by Dennis Cardinal Dougherty; and

WHEREAS

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Over the next two years, a flurry of activity signaled the rise of one of the

largest parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A farmhouse located at the corner of Wellington and Cottage Streets served as the first chapel and rectory. Ground was broken in 1929 for the erection of a combination church and school building and six houses were purchased on Aldine Street to establish the rectory and convent; and

WHEREAS

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On November 24, 1929 the new Church-School building was dedicated

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with the opening of the first convent and the arrival of the Sisters of Saint Joseph less than one year later; and

WHEREAS

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In the midst of the Great Depression, Father Holahan was transferred. On August 30, 1933, Father William Dalton arrived at Saint Bernard’s, a tenure which would last 38 years; and

WHEREAS

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Saint Bernard Parish experienced an era of tremendous growth under the leadership of Father Dalton. Groundbreaking took place for the current church on March 17, 1950. On June 8, 1952 Most Reverend Carroll McCormick opened the church with the blessing of the cornerstone. At the time, Saint Bernard was the largest church in the archdiocese; and

WHEREAS

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Construction was begun and completed on a new rectory, convent and new school building to address overcrowding issues; and

WHEREAS

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In the spring of 1971, Father Dalton celebrated his 50th ordination anniversary. His legacy completed, having built every structure on the Parish grounds at Bleigh and Cottage Streets, Father Dalton retired. He continued to live at Saint Bernard Rectory until his death on November 3, 1973; and

WHEREAS

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Over the years, the leadership of the parish changed from Father Thomas Pryor to Monsignor John Fee, with Monsignor Leonard being appointed pastor after Monsignor Fee’s retirement in 1982. Father Reilly was appointed the 6th pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in 1988; and

WHEREAS

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The Saint Bernard community has a wonderful story to tell after 75 years. In addition to the illustrious history of its’ church, Saint Bernard Parish is home to thousands of parishioners, including Councilwoman Joan Krajewski; and

WHEREAS

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Included among the many successful alumni of Saint Bernard School are our State Representative, Michael McGeehan and this City’s former Managing Director, Joe Martz, who attended grade school together at Saint Bernard’s almost 40 years ago. This pairing also proves the old adage that the Lord does move in mysterious ways; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Saint Bernard Parish on the occasion of its’ 75th Anniversary.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Father Charles Sullivan, Pastor of Saint Bernard’s, as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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