Page 47 - WPA Book
P. 47
Works Project Administration – Articles from Rockingham County
CHURCHES
Catholic Church of Blessed Sacrament
Page Two
It may be said that the definite organization of the church and parish in Harrisonburg was in 1876 when what
was the former Methodist Church was purchased by Mrs. John Kelley. This church was located on West Market
Street on the site now occupied by the Merchants Wholesale Grocery and Hardware Company.
Father Kane and Bishop (later Cardinal) Gibbons had visited Harrisonburg three years before in an effort to
create interest in building a church. Bishop Gibbons preached the dedication sermon in August 1876 according
to Wayland’s History of Rockingham County and Father O’Keefe delivered the sermon in the evening. The St.
Francis Choir of Staunton sang the mass on that day.
In 1905, the church was destroyed by fire, which originated in a warehouse immediately opposite the church on
the other side of the street. Father William J. Keefrey was pastor here then.
Mrs. Thomas Fortune Ryan, wife of the New York financier, contributed $27,000 toward building the present
church, which was built about 1922-3.
For many years priests from Staunton and other nearby cities said mass here, and it was not until the early
twenties that Father DeGrice was stationed as regular pastor here. After several years of service in which he
endeared himself to all through his lovable character, he was transferred to Charlottesville, Virginia, and he was
succeeded by Father William J. Meredith.
Father Meredith did a splendid work in Harrisonburg spiritually and in the improvements of the church and its
property, the present rectory and parish house being purchased and the church remodeled largely through his
efforts. He was always interested in the affairs of his own churc, but in other faiths as well. I shall always
remember him with pleasure as a member of rotary, of which club he was for a long time a member. It was he
who made the welcoming speech to me when I became a member of the club.
In 1936, Father Meredith was sent to Lynchburg, Virginia, and Father Edwin J. Lee has taken his place among
us, making a place for himself in the hearts of the people and upon the young men of his parish.
Truly, the Church of the Blessed Sacrament has been happy in its pastorates, discrimination being shown in
their appointments to a community so largely Protestant. We wish for Father Lee the very largest measure of
success in his work.
7. ART:
Photograph.
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Informant: William S. Riley, Dr. Wayland’s A History of Rockingham County.
Court Records, Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
October 12, 2024 Geo. W. Fetzer
Harrisonburg, VA
Page 46 of 482
CHURCHES
Catholic Church of Blessed Sacrament
Page Two
It may be said that the definite organization of the church and parish in Harrisonburg was in 1876 when what
was the former Methodist Church was purchased by Mrs. John Kelley. This church was located on West Market
Street on the site now occupied by the Merchants Wholesale Grocery and Hardware Company.
Father Kane and Bishop (later Cardinal) Gibbons had visited Harrisonburg three years before in an effort to
create interest in building a church. Bishop Gibbons preached the dedication sermon in August 1876 according
to Wayland’s History of Rockingham County and Father O’Keefe delivered the sermon in the evening. The St.
Francis Choir of Staunton sang the mass on that day.
In 1905, the church was destroyed by fire, which originated in a warehouse immediately opposite the church on
the other side of the street. Father William J. Keefrey was pastor here then.
Mrs. Thomas Fortune Ryan, wife of the New York financier, contributed $27,000 toward building the present
church, which was built about 1922-3.
For many years priests from Staunton and other nearby cities said mass here, and it was not until the early
twenties that Father DeGrice was stationed as regular pastor here. After several years of service in which he
endeared himself to all through his lovable character, he was transferred to Charlottesville, Virginia, and he was
succeeded by Father William J. Meredith.
Father Meredith did a splendid work in Harrisonburg spiritually and in the improvements of the church and its
property, the present rectory and parish house being purchased and the church remodeled largely through his
efforts. He was always interested in the affairs of his own churc, but in other faiths as well. I shall always
remember him with pleasure as a member of rotary, of which club he was for a long time a member. It was he
who made the welcoming speech to me when I became a member of the club.
In 1936, Father Meredith was sent to Lynchburg, Virginia, and Father Edwin J. Lee has taken his place among
us, making a place for himself in the hearts of the people and upon the young men of his parish.
Truly, the Church of the Blessed Sacrament has been happy in its pastorates, discrimination being shown in
their appointments to a community so largely Protestant. We wish for Father Lee the very largest measure of
success in his work.
7. ART:
Photograph.
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Informant: William S. Riley, Dr. Wayland’s A History of Rockingham County.
Court Records, Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
October 12, 2024 Geo. W. Fetzer
Harrisonburg, VA
Page 46 of 482
