CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Immaculate Heart of Mary, a Roman Catholic church with more than 150 years of history in the city of Chester, is being relegated, which means it will soon close its doors.
Financial issues, dwindling attendance and lack of resources to maintain the worship site are the main factors that led to the decision, according to Father Robert Ianelli. It will officially close its doors on March 1.
Ianelli says their parish, St. Katherine Drexel, was formed out of the merger 30 years ago of a number of parishes that included the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Since then, they’ve held most of their services at another site.
“At the time of the merger, Immaculate Heart of Mary, the church building, was kept open as a worship site. Up until 2002, Sunday Mass was celebrated there and after that, occasionally baptisms and funerals were celebrated there,” Ianelli explained.
The parish was founded in 1873, according to Ianelli.
“It was created for the Irish immigrants who were coming into the area at that time. In the mid-20th century, it became a predominantly African American parish in the community. It certainly has a long history in the Chester community,” he said.
Parishioners received news of the relegation last Sunday. “There is a bit of sadness with the church closure,” Ianelli said. He told his parishioners, however, the church is the people and not the building.