Parish History

Parish History

(According to the bulletin from the dedication of the Church in 1963)

History

of the St. Rose of Lima Parish

            The original church of St. Rose of Lima Parish was constructed by the parishioners. Work was begun in 1925 and the church was dedicated in 1927. In 1937 western Graham County was designated a separate parish with St. Rose of Lima Church in Safford as headquarters. Rev. J.N Patterson was the first pastor. The following year Rev. B.P. O’Boyle became pastor and served the parish for 10 years. Parish census and activities grew steadily. The ladies of the parish assumed many of the church chores of linens, candles, etc.

            Rev. P.M Laracque was appointed pastor in 1948. In 1950 the site of the present Catholic center was acquired. The Rev. Martin C. Kelly assumed pastoral duties in March, 1961. Rev. J. Hurtado came as assistant pastor two months later. Parish interest and activities continued to increase. More parishioners became more interested in their parish and grand events cam about. Parish tithing became an established success. The building program came closer and closer to reality. In the fall on 1961 the Sisters of the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic came to Safford for the first time to help in the catechetical program. Rev. J. Debski was assigned also as assistant pastor in 1962.

            Finally the great day arrived; on August 12, 1962 at 12:00 o’clock noon, Father Kelly presided over groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church. The St. Rose of Lima Convent was completed first; then the catechetical classrooms; and finally our beautiful new church. The first Mass was on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963. And today we are dedicating the entire new St. Rose of Lima Catholic Center for God’s Greater Glory.