Picture St. Patrick’s Day, 1854: The first Mass was celebrated in the new church built for the Irish immigrants who arrived to build the railroads and stayed to work in the Dunkirk factories. The new church replaced a smaller wooden building.

That will be 160 years ago this weekend. Abraham Lincoln was not as yet elected president, the Civil War was years away and the West was still not tamed. The edifice now used as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church was very simple 160 years ago: there were no stained glass windows, no vaulted ceilings and no steeple. The history of Dunkirk is reflected in the beauty of the present church. As Dunkirk grew more prosperous, the church building went through many changes and improvements.

As we worship this St. Patrick’s weekend, remember the fervor of these Catholics 160 years ago. As we celebrate our Eucharist let us share that same joyful anticipation of bringing the Gospel message to our Dunkirk community.

Parish History