About Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
As early as 1849 the Redemptorists Fathers had built a Chapel where North Catholic High School Auditorium stands today. On December 12 1850, a Solemn High Mass was celebrated for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. This was believed to be the first Mass offered on Troy Hill.
Most Holy Name Church’s cornerstone was laid on August 26, 1866, and on June 7, 1868, the church was dedicated and Father Suitbert Mollinger was appointed the first Pastor. Father Mollinger’s first concern was the education of the children of the Parish. Using a room in the rear of the church as a classroom, 15 children were able to begin school in September of 1868. Later Father Mollinger built two side altars and replaced the main altar with a new marble one.
Troy Hill became part of the City of Pittsburgh in 1870. In 1874 Most Holy Name School was built and the Sisters of Notre Dame came to take over the responsibility of educating the children. From his own resources, Father Mollinger built a rectory on Hazel Street, which is now known as Harpster Street, as well as St. Anthony’s Chapel adjacent to the rectory. A convent was build for the nuns and a second floor addition to the school. He also purchased land in Reserve Township for use as the Parish cemetery.
Father Mollinger died June 15, 1892, two days after the dedication of the completed work on the St. Anthony Chapel. In 1968 the Parish celebrated its 100 Anniversary. A special Mass was celebrated in June of 1968, with Bishop Wright as main celebrant.
In August 1983, the first step in the process of renovating the Church was started. Work started in March of 1984 and all services were then held in St. Anthony’s Chapel. One of the improvements made during the renovation, the former baptistery was converted into a Chapel, This Chapel is open 24 hours a day.
The dedication ceremony was held June 19, 1985, when a new altar was dedicated by Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Bosco and a reception was held in the Church Hall.
The parish community celebrated the 140th Anniversary of the Church and the 125th Anniversary of St. Anthony’s Chapel on June 8, 2008. This celebration included a Mass in Most Holy Name Church by Bishop David Zubik, along with a service in the Chapel in which many new relics were added.
Finding Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Pittsburgh:
The church is close to Saint Anthony Chapel here in Pittsburgh.
Address: 1700 Harpster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Tel: +1 (412) 231-2994
Click here for the official website of Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Pittsburgh.
