Saint Peter (Diocese of Harrisburg, Columbia)
Saint Peter is in Pennsylvania (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
It is dedicated to Saint Peter.
| Saint Peter | |
| [[File:|150px|center]] | |
| Dedication: | Saint Peter |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Harrisburg |
| Deanery: | Lancaster Deanery |
| Address: | 121 S 2nd St, Columbia, PA 17512 |
| Coordinates: | 40.0313, -76.4963 |
| City: | Columbia, PA |
| Subdivision: | Pennsylvania |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Lancaster County |
| Website: | https://stpetercolumbiapa.org/ |
| Founded: | 1829 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | holytrinitycol409@gmail.com |
History
Saint Peter Parish in Columbia, Pennsylvania, was established in 1829, making it one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Lancaster County. The parish was founded to serve a growing number of Catholic families, primarily of Irish descent, who came to work on the Pennsylvania Canal and in local industries. Bishop Francis P. Kenrick laid the cornerstone for the first church in 1828, with the initial structure dedicated on September 12 of that year on land purchased in March.[1]
The original church served until 1894 when a new, larger church was built due to the parish's rapid expansion, especially in the 1880s. The laying of the cornerstone for this new church in 1895 was a community event, attracting over 3,000 visitors. This new building allowed for the old church to be repurposed into a three-room school which operated until 1913 when a separate school building was constructed.[2]
Saint Peter Parish has been a significant part of Columbia's religious and cultural life, with historical ties to the discovery of Catholic religious artifacts in an Indian burial ground uncovered during railroad construction, suggesting early Jesuit missionary activity in the area. The parish has also had a school, though it is no longer in operation, focusing instead on religious education programs.[3]
The parish is known for its community involvement, including services at Saint Mary Chapel in Wrightsville and various ministries that support both spiritual and social needs. Saint Peter also maintains a historic cemetery, established in 1826, which was used until 1879 before the parish moved to a new location.[4]
Saint Peter Parish shares a pastor with Holy Trinity Parish, also in Columbia, reflecting a cooperative approach to pastoral care in the area. The parish continues to offer regular Masses, confessions, and various devotions, maintaining its role as a spiritual and communal anchor in Columbia.[5]
Related parishes
- Holy Trinity, Columbia, PA
- Saint Joseph, Lancaster, PA
References
- ↑ "Saint Peter - Columbia". https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/saint-peter-columbia/.
- ↑ "Parish History - Saint Peter Catholic Church". https://stpetercolumbiapa.org/parish-history.
- ↑ "Religious Education - Saint Peter Catholic Church". https://stpetercolumbiapa.org/religious-education.
- ↑ "Cemetery - Saint Peter Catholic Church". https://stpetercolumbiapa.org/cemetery.
- ↑ "Saint Peter". https://discovermass.com/church/saint-peter-columbia-pa.