Our History
Rooted in faith. Built by community.
Holy Family Catholic Parish has been a beacon of faith in New Albany since its inception in the early 1950s. Founded with vision, nurtured by dedication, and sustained through prayer, our parish stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community.
The Beginning
In March 1953, Archbishop Paul Schulte appointed Fr. Louis Marchino, then an assistant pastor at Holy Trinity Parish, to establish a new parish in New Albany's northwest sector. Reflecting on this mission, Fr. Marchino wrote:
“Surprised – Elated – Bewildered – Happy – Confused – O God, will need a lot of help from You.”
The Archdiocese had previously acquired 5 acres from the Doctor Johnson estate in 1951 and added 1.25 acres in 1953, designating this land at 129 W. Daisy Lane as the future site for Holy Family Parish.
Building the Parish
Fr. Marchino collaborated with architect Clarence Edward Bedan and his son Robert to design the church and school. The Leo Miller Corporation was contracted for construction, with George Grable overseeing the project. Groundbreaking occurred on August 15, 1953, the Feast of the Assumption, and construction commenced shortly thereafter.
To identify and engage the local Catholic community, Fr. Marchino organized a census. On March 31, 1953, approximately 34 women volunteered to conduct house-to-house visits within the new parish boundaries, covering a 6.5 square mile area in northwest New Albany.
First Mass and Parish Life
The first Mass at Holy Family was celebrated on May 30, 1954. On this day, Fr. Marchino also took residence in a classroom within the school building, as the rectory had yet to be constructed.
The formal dedication of the church and school was held on September 19, 1954, officiated by Archbishop Schulte.
Establishing the School
In August 1954, four Sisters of Providence arrived to staff the new school:
- Sister Marie Justin – 1st and 2nd grades
- Sister Rose Imelda – 3rd and 4th grades
- Sister Paul – 5th and 6th grades
- Sister Mary Anselm – 7th and 8th grades
The school opened on September 7, 1954, with an initial enrollment of 188 students. Due to limited space, the second floor of the school served dual purposes: classrooms on the Daisy Lane side and living quarters for the pastor and nuns on the south side. The convent was completed in 1956, and the rectory followed in 1957.
Growth and Development
The parish continued to expand:
- 1960: First school addition
- 1965: Gymnasium constructed (now known as Marchino Hall)
- 1994: New addition connecting the existing building to the gym
Parishioners contributed generously to the parish's development. Notably, Merle Denny donated $700 for the first organ, Jim and Miriam Thornton provided the colored glass windows, and Joe Binford of Hoosier Panel donated the wood paneling around the altar.
Continuing the Legacy
Fr. Marchino served as pastor until 1983, laying a strong foundation for future generations. His dedication is commemorated in Marchino Hall, a space that continues to foster community gatherings and events.