Immaculate Conception (Lexington)

Immaculate Conception was recognized as a parish in 1846. The first church was built in 1853 to serve the Irish immigrants. A new, larger church was built in 1873. In 1880, during a violent storm, this church collapsed and was completely destroyed. The cornerstone for the current church was laid in 1897. The congregation had been using the old church until then. In 1947, marble altars were added and the church was renovated. The church church was renovated again in 1972. In 2005-2006, the high altar from the mission, Saint John the Baptist, in Dover, was installed in Lexington. The carpet was removed in the sanctuary and the original hard-wood restored. A new confessional was installed in the back of the church. The school opened in 1915. The Sisters of Loretto taught there until 1930. The Francisans from Nevada taught from 1930 until 1980. The school closed in 1983 and the building was dedicated as a parish hall in 1985. In 1941, the small house between the church and the school had been purchased for use as a convent. Between 1882 and 1889, a German parish existed in east Lexington. The congregation, however, soon joined Immaculate Conception.

The Sancutary with new high altar and restored floor

Looking from the sanctuary-the choir loft and new confessional

Image of Divine Mercy in the new confessional

(Source This Far By Faith)

Saint Francis Seraph

Saint Francis Seraph Parish was opened in 1886 to serve catholics in the Northeast. It was closed in 1991 at this location on the corner of Agnes and Martin. The current church was built in 1924. The school was opened as early as 1892, with the Sisters of Mercy from Independence teaching. The current school building was built 1941 and closed in 1962. The parish was staffed by diocesan, Francisian, and priests of the Society of Our Lady of Most Holy Trinity over the years. Saint Francis was consolidated with Saint John the Baptist (Now Don Bosco Center) at Assumption Parish (318 Benton), renamed Saint Anthony in 1991.

The sign in front of the church names the current occupant of the church.

Here is a shot of the rectory.

(Source This Far By Faith)

Blog Info

Welcome, friends. Our goal on this blog is to provide images of all the churches of the diocese, opened and closed. All our information, unless otherwise noted, is taken for Rev. Coleman's This Far By Faith. If you have any photos you'd like to share, either of churches or diocesan history, please send them to me. I hope you enjoy our site and frequently visit as our content continues to grow.