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Whereas, St. Raphael the Archangel Parish was established by Bishop J. F. Regis Canevin on Saturday, July 15, 1911 in response to a request from Catholic families living in the Morningside neighborhood; and,
Whereas, the first Mass at St. Raphael's building on Chislett Street which could accommodate up to 500 parishioners was celebrated on Dec. 24, 1911; and,
Whereas, two generations of Morningside residents attended services, baptisms, marriages and funerals in the original church. Membership grew until those attending Mass often had to stand in the aisles; and,
Whereas, due top the growing membership, construction of a new church at 1118 Chislett Street began during the pastorate of Fr. Sylvester Doyle and was dedicated by Bishop John Wright in 1959. The former church building was converted into a gym and multi-purpose building for parish use; and,
Whereas, St. Raphael Elementary School, opened September 8, 1915, still to this day provides an enriching education for children in preschool through eighth grade; and,
Whereas, one of the school's most famous students was actor Gene Kelly, and in 2005, during the school's 90th anniversary, its auditorium was rededicated in his name; and,
Whereas, from the earliest days of the church an annual bazaar has been sponsored by the parish and is still a part of the life of the neighborhood; and,
Whereas, the church's three-day 100th anniversary celebration will include an open house at the school from 6 to 8pm on September 23, followed by a meet-and-greet reception at the Morningside Veterans of Foreign Wars Post; and,
Whereas, the anniversary will also be marked with a banquet on September 24 at Churchill Valley Country Club and Bishop David A. Zubik will officiate at a special Mass at 11 a.m. September 25.
Title
Now, therefore be it resoloved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor St. Raphael the Archangel Parish on the celebration of its 100th anniversary; and,
Be it further ...
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