Important Parish Dates
1955
Archdiocese purchases property on the corner of Dougherty Ferry and Ballas for new St. Gerard Majella Parish
Redemptorist provincial accepted new parish, consisting of 250 families. Rev. James Kelly named pastor and took up residene at St. Joseph's Seminary. (now Meramec Community College)
First meetings of the Marian Guild for women and the Majella Club for men of the parish were held.
1956
April groundbreaking for buildings (Photos)
April - August building (Photos)
September Cornorstone Laying (Photos)
December Dedication (Photos)
1957
August 15, Celebration of first Mass.
Arrival of the first I.H.M Sisters (Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, of Monroe, Michigan) to open and staff the new school of 202 pupils
December 15, Dedication of church by Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter (Photos)
1958
February: Priests moved to present rectory.
Inception of the CYC youth group.
1962
Sisters moved into convent in Apple Hill
1966
Formation of the first Parish Council in accordance with Vatican II.
1971
First Director of Religious Education appointed
1976
Parish expansion study by the Parish Council for future development.
1978
Building Development Fund for new church begun under guidance of Rev. James Shea, pastor.
1980
Parish celebrates 25th anniversary.
1981
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church. (Photos)
1983
May 14, Dedication of the new church. (Photos)
1996
Groundbreaking for new Parish Center at Summerfest.
1997
Escavation begins for new Parish Center. (Photos)
1999
September 23, SGM Parish Center Opens at FallFest.
SGM School Enrollment - 332 students.
2000
February 20, Dedication of the SGM Parish Center (Photos)
2003
Marian Garden Installation and Dedication (Photos)