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 In 1839, Father John Baptist Lamy of St. Luke Parish, Danville became our first pastor. In 1847, he went to Covington, KY serving until 1850 when he was appointed Bishop of Santa Fe and in 1875 became the Archbishop. The novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by Willa Cather deals with our parish founder.
The first Catholic Church in Mount Vernon was begun in July of 1842. A fire of mysterious origin devastated that structure in 1844; a new edifice was dedicated on October 14, 1849. This building was eventually outgrown. Mount Calvary Cemetery on Mansfield Avenue was established in October of 1849.
Our present church, built in 1922 is English Gothic architecture using Ohio limestone. Featured at the main entrance of our church is the biblical quotation (in Latin): "My House will be called a House of Prayer." More than a thousand parishioners and friends of Saint Vincent de Paul gather each weekend to celebrate Mass.
Our bell tower houses three bells dated from 1875: St. Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Vincent; 1,567, 965, and 575 pounds respectively.
Our first parochial school was established in 1856. A High school was dedicated in 1910 and replaced in 1931 with the present school building. In 1953 the present south building was completed. A gym adjoins these buildings. The current playground was also completed in 1988. The philosophy of Saint Vincent de Paul School is based upon the concept of Catholic education as a means of developing the total child. The school exists to assist the parents in the religious, intellectual, psychological, social, emotional, cultural, and physical growth of each child.
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