MOST HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church began its life on May 24, 1943, when Archbishop John Gregory Murray created the new parish, divided from that of Holy Family. The rectory, located at 4017 Utica, was the first property purchased. Property at 3946 Wooddale Ave. was purchased from Joe Billman in 1944, but wartime restrictions slowed construction of the new church, so founding Pastor Joshua Wilson Brady first celebrated Mass at Lilac Lanes Bowling Alley, with Sunday School conducted in the restaurant (and the nursery located in the powder room). This required Father J. Wilson Brady to rise at 4am on Sundays to clean up after the Saturday night bowlers. Sixty families attended. In May 1944, services took place in the American Legion Hall.


With government approval, a semi-basement was constructed in time for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1944. The chapel seated 450 people, but over 1,000 came and some had to be turned away.

A house at 4029 Utica began to be used as a convent for the Sisters of St. Benedict in September 1945.

Property at four more parcels of land on Wooddale were purchased, taking the church's property to the end of the block at Toledo. The superstructure of the basement was begun in 1952, with a tremendous “Freedom from BONDage” fundraising campaign in 1953.

The church-school complex was completed in time for Christmas Eve Mass, 1954. The new school building was opened in February 1955. In 1961 there were 500 families and more than 2,000 parishioners.

See separate entry for Most Holy Trinity School under Private Schools.

The church’s website is www.mostholytrinity.org/pages/parish_history.htm

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.