Maternity B. V. M. Church at 9220 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115 US - History of Maternity B.V.M. Church

 The Early Years

The origin of the name "Bustleton," given to our settlement, is rather vague. Some people are of the opinion that it derived its name from an old English town by the name of Busseltown. The Ledger Almanac published in 1881, tell us that on February 18, 1768, there was advertised for sale a noted tavern know by the name of "Busseltown" later the property of Robert Greenway, Lower Dublin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

During the Revolutionary War, according to historian Dr. Samuel F. Hotchkin, seventy-five British soldiers pursued fifteen Revolutionists through the country village of Bustleton. The house at 9403 Old Bustleton Avenue, known as the "Bee Hive" dates back to the Revolutionary War. The Bustleton Hotel, which stood next to this home on the ground that now houses a bank, was headquarters for part of General Washington’s Army. It is not known when the hotel was built, but it seems certain the town grew "around" this hotel. The hotel was torn down in 1931. The Bridal Shop across from Kelly’s Restaurant was in the early days a carriage maker’s shop...later days it became John Hunt’s Restaurant.

The original settlement was a rural farm area, but even then was a busy thoroughfare. Welsh Road derived its name from a group of farmers from the Buckingham Mountains (Doylestown area) who used this road to transport their crops to the granaries in Philadelphia. The farmers found rest and refreshment on their long journey at the "LaGrange Tavern" which was founded by a certain John McGinn. In the same tavern an altar was erected in a room on the second floor and about once a month a priest from St. Michael’s Church came to celebrate Mass. This property was later the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Repetti, the parents of Marcella Repetti (many still remember her). The house was located on Winchester Avenue at Old Newtown Road across from the park. When the Repetti’s took possession of the building, Marcella’s bedroom was the room where Mass was celebrated. The altar remained in her room until the house was torn down about 1960 and replaced with apartments

Although the area was primarily farm country, there was a considerable amount of industry in this area. A number of mills and factories were located on the banks of Pennypack Creek. The creek and nearby falls provided power for this industry. With the coming of steam, water power was driven in the background. Mill owners soon abandoned this area and located their plants closer to suppliers and consumers of their products. Mr. John B. Willian, Esq., a manufacturer from Holmesburg, purchased an abandoned print mill on the south bank of Pennypack Creek. He brought five or six Catholic men from Holmesburg to operate his plant. Mr. Willian built ten homes on either side of the creek and rented them to his employees for three dollars a month. Many of his workers were Irish immigrants who left their native country during the potato famine of 1844-45.

In 1868, Mr. John B. Willian, a non-Catholic, granted permission to John Gallagher, an employee of Willian’s print mill, to use the engraving room of the mill for weekly Mass and later further extended his generosity by giving his Catholic neighbors a parcel of land opposite the mill for the erection of a church. This was the original Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The cornerstone of this church was laid on October 2, 1870 by Rt. Rev. J.F. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg. It was used for services for the first time on December 11, 1870. The first permanent pastor was Rev. Thomas J. Kelly who laid the ground work for expanding the mission of the church. Poor health, however, prevented Father Kelly from continuing his duties as pastor, and Rev. John H. Loughran of Presentation B.V.M. Church in Cheltenham assumed the administrative duties at Maternity. From time to time, changes in pastors left the parish without a resident priest and it was attached as a Mission, now to St. Joachim’s, now St. Dominic’s, now to the Presentation B.V.M.

Sometime in the early days of our parish, frequent visitors to our church included young Katharine Drexel along with her sister Elizabeth. It is documented that "as they grew into young womanhood, Elizabeth and Kate made daily Mass a practice, riding on horseback to St. Dominic’s, to Eden Hall, or to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Chapel in neighboring Bustleton." (Lou Baldwin’s book, A Call to Sanctity)

As there are no records of parish events prior to the year 1900, an authentic and detailed account of parochial events is impossible. Only the Baptismal Record, compiled by Rev. John J. Rooney, after the year 1900, from the Baptismal Records of St. Dominic’s, St. Joachim’s and the Presentation BVM, Cheltenham, is available for the names of the successive pastors. The dates of their pastorates can only be approximated from the dates of baptisms. (From Golden Jubilee Book)

In January, 1873, Rev. Hugh Garvey was assigned as pastor. Father Garvey served until June, 1874. Several pastors followed which included Rev. James. A Brehony (November 1874 to January 1875) and Rev. Matthew P. O’Brien (August 1876 to September 1879). The first Forty Hours Devotions were celebrated on June 2, 1878. The Sacrament of Confirmation was probably first conferred in the Church on Ascension Thursday, May 22, 1879 by the Most Rev. Archbishop Wood. Rev. Denis A. Bowes (January 1880 to May 1881). Rev. Arthur P. Haviland served as pastor from February, 1882 to 1886. From September, 1886 to April 1888 Rev. James F. Maginn was pastor. For the next 11 ½ years, the parish was without a resident pastor and was considered a Mission. It was not until the pastorate of Father Rooney that a Rectory was built. His predecessors either boarded with the parishioners or occupied rented houses in the neighborhood of the church.

Rev. John J. Rooney became pastor on September 29, 1900 and served until March 21, 1914. Fr. Rooney compiled the first permanent church records. In the fall of 1900 he purchased a lot adjoining the church property from the estate of George Fales Baker. The following April, work was begun on the rectory and completed in February, 1902. In 1904 he began renovation of the interior of the church and in a space of five years erected a new main altar, installed new pews, Stations of the Cross, electric lighting, steam heating and frescoed the church. On November 25, 1910, a branch of the Holy Name Society was formally organized by the Pastor.

As a result of rumors involving city improvements planned for Bustleton that would embrace the church property, Fr. Rooney succeeded in securing the Fleming property at 9320(OLD)Bustleton Avenue. It was centrally located and, at the time of its purchase, the only available property for a church site. It assured the parish of a location, no matter what changes the city might make in its plans, and, if not used for Church purposes, would be a profitable investment.

On February 5, 1914, the parish received a setback when fire destroyed the epistle side of the sanctuary. Undaunted, the clergy and parishioners initiated immediate restoration work, which was completed on May 10, 1914. Rev. William J. McMahon was now the new pastor. (March, 1914 to May 17, 1940) The rapidly increasing attendance at services indicated the need for additional temporary sites of worship. These sites were established in the adjoining communities of Somerton and Byberry.

In the Spring of 1918, the City purchased from Archbishop Prendergast all of the Church property along the Pennypack Creek for the sum of $40,000. Bishop J.J. McCort recommended a new and larger church for the large Maternity congregation. The Neff property was purchased at Welsh and Newtown Roads and one adjoining acre. An 18-room house was situated on the property. It was ideally laid out for a rectory and was soon occupied. With the permission of Archbishop Dougherty, a room was set aside in the rectory where daily mass was offered. The old church continued to serve the faithful for Sunday masses and evening devotions. The main social event of the year was the Annual Carnival which took place for three days during the latter part of July. On October 3, 1920, the parish celebrated its first fifty years with a Mass of Thanksgiving with the Most Reverend Dennis J. Dougherty.

In December, 1923, an architect’s sketch of the proposed school building was placed in the vestibule of the Church. In 1925, Fr. McMahon arranged to have the parish children attend the newly opened St. Cecilia School in Fox Chase. To solve the problem of transportation, money was raised to purchase a school bus.

On May 17, 1940, Father McMahon, who had served as pastor for 26 years, died and was succeeded by Rev. John A. Wright, the Dean of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and a great supporter of Catholic education. The first May Procession ever held in the Parish was on May 25, 1941.

In 1945, Maternity B.V.M. celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. The anniversary was commemorated on December 2, 1945, with a Mass of Thanksgiving with Right Reverend Monsignor J. Carroll McCormick as celebrant.

World War II ended in 1945 and many of the returning servicemen chose to relocate their families in the Bustleton area. This influx of fast growing families prompted the need for a Catholic School program for the parish. Up until this time the Immaculate Heart Sisters of St. Joachim’s Convent gave catechetical instructions to the children on Saturdays and Sundays. In September, 1948 Sister Rita Marie and Sister Anne Francis of the Sisters of Mercy, opened a school on the porch of the rectory. The rapid growth of both student body and interest in the school dictated an expansion program. A parcel of land was purchased near the intersection of Welsh and Bustleton Avenues and the school foundation was laid. On May 5, 1949, less than a year after the school’s inception, a one-level, T-shaped school with a large auditorium/church was dedicated by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick. The auditorium was used for church services on weekends, accommodating approximately four hundred worshipers. The school continued to grow and in 1950, four classrooms were added. In 1957, ground was broken for two additional classrooms and a new auditorium. In November, 1957, the Pastor, Father John A. Wright died. He had fulfilled his vision to bring Catholic education and a Catholic school to Maternity B.V.M. Parish. As a memorial to the school’s founder, Father Wright’s body was buried immediately in front of the new school. A monument now stands at the site of his interment.

On December 18, 1957, Reverend John J. O’Neill was appointed pastor. Father O’Neill completed the construction of the two new classrooms and the auditorium. Due to increased enrollment, Father O’Neill added a second floor to the original school building providing eight new classrooms.

Ground breaking for a new convent took place on July 8, 1962. At this time, church services with five masses were being offered at the interim church, the auditorium and the old church in the hollow. With an increased census and continued overcrowding at masses, it became apparent that there was a need for a larger church, with more parking space, and an adequate rectory. On July 12, 1964, ground was broken for the planned new church and rectory. Eighteen months later, January 9, 1966, the Most Reverend John J. Krol presided at the dedication of our beautiful church and rectory. In 1967, a new school building was erected in front of the existing school. It provided eight additional classrooms for the students. On Mother’s Day, May 10, 1970, the Centennial Anniversary of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was celebrated. His Eminence John J. Krol presided. In July, 1976, Msgr. John J. O’Neill, Pastor, retired and resided at Maternity B.V.M. until his death on February 27, 1996. Reverend James T. McDonnell was appointed Pastor.

The parish continued to grow, with only minor problems until 1983, when the auditorium/gymnasium was officially condemned due to a shifting foundation. A replacement program was immediately begun and a capital fund campaign initiated. Through this campaign, a gala carnival on church grounds was conceived and continues annually. This event has been a consistent success, both financially and socially. The beautiful and functional parish hall was built and dedication was held in May, 1988. The hall continues to live up to its expectations for activities of parish, school as well as social! After fourteen years as Pastor of Maternity B.V.M., Father McDonnell retired. (He died on October 14, 1995.) Reverend Monsignor Anthony W. McGuire was appointed Pastor in 1990.

Monsignor McGuire brought with him years of pastoral and administrative experience as well as a determination to foster the church’s spiritual growth and leadership in the parish. Parish activity increased with the formation of a Parish Pastoral Council in 1993 which has led to the formation of a number of church service committees. Monsignor McGuire’s goals for the revitalization of the parish included many of the physical as well as spiritual attributes necessary for the continued well being of the parish. Much needed remodeling work and major repairs have become an on-going project for all of the church and school buildings. School equipment, including computers, is being updated. All to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for our parishioners. In 1997, the remodeling of the cafeteria brought with it two new classrooms. Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Education program now includes a three year old and a four year old Pre-K program, Kindergarten, Grades 1 through 8, an after school CARES program, and a well organized C.C.D. Program. In June, 2003, after thirteen years of service to Maternity B.V.M., Monsignor McGuire retired. Reverend George A. Majoros was appointed Pastor.

On June 28, 2003, Father Majoros was installed as the new Pastor by Monsignor Francis Beach during a concelebrated Mass. The revitalization of the parish continues. Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish celebrated its 135^th Anniversary on October 2, 2005 and culminated its many celebrations at the closing Mass with Cardinal Justin Rigali as the main celebrant on January 20, 2007. Father Majoros shared his expertise in the education process as well as pastoral and administrative leadership. The revitalization of the parish continued in four strategic areas: Spiritual, Social, Educational and Service. Under his leadership a new capital campaign project was developed to enable major reconstructive work in the church that will further the development of the revitalization process. The plans included the construction of two meeting rooms in the Lower Church. In May 2008, Father Majoros was appointed Regional Vicar for Delaware County and Father Paul S. Quinter was installed as the new Pastor.