St. Peter Catholic Church
by Laurie Perry
Title
St. Peter Catholic Church
Artist
Laurie Perry
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The settlement of many Catholic families in the area moved Bishop John Moore to build a church in DeLand. When the work was completed on April 19, 1884, Father Kenny celebrated mass for the first time in the new building. Bishop Moore dedicated the church the following day and placed it under the patronage of St. Peter.
In 1885, Father Michael Foley of Baltimore came to DeLand. He cared for the needs of the parish until 1900, baptizing the first baby, Augusta A. Dreka, on April 14, 1885, and seeing the first religion class confirmed on March 3, 1887. When Father Michael J. Curley arrived from Athlone, Ireland in 1904, he became the first resident pastor of St. Peter. Father Curley left St. Peter to become the fourth Bishop of St. Augustine.
During the Depression, Father Patrick Rouche became pastor. When the banks began to close, Father Roche reached the bank in time to save the church funds. He encouraged the establishment of a Catholic library and oversaw the construction of a tennis court on the church property, paid for by the Society of the Children of Mary.
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December 8th, 2013
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