• 1950 - St. Bartholomew Parish was established by Most Rev Hugh C.
Boyle, Bishop of Pittsburgh. The first pastor, Rev. Charles Kerr offered
the first mass in the living room of the Ehrardt Residence with 34
parishioners attending on June 29, 1950. That same day arrangements
were made to rent the Penn Hebron Garden Club as a temporary Church.
Many baptisms and weddings were celebrated at Holy Rosary Church,
Homewood.
• 1951 - After the death of Fr. Kerr, Bishop Deardon appointed Fr.
Stephen C. Helzlsouer as the new pastor. The first building served as the
temporary church and was dedicated on October 28, 1951. Attendance
jumped from 1200 to 1800.
• 1954 – a new school is built and staffed by the Sisters of the Divine
Redeemer. There are 28 classrooms, cafeteria and a gymnasium that
served as the third church.
• 1963 – all debts were satisfied and the bishop gave permission to
continue with the final phase of construction.
• 1964 – Ground was broken in September and construction was begun on
a permanent church and rectory.
• 1965- The new church was dedicated by His Excellency, Bishop John J.
Wright. A Moeller pipe organ was installed.
• Other pastors assigned were Fr. Walter Wichmanowski, Fr. .James
Ruggiero (1991-1997), Fr. James Garvey (1997-2001). Fr. Chortos
(2001-2002), Fr. Bonnar (2002-2007)– Sister Dorothy Pawlus served as
Parish Life Collaborator (2007-2016) Fr. Edwin Wichman served as
administrator (2016-2109)