History of the Parish 1924-1953

p. 10, UPON THIS ROCK (January, 1953)

Epiphany Parish was established in May, 1924. Our first pastor was Father Leo J. Chapman who served the parish faithfully and well until his death in September. 1939. Father Chapman said the first Masses in a tent on the parish grounds with about 35-40 people in attendance.

Late in 1924 the south half of the basement of the present Church was opened for Masses while construction of the basement continued. The basement Church was completed in 1927 and Masses were heard regularly until the Church building was completed in 1934. The basement was then converted into a parish hall.

Upon the death of Father Chapman, we were fortunate in securing the services of Father Jordan who is known and loved by all of us. Father Jordan's history included the following: Ordained - 1913; Assistant at River Rouge 1913-1918; Pastor at Charlotte and Missions 1918-1919; Pastor at Hastings 1919-1929; Pastor of St. Mary's Adrian 1929-1940; Pastor at Epiphany , June 1940.

Father Jordan has three capable assistants in Father Edward O-Reilly who came to us form St. Cecilia's, Father William Sherzer who served at St. Theresa's, and Father Gerald Flanigan whose service at Epiphany is his first appointment.

Our school opened on September 7, 1926 with an enrollment of 225 pupils. The faculty numbered four Sisters: Sister M. Ethel, Sister Francis Albert, Sister Agnes Leo, and Sister Muriel. The Principal was Sister Marie Benedict. All the sisters are Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1952 we have a staff of fifteen teachers; fourteen Sisters and a lay teacher Mrs. Maloney. The Principal is Sister M. Rosaria and the present enrollment is 765 pupils.

The convent is two units, the first unit built in 1928 and the second in 1936.

The original rectory was located at 9881 Mendota, then 9903 Mendota until the present Rectory was completed in July, 1949.

Our new church will complete the parish plant. The present Church will be converted into an auditorium.