St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church .... Rochester, New York 14620 (585) 473-4271 ... St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church...Rochester, New York 14620 (585)473-4271

St. Boniface built in 1860

History of St. Boniface

The German Catholics of the southeastern part of the city belonged to St. Joseph's Church in charged of the Redemptorist Fathers. The distance being inconveniently great, all felt the need of a church and school. In December 1859 a meeting consisting of 123 men was held. They pledged themselves to contribute toward the building of a church, and requested the Redemptorist Fathers to organize and take charge of the newly formed parish temporarily. On May 12, 1860 Rev. Max Leimgruber, Rector of St. Joseph's Church and Rev. Albert Schaeffler undertook the establishment of the parish.

Church Property

Plans having been approved by Bishop Timon of Buffalo (under whose jurisdiction Rochester still belonged) Father Leimgruber, C.S.S.R. bought the site for the new church in 1860 from Mr. William Nicholson for $1000; a lot 160 feet deep and a frontage of 84 feet on Grand Street, now Gregory Street.

Work was begun at once on the three story brick building 40 feet x 60 feet which was to serve as rectory and school on the first floor and church on the second floor.

The cornerstone was laid by Bishop Timon on June 17, 1860 at 3 P.M. Father Brandstetter of Buffalo preached the sermon. The Catholic Societies of the city turned out to honor the occasion and a large concourse of people assembled.

On June 8, 1861, the Sunday following the feast of St. Boniface, Bishop Timon officiated at the dedication of the church and placed it under the patronage of St. Boniface, Patron of Hessia, that part of Germany from which a majority of the parishioners had come. They were a religious, thrifty and industrious people.

The work, so generously undertaken by the good Redemptonists, was well done. The parish was well organized and provided with a building ample for the urgent needs.

On June 26, 1861 Bishop Timon appointed the pastor of Lancaster, Pa., the Reverend John P. Klein as first resident pastor of St. Boniface Church. He took possession of his new charge July sixth. His first care was to provide for the opening of the school in the fall. Mr. Charles Koesterer was engaged as teacher and organist.

Boundaries of German Parishes Fixed

On October 10, 1864 Bishop Timon fixed the boundaries of the four, then existing German parishes: St. Joseph, SS. Peter & Paul, St. Boniface, and Holy Family. He allotted to St. Boniface Parish the territory bounded on the east and north by Monroe Avenue and Howell Street and on the west by the Genesee River.

In July 1865 Rev. Father Klein was succeeded by Rev. John F. Payer, an Austrian and member of the Catholic Mission Society. Wishing to improve the school, he engaged the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1866 as teachers.

He had procured a frame house, just west of the combination building for a convent. The Sisters came on August 30th, the feast of St. Rose in the year 1866. They began teaching on September 2, 1866 with a registration of 80 boys and 94 girls. In the same year 1866, Father Payer purchased land on Pinnacle Hill, now Clinton Avenue South in Brighton to be used as a cemetery for St. Boniface parish.

In October 1867 the pastor purchased a bell for $350.00. As there was no belfry on the church, the bell was hung in a temporary belfry erected in the yard to the rear of the convent.

On December 5, 1867 the church was incorporated according to the laws of New York State as St. Bonifacius Church Society. The certificate of incorporation was signed by Rt. Rev. John Timon, Bishop of Buffalo, Rev. F. N. Lester, Vicar General, Rev. John F. Payer, then Pastor of St. Boniface Parish, Michael J. Eberwein and John Beikirch.

In 1869 the original church was enlarged by adding 40 feet to it to accommodate the increasing population. The bell was then placed in the belfry of the new addition. After the completion of the new addition in 1870, the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Rochester, the Most Reverend Bernard McQuaid blessed the structure. During the same year 1870, Father Payer bought a house and lot on the east side of the church to have a site for a new and larger church when needed.

The Pastor, Rev. John Payer, who had labored zealously and successfully for the spiritual and material welfare of the parish during ten years, resigned the pastorate in 1875 to become the chaplain of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in their motherhouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Bishop McQuaid, having accepted Father Payer's resignation, appointed Rev. Herman Renker as his successor just four weeks after his arrival in America. He had, like many good priests in Germany, been driven from the Fatherland by the Kulterkampf. He was a man of learning and great piety who devoted all his energy to the welfare of his grateful people.

A new era began in St. Boniface parish when he was named Pastor of St. Boniface in 1875.

In 1876, a plot was purchased from Mr. Burchard to serve as a playground for the children.

Until this time, the rectory was located on the first floor of the combination building. As this did not prove satisfactory, the Sisters exchanged residence with the Pastor who moved into the convent and the Sisters moved into the school building. More land was bought in 1882 and 1884 on Whalin Street.

The year 1876 marked the first Corpus Christi procession held outside the church. The societies that had been previously organized donated a beautiful canopy. Three altars were erected on the children's playground. The faithful took part in the procession in great numbers.

The generosity of the people were evidenced by the great financial success of a fair held during the week of August 27th to September 1st, 1883 to increase the building fund for the anticipated new church. The net amount realized was $7326.00 for which Rev. Father Renker was deeply grateful.

New Church

The year 1885 was principally devoted to making plans for the new church. It was decided that a rectory in the same Gothic style as the church and adjoining the church also be built.

The plans were submitted to the architect, William Schnickel of New York. Early in spring of 1886, the contracts for the building were awarded to the following:

On April 12th, 1886 a Solemn High Mass was celebrated to beg God's blessing on the erection of the new church. Ground was broken and the foundation was begun.

On June 6th, 1886, St. Boniface Parish celebrated a three-fold feast, namely, the feast of St. Boniface, Patron of the Church, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication of the old church, and the laying of the cornerstone of the new and beautiful church.

The jubilee and the patronal feast was celebrated with Pontifical High Mass at 10 o'clock by the Most Rev. Bishop McQuaid at which many of the city priests and the various societies were present. Rev. Herman Renker delivered a most impressive sermon fitting the occasion of the three -fold celebration. He praised the zeal of the parishioners, the unity and cooperation that existed from the very beginning. At the close of the Mass, the Most Rev. Bishop offered his hearty congratulations to the parishioners for the wonderful achievement accomplished in the 25 years.

In the afternoon of the same day, June 6th, the ceremony of "Laying the Cornerstone" of the new church took place. An imposing parade consisting of the various branches of the Knights of St. John and the societies of St. Joseph's and St. Boniface church after marching through the principal streets of the city arrived at the church.

Bishop McQuaid then began, according to prescribed ceremonies to lay the "Cornerstone." In the copper chest inserted in the Cornerstone were placed documents concerning the foundation of the church 25 years previous, an illuminated document on parchment by Mr. A. Halstrick, the artist, on which were inscribed the names of then gloriously reigning Pontiff, Leo XIII, Bishop McQuaid, the Pastor, Rev. Herman Renker, and the two Lay trustees, John M. Burchard and Casper Schwalbach. In it was also placed a stone from the Roman catacombs, near the tomb of St. Cecilia, and the Popes of the third century, and a copy of the "Rochester Katholische Volkseitung" of June 5th, 1886.

In a lengthy address, the bishop expressed his admiration of the zeal of the parish in undertaking the building of such a beautiful church. He even feared that they were overstraining their effects. The church will be a rival in beauty with the Cathedral. He then imparted his Apostolic Blessing to the immense gathering and all joined in the "Te Deum."

The main work of the summer of 1886 was the building of the rectory which was ready for occupancy by December 3rd, 1886, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, when Father Renker moved into it. The Sisters then moved into their original home, which had been occupied by the Pastor.

Solemn Dedication of St. Boniface Church

On December 15th, 1887, Rt. Rev. Bishop McQuaid consecrated a set of bells having the tones c, d, e, f and a total weight of 11,200 pounds. The cost of the bells was $3000.40.

December 18th, 1887 was the proudest and most joyous day in the history of the parish.

The bishop began the blessing at 10 o'clock. From the new rectory, he was escorted by all the priests present for the occasion, to the main door of the church, first to bless the exterior of the building and then to the interior of the beautiful edifice to dedicate it to the service of God.

After the blessing, a pontifical High Mass was celebrated by his Excellency. An eloquent sermon was delivered by Rev. Fridolin Pascalar of St. Michael's Church. In the afternoon, the Bishop officiated at the Pontifical Vespers.

The New Church

The new church (pictured above) was Gothic in architecture and one of the finest in the city. The interior, without the vestibule, was 130 feet long and 63 feet wide. The tower was 195 feet above the foundation; the rectory was attached to the church.

The altars, communion rail, and pulpit were of fine hand-carved oak, artistic in every sense and the work of the sculptor, A. Halstrick. The main altar towered to 27 feet in height from the base to the tip of the altar and had a breadth of 16 feet. The face of the mensa was decorated with seven beautiful panels. The many images and pieces of statuary on the altar and pulpit were most artistic in model.

What added to the beauty of the church were the beautiful stained glass windows which depicted the various scenes in the life of St. Boniface.

A new organ was installed and opened with a sacred concert on March 12th, 1894.

After the completion of the new church, the old church was remodeled. A third floor was added to serve as a parish hall while the first and second floors were divided into classrooms.

Declining Year of the Good Pastor

In the fall of 1893 the health of Father Renker who had served the parish so well for nineteen years, began to fail. As he could no longer officiate at Divine Service and having no assistant, Rev. John Boppel came from SS. Peter & Paul Church to assist until May 1894.

Father Renker's condition grew worse and on Tuesday, April 17th, 1894, the good priest, having borne with greatest resignation his severe sufferings, was called to his reward.

A very impressive funeral ceremony was held on Friday, April 20th. At 9 o'clock, about 40 priests headed by the Bishop, entered the church from the sacristy and took seats in the sanctuary. The various societies then took seats on either side of the main aisle. The church was filled to capacity by parishioners and friends.

The priests chanted the matins and lauds. Then followed the Solemn High Mass after which Bishop McQuaid delivered a very touching tribute to the much-mourned good priest.

New Pastor Appointed

On April 30th, 1894 Rev. Frederick Rauber, who had been pastor of St. Mary's Church, Dansville, New York, was appointed pastor of St. Boniface.

During Father Rauber's pastorate, the indebtedness of $26,000 incurred by the building of the new church was paid off and many improvements were made. Father Rauber's silver jubilee in 1900 was celebrated by the priests of the city and the grateful parishioners. Our Rt. Rev. Bishop delivered an address befitting the occasion.

In June 1900, a beautiful new convent costing $11,000 was built west of the original combination building. It was completed for occupancy November 1st. None were more grateful to the kind pastor and the people than the Sisters for such a suitable and commodious home.

The new stations (of the cross), carved by Frank Pedevilla were erected February 28th, 1901.

The Parish Hall, located on the southwest corner of Gregory and Nicholson Streets was erected in 1908. It is a two-story brick building. On the ground floor were the club rooms for the societies of the parish. The second floor offered space for a large hall where many plays and festivities were held. It was worth $33,000.

Father Rauber's beautiful gift to the church was the altar of the Crucifixion Group on the left side of the church.

Due to ill health, Father Rauber resigned as rector of St. Boniface Church.

Rev. Father Boppel, who had so ably assisted Father Renker in his declining years, was appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hickey as pastor on August 1st, 1909.

The St. Boniface Men's Club was founded in 1909.

St. Boniface's Golden Jubilee

The golden jubilee of the church was celebrated most solemnly on July 12th, 1911 by a Pontifical High Mass by Most Rev. Thomas Hickey assisted by the Rev. F. Rauber, D. Laurenzis, M. Hargather, W. Frank, A. Meehan, D.D., F. Goggin, D.D. and W. Gruenauer.

The bishop delivered an impressive sermon expressing thanks to God for all the blessings on the parish during the past fifty years. A reception was held in the evening.

February 5th, 1918, the Silver Jubilee of Father Boppel's ordination, was a memorable day in the annals of the church. At 9 o'clock, Father celebrated a solemn High Mass. In the evening, congratulatory exercises were held in his honor, in which the entire parish took an active part. The children's gift was a gold chalice and a spiritual bouquet. The various societies presented a purse of $500. Rev. Father was deeply moved at the love and loyalty shown him.

New School

The construction of the present fine, three story school building, was begun in the fall of 1922 and dedicated by Bishop Hickey October 12th, 1924. In the basement, club rooms, kitchen and cafeteria are located. On the first floor are seven classrooms and a nurse's room and on the top floor are eight classrooms and the principal's office. The large auditorium is in the center of the building.

A large wing was added to the Sister's Convent in 1927 in which are located several bedrooms, two parlors, a music room and a beautiful chapel. Many other big improvements were made during Father Boppel's pastorate. He wisely disposed of the hall opposite the convent to make extensive repairs on the church property.

Father Boppel is Honored

In 1931, Father Boppel received the honorary title of "Monsignor" and during his pastorate he was Chancellor of the Diocese of Rochester.

Diamond Jubilee of the Parish

June 7th, 1936 was a memorable day, for on it were celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Boniface Parish and the first Solemn High Mass of the newly ordained Rev. Gerard Amann.

After the Mass, Monsignor Boppel was induced to witness the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary drill in Gregory Street. A complete and appreciated surprise was given to Monsignor by the presentation of a "Chevrolet", a gift of the young men of the parish.

Monsignor Boppel's Golden Jubilee

Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Boppel celebrated his golden jubilee on February 5th, 1943 with a solemn High Mass, Bishop Kearney presiding. There were three bishops, fifteen monsignori and many priests present. His life was beautifully portrayed in song, word, and tableaux by the school children and the adult choir.

On March 9th, 1943, Monsignor suffered a slight stroke. He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital. He returned, thank God, after two weeks' stay.

Silver Jubilee of Father Golding

Rev. Eugene Golding celebrated his twenty-fifth anniversary of his priesthood on Sunday, June 16th, 1947. He spent most of his priestly life as chaplain of the state and county institutions, besides assisting in our parish. He was a friend and benefactor to all, especially to the poor, the forsaken and the down trodden, being entirely forgetful of himself.

Centenary of the Arrival of Sisters in America

The School Sisters of Notre Dame celebrated the 100th anniversary of their arrival in America. Sisters of the Order are now engaged in six of our Rochester schools. The happy event of thanksgiving was celebrated by a Solemn High Mass at 9 o'clock on Monday, June 3rd, 1947. This was followed by a grand banquet in the hall. The societies rivaled with one another to show gratitude to the Sisters.

Death and Funeral of Monsignor Boppel

The Right Reverend Monsignor John Boppel, beloved Pastor of St. Boniface Parish for 38 years, and one of Rochester's most venerable and respected priests was stricken with a heart attack on Monday morning, September 1st, 1947. He was rushed to the hospital but he failed to recover. God called him to his heavenly reward that same evening. He worked to the very end as he had always hoped to do. He had heard confessions on the weekend and said the early Mass on Sunday.

He was ordained at Holy Redeemer Church by Rt. Rev. Bishop McQuaid on February 5th, 1893. In 1909, he became pastor of St. Boniface Church. He was made domestic prelate with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor and in 1932 he became Chancellor of the Diocese under Bishop O'Hern.

The Pontifical High Mass of Requiem was offered September 4th, 1947 by His Excellency Most Rev. James Kearney who also preached the eulogy emphasizing the humble zeal and talented priestliness that distinguished the 54 years of the Monsignor's career in the diocese. He was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery after the Mass which was attended by countless parishioners and more than a hundred priests and religious.

New Pastor

On September 12th, 1947, Rev. Walter J. Kohl, Ph.D., Pastor of the Church of Our Lady of the Lake, Watkins Glen, New York, received his appointment to succeed Msgr. Boppel as pastor of St. Boniface Church. He had been a teacher at Aquinas Institute for eight years and at St. Andrew's Seminary for fifteen years. He was given a hearty welcome by the parishioners.

Changes of Assistants

On October 28th, 1947, Rev. Francis Taylor, who labored here so successfully for eight and a half years, was transferred to Sacred Heart Cathedral. He was succeeded by Edward Zimmer.

Rev. Charles Bauer was transferred to Holy Family Parish on June 27th, 1948, after six years of zeal in sodality work and fostering religious vocations to the priesthood. Rev. Dominic Mockevicius succeeded him.

On June 30th, 1947 Rev. Edward Zimmer was transferred to Immaculate Conception Parish. Rev. Guy Wertz took Father Zimmer's place.

On July 17th, 1950, Rev. D. Mockevicius was transferred to St. George's Parish. As his successor, the bishop appointed the newly ordained Rev. Otto Vogt.

In June 1951, Rev. Edward Steinkirchner was appointed as assistant priest to St. Boniface. He was also appointed moderator of the Diocesan Sodalities.

Rev. Otto Vogt was transferred in June 1955 to Immaculate Conception, Ithaca, New York. His successor was Rev. Federick Straub.

Rev. Edward Steinkirchner was transferred to St. Michael's, Rochester. He was succeeded by Rev. William Spellecy.

Golden Jubilee of Ladies' Auxiliary of Knights of St. John

On October 2nd, 1948, a Requiem Mass was offered for the deceased members of the Ladies' Auxiliary No. 47 of the Knights of St. John and on Sunday, the Golden Jubilee Mass was said at 7:30 A.M. with corporate Holy Communion for the members.

Many improvements and repairs were made in the school in 1948 and 1949. Floors were sanded and refinished, walls painted, desks and furniture varnished, a fir alarm system was installed and an adequate nurse's room arranged.

For the Christmas of 1949, a beautiful Crib was erected on the lawn between the church and convent.

Many improvements were made in the year 1950 in the convent.

A most successful mission was conducted by the Rev. Thomas Sanderson and Rev. George Walter, Redemptorists, for all the members of the parish.

Diamond Jubilee of Knights of St. John

His Excellency Bishop Kearney, supreme advisor of the Knights of St. John, presided at the Diamond Jubilee Mass for the St. Boniface Commandery on Sunday, September 16th, 1951 at 11 A.M. The bishop lauded the work of 75 years. They acted as escorts and guards of honor at all-important functions and festivities of the Church.

Rev. William Frank, a boy of our parish, who had resided at our rectory during the 14 years that he was chaplain of the State Institutions and later became pastor in Naples and Cohocton, died October 9th, 1951.

Cross on Tower Repaired

On Friday, October 12, 1951 the golden cross that adorned the top of St. Boniface Church steeple was brought down from its 205 foot high position to be repaired.

Holy Year Pilgrimage

To gain the Holy Year Jubilee indulgence, 325 parishioners made the pilgrimage October 1951. They visited the following church: St. Joseph's, Our Lady of Victory, St. Mary's, and Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was concluded in St. Boniface Church with Solemn Benediction.

Convent Improvements

In the summer of 1953, the kitchen and dining room in the convent were beautifully modernized. The Sisters were most grateful for the conveniences afforded thereby.

Feast of the Purification

The solemn celebration of the feast of the Purification, February 2nd, 1954 in the presence of His Excellency Bishop Kearney was most impressive. Some 1500 young people packed our church as a great act of homage to our Lady. Over 600 received Holy Communion. How the Blessed Mother must have smiled on all her clients.

Highest Award in Scouting

A singular honor came to St. Boniface on February 14th, 1954 when Milton V. Schaefer, who was associated with our Scouts for 20 years, received from Bishop Kearney the "Bronze Pelican Award" at the Annual Catholic Scouters Rally. This is the highest award given in Catholic Scouting.

On April 19th, 1955 our Good Father Eugene Golding was called to his eternal reward in St. Mary's Hospital. He had served as Assistant here and as Chaplain of the State Institutions for about 30 years. His Excellency Bishop Kearney celebrated the Pontifical Requiem Mass. A most deserving, wonderful tribute was paid him at his funeral.

The Drive

During the fall of 1956, plans were made to conduct a "Financial Need Appeal." The purpose of the drive was declared to raise funds for the complete renovation of the church edifice and for making improvements in the school and convent, in preparation for the celebration, in 1960, of the centenary of the foundation of St. Boniface parish. The administration of the drive was placed in the hands of Foley Associates of this city. The following chairmen were named to head up the activities of the appeal:

Honorary Chairman Rev. Walter J. Kohl
Honorary Chairman Rev. Edward Steinkirchner
  Frederick Straub
General Chairman Frank A. Schenk
Co-Chairmen William Baker
  John Curran
  Matt Kuebel
  George White

The goal was set at $125,000 and the subscription day set for Sunday, February 24th, 1957. On that Sunday, the loyal men of the parish, about 300 in number, turned out to solicit the help of the parishioners.

When the returns were finally and officially tallied, the total pledges numbered 938 and the total amount pledged to $214,208.80. The amount was substantially "over the top." The drive was pronounced an inspiring success by the happy pastor, Father Kohl, and at Victory Dinner, he eloquently expressed his gratitude to the zealous workers and generous parishioners alike.

New Roof on Convent

The roofers began to put on new slate roof on the convent on December 19th, 1956 and it was completed April 18th, 1957.

Then they re-roofed the school, and finally that of the church, which was being completed on the day of the fatal fire.

The Fire

On Wednesday, November 6th, 1957, disaster struck St. Boniface Church in the form of the never-to-be-forgotten "great fire." The blaze started at about 4:20 in the afternoon, apparently from sparks from a charcoal fire pot being used by workmen putting the finishing touches to the roof. Due to the high wind, by 5:30 pm, the fire reached its peak and the entire roof and lower steeple were in flames. The three alarm blaze saw firemen battling on into the night. Crowds, informed by news broadcast on radio and TV gathered from all parts of the city to view the spectacle that was to spell doom to the venerable old edifice. When the fire was finally defeated, the damage estimates were placed at $100,000. Time was to prove that, in reality, the building was a total loss, it would have to be razed, and a new structure be built.

The blackened skeletal ruins that remained were to chafe the hearts of parishioners forced to view it through the long winter that followed.

With no little enthusiasm, ingenuity, and much cooperative effort on the part of many parishioners, the auditorium in the school building was pressed into service as a temporary church. Indeed it was found to lend itself well to its makeshift mission and when redecorated, it presented a rather handsome substitute.

A formidable volume might be written were we to compile all the little tales that arose out of the fire and its sequels. Perhaps no story is greater than that of the spontaneous and enthusiastic promise of support given to Father Kohl by so many of the parishioners.

A generous spirit seemed to prevail and promise that "Saint Boniface will rise again!"

In 1957, many expensive improvements were made in the school building after the fire. All the blackboards were reconditioned, a beautiful modernized kitchen with complete furnishings was installed, and wonderful lighting system replaced the old in all parts of the building.

The Cemetery

In October and November of 1957 was begun the task of removing the remaining bodies from the old St. Boniface Cemetery on South Clinton Avenue and Highland Parkway. Mr. Harry Schoff, professional exhumer, with headquarters in Honeoye Falls, was engaged to execute the operation. Mr. Schoff worked closely with Miller Brothers Funeral Directors, under the watchful supervision of the Pastor, Father Kohl. In the course of a month, the tedious job was completed. A total of 1030 bodies had been removed in whole or in part, and transferred to a special plot in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The property was finally disposed of by sale to Mr. Jack W. Wynar for the sum of $18,000 in May of 1958.

Church Razed

On Easter Monday, April 7th, 1957 the Atlas Wrecking Company began the work of wrecking the church. It was pathetic to see brick fall from the revered old edifice. Newspaper accounts and pictures portrayed the destruction work most graphically which was completed on June 5th, 1958, the feast of St. Boniface.

The New St. Boniface Church

Since it was impossible to save the walls of the old church, it was decided that a new St. Boniface Church would have to be built. Father Kohl and the men of the parish asked Mr. Joseph Flynn of the firm Bohackett & Flynn Architects to draw plans for a new Church. The plans having been drawn, contracts were awarded to the Friederick Construction Company as the general contractor. The electric contract was given to Horacek and Hayden and the plumbing contract to the William A. McCormick Company.

Ground was broken for the new church on April 5th, 1959 and the work started immediately.

Due to failing health, Father Kohl found it necessary to resign as Pastor. Father Taylor was appointed Pastor and assumed the task of supervising the completion of the church. Upon his arrival, the new altars, stations and statues were ordered from the Daprato Studios; the pews from the Rochester Novelty Company and new organ from the Teller Organ Company, Erie, Pennsylvania. Stained glass windows were ordered from Pike Stain Glass Studios.

Within 10 months the new church was completed and the doors were open for the first time on March 6th, 1960. The altars were solemnly consecrated by the Most Rev. Lawrence B. Casey, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Rochester on March 29th, 1960.

The parish celebrated 100 years of history with a solemn dedication of the new St. Boniface Church on June 5th, 1960, the feast of St. Boniface, by the Most Rev. James E. Kearney, D.D., Bishop of Rochester.

The New Era

A dynamic era in the modern history of St. Boniface Parish ended with the passing of Fr. Francis Taylor on June 25, 1980. Rev. Winfred M. Kellner became the Parish Administrator, and remained in that position until the appointment of our current pastor, Rev. R. Richard Brickler, on July 25, 1983. Fr. Brickler has celebrated many milestones of his years in the priesthood during his tenure at St. Boniface. Most recently, he celebrated his 40th anniversary of ordination.

Soon after Fr. Brickler's arrival, another era came to an end when the School Sisters of Notre Dame left the convent at St. Boniface, due to their declining numbers. In their place, however, the Diocese located Becket Hall, a residence for young men discerning God's call to ordination.

St. Boniface continues to maintain its school to this day. In 1986, the 7th and 8th grades were removed from the school by the Diocese in order to establish a system of larger regional junior high schools. The school has a healthy enrollment of students in grades pre-kindergarten through 6th.

Through more than 140 years of changes, St. Boniface Parish continues to be a vibrant faith community. It will remain a fixture of the southeast area of Rochester for many more years to come.