Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Oil City is reflected in a stone across the street in the Polish Heritage Park about the history of the church.
Tucked away on the side of the hill sits a little Catholic church that is best described as "hard to find."
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has one road leading to it and one road leading away on Oil City's northside. Its rich history in the historically predominate Polish neighborhood echoes in its sanctuary and is etched in stone in a nearby Polish Heritage Park.
Also tucked away in the "From the Pastor's Desk" section of the Oil City Catholic community's bulletin from October 4, is news that this piece of history will soon be torn down.
"This is heartbreaking news, as many people’s sacramental lives occurred at Assumption," the pastor's message read. Efforts to find new owners for the building failed, leaving the parish to embark on a hard course of action.
"Given the precarious condition of the facility, our limited financial resources, and the lack of use of the former church building for over a year now, in consultation with the parish Finance Council and in accord with the locally developed pastoral plan, we have made the difficult decision to demolish former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church," the bulletin continued.
Kim Fornof, the financial administrator for St. Joseph's Church said there is no plans for the property other than green space. "The parking lot will remain because it is used by the St. Elizabeth's Center," she said. The house across the street that is used by the sisters of the Catholic Rural Ministry will also remain.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has one road leading to it and one road leading away on Oil City's northside. Its rich history in the historically predominate Polish neighborhood echoes in its sanctuary and is etched in stone in a nearby Polish Heritage Park.
Also tucked away in the "From the Pastor's Desk" section of the Oil City Catholic community's bulletin from October 4, is news that this piece of history will soon be torn down.
"This is heartbreaking news, as many people’s sacramental lives occurred at Assumption," the pastor's message read. Efforts to find new owners for the building failed, leaving the parish to embark on a hard course of action.
"Given the precarious condition of the facility, our limited financial resources, and the lack of use of the former church building for over a year now, in consultation with the parish Finance Council and in accord with the locally developed pastoral plan, we have made the difficult decision to demolish former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church," the bulletin continued.
Kim Fornof, the financial administrator for St. Joseph's Church said there is no plans for the property other than green space. "The parking lot will remain because it is used by the St. Elizabeth's Center," she said. The house across the street that is used by the sisters of the Catholic Rural Ministry will also remain.
Over a year ago the church was relegated to inactivity due to "significant repair work needed to the building," according to the bulletin. Some efforts were made to find a new owner, but because of the building requires extensive repairs and the operating costs are significant, there couldn't find anyone to take it on, Fornof posted on a social media.
She went on to say the decision made by the Catholic community was not made lightly.
The demolition has been awarded to Klapec at $50,000. Work is expected to start once inspections and permits have been obtained. The estimated timeline to begin is two months.
On social media several people commented about the loss of the more than a century old church.
"So much history just a wrecking ball away."
"So sad, what a beautiful Church."
"My gram would've been devastated."
Father John Miller, who penned the pastor's message, continued to assure his flock what it means to be a church. "At times like this we need to remember that the Church is not the building, the Church is, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. "
"It's unfortunate, but it's what has to be done," said Fornof.
She went on to say the decision made by the Catholic community was not made lightly.
The demolition has been awarded to Klapec at $50,000. Work is expected to start once inspections and permits have been obtained. The estimated timeline to begin is two months.
On social media several people commented about the loss of the more than a century old church.
"So much history just a wrecking ball away."
"So sad, what a beautiful Church."
"My gram would've been devastated."
Father John Miller, who penned the pastor's message, continued to assure his flock what it means to be a church. "At times like this we need to remember that the Church is not the building, the Church is, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. "
"It's unfortunate, but it's what has to be done," said Fornof.
We hope to update this story with more stories. Anyone with memories of time at the church can share them by commenting below or sending an email to [email protected]
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