celebrating 100 years 100 Years Young

Our Centennial
Celebration 2014

100 Years as a Parish!

2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of St. Patrick Parish, an impressive milestone and testament to the strength of our parish community. To commemorate our centennial, we planned an exciting year of festivities that brought together all of our parishioners. At this special time in our parish’s history, we celebrated our past, recognized Christ’s presence amongst us, and continued to look forward to our bright and faithful future together.

Look Back Through Our Centennial Celebration!

St. Patrick’s
Milestones

Embracing a century of St. Patrick Parish history!

Explore the milestones below and catch a glimpse into the 100-year journey that shaped us into the strong Catholic Community we are today.

  • Founding of St. Patrick Parish

    St. Patrick Parish was founded on June 3rd at the request of Archbishop Edmond Prendergast of Philadelphia. Father John H. Martin was named the first pastor, and remained at St. Pat’s until 1930.

  • Groundbreaking Ceremony

    Soon after its founding, the parish purchased houses and property on Channing Avenue and Roberts Lane and began plans to build a “proper Catholic Church”. Ground was broken on May 7th.

  • Church Completion & Dedication

    The new church was built with the support of 50 member families and summer residents like the Hardarts and Kellys. The design, which gained attention nationally for its beauty, adapted 15th century English Gothic techniques. The first Mass and dedication was celebrated on November 11th.

  • Opening of St. Patrick School

    Just ten years after the parish’s founding, St. Patrick Parish opened the doors of its school. The original school consisted of just 85 students ranging from ages 5 to 13 and was held in the home once owned by William Penn Evans.

  • New School Construction Begins

    By the mid 1950s, St. Patrick School needed more space. On March 17th, Father James Devers, the parish’s second pastor, broke ground for a four-room brick school that was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

  • 50th Anniversary of the Parish

    Father John Barron, successor of Father Devers and St. Patrick Parish’s third pastor, dedicated the second school building. That same year, St. Patrick Parish celebrated 50 years of active presence in the community of Malvern.

  • Father Francis McDevitt Named Pastor

    In December of 1970, Father Francis McDevitt succeeded Father Barron. Father McDevitt served the parish for over 15 years. During that time, the St. Patrick Parish community grew to include over 1200 families.

  • Sisters of St. Joseph are Reassigned

    Since the inception of its parochial school, St. Patrick had benefited from the efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph. In the year of 1983, after nearly 60 years of service to the parish and school, the Sisters of St. Joseph were reassigned to other work.

  • Purchase of Woodland Avenue Property

    Father Menna, first an administrator and then appointed pastor, purchased property on Woodland Avenue. The property would enable St. Patrick Parish to accommodate its growing numbers of parishioners.

  • Father James J. Ambrogi Named Pastor

    After being appointed Vicar for Delaware County, Father Menna was succeeded by Father James J. Ambrogi. Nicknamed ‘the Builder’, Father Ambrogi pioneered the expansion of the school, rectory, and new church.

  • Opening of School Expansion

    Ground broke on a new project to enlarge the existing school structure, adding a gym and cafeteria. This project was started and completed during the tenure of Father Ambrogi.

  • First Mass in New Church

    On December 24, 2001, St. Patrick Parish celebrated the first mass in the new church. The church doubled the seating capacity while preserving the original stained glass windows. Below the church are self-contained Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms, as well as an early education library and cafeteria.

  • Fr. Redcay Named Pastor

    After 22 years of faithful service, Father Ambrogi retired. He was succeeded by our current pastor, Father Christopher Redcay. Father Redcay brings a fresh perspective to the St. Patrick community and a commitment to enriching the spirituality and faith understanding of all members.

  • St. Patrick School, National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

    On September 1, St. Patrick School was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. With a rigorous academic curriculum and impressive faith formation, St. Patrick School is committed to nurturing and educating the entire person—mind and spirit.

  • 100th Anniversary of St. Patrick Parish

    On September 6, in the presence of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, the St. Patrick community gathered to inaugurate a yearlong centennial celebration, kicking off an entire year of activities and events commemorating our 100th Anniversary as a Parish.