The burgeoning iron industry in the mid-1860s drew many Catholics to the Girard area-including Irish refugees fleeing “The Great Hunger”- the devastating 1840’s Irish potato famine. Mass was first celebrated in Girard on October 21, 1868, by a priest from nearby St. Stephen Parish in Niles in a private home. Masses continued to be celebrated in private homes for 20 years, with priests coming from Youngstown and Warren.
In the 1880s, the Girard Catholic community became a mission of St. Ann Parish in Brier Hill, Youngstown, but Girard Catholics had to walk five miles along the railroad tracks for Mass there, so Girard mission was founded. In 1889 land was purchased on State Street for a church. Construction began in May 1891. The new church was dedicated May 15, 1892, with the new parish dedicated to Saint Rose of Lima.
Over the next decade, improvements to the church and upgrades to parish facilities were implemented. Outreach efforts to Italian Catholics were pursued, and catechetical programs and parish organizations were established. The congregation had grown to approximately 80 families by 1909. In January 1914, a new parish school was dedicated— with the Ursuline Sisters teaching.
St. Rose persevered through many challenges—especially the Great Depression. Yet several parish societies served free lunches to students and free meals to the community. To support these efforts, the parish held dances and parties.
By 1940, 700 families belonged to St. Rose, and efforts began for a new church. Mass was celebrated at the local Wellman Theater during construction. On May 25, 1942, for the parish’s 50th anniversary, St. Rose dedicated the red brick, early Gothic structure that stands today.
By 1950, membership at St. Rose had grown to half the population of Girard. The new school was dedicated April 4, 1957. The church was also remodeled in 1964.
During the 1970s, St. Rose initiated a renewed focus on social justice and spiritual growth. Efforts to foster community and serve the people continued during the 1980s and 1990s. St. Rose School, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013, continues to serve students in their faith and academic formation. The parish also continues to foster faith formation and to pursue outreach for those in need.
The parish’s patronage of Saint Rose of Lima signifies their admiration for piety as well as a spirit of service toward those in need.
Description from The March of the Eucharist, 2nd edition (2025) published by The Catholic Echo
