Honor St. Ann's 175th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2189 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in the City of Hornell, New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commemorate those enduring institutions which have faithfully served the spiritual, cultural, and civic life of their communities and whose histories reflect the growth and development of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in the City of Hornell, New York, to be celebrated on July 26, 2026; and WHEREAS, The origins of St. Ann's Parish trace back to the earliest Catholic missionary efforts in the Hornellsville area during the 1840s, when Redemptorist missionaries traveled throughout the region ministering to Catholic settlers and immigrant laborers; and WHEREAS, In 1843, Father Benedict Bayer made the home of Irish immigrant Thomas Doorley of Webb's Crossing his headquarters while serving Catholics in the region, baptizing parishioners and offering Mass for the faithful; and WHEREAS, Thomas Doorley, widely regarded as the charter member of St. Ann's Parish, demonstrated extraordinary faith and devotion by becoming the first subscriber to the church building fund in 1849, raising funds through the mortgaging of his farm to assist in the construction of a permanent church; and WHEREAS, Following the creation of the Diocese of Buffalo on October

17, 1847, Bishop John Timon appointed Reverend Michael O'Brien Pastor of the Hornellsville Mission in January of 1849; and WHEREAS, Reverend Michael O'Brien immediately undertook the organization of the parish, securing property at the northwest corner of Cass and Buffalo Streets and overseeing the construction of the first St. Ann's Church, a modest brick structure measuring thirty by forty feet, built through the labor and sacrifice of the parishioners; and WHEREAS, Before the close of 1849, the church was solemnly blessed and dedicated under the patronage of Saint Ann, providing the Catholic faithful of Hornellsville with their first permanent house of worship after years of perseverance and prayer; and WHEREAS, The rapid growth of Hornellsville, fueled by the expansion of the Erie Railroad and the influx of immigrant workers and families, soon filled the small church beyond capacity; and WHEREAS, Although Catholic missionary activity had been present in the region for years, it was not until the arrival of Reverend Daniel Delacy Moore in 1851 that Mass was celebrated every Sunday at St. Ann's Church on Cass Street, establishing an unbroken tradition of weekly worship that has continued for 175 years; and WHEREAS, Since 1851, generations of parishioners have gathered faithfully each Sunday for the celebration of the Holy Mass in what would eventually become the City of Hornell, sustaining a vibrant parish community rooted in faith, charity, and service; and WHEREAS, St. Ann's Church has stood as a spiritual home for countless families throughout times of prosperity and hardship alike, ministering to railroad workers, immigrants, laborers, and residents of the greater Hornell region for nearly two centuries; and WHEREAS, The parish began its Jubilee Year celebration on July 26,

2026, followed by a reception at the Main Place in Hornell, bringing together parishioners, clergy, community leaders, and guests in joyful thanksgiving for this historic milestone; and WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, St. Ann's Church has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen family and community life, and serve the people of Hornell and the surrounding region with compassion, faith, and dedication; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in Hornell, New York, and to honor its enduring legacy of faith, service, and community; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to St. Ann's Church, Hornell, New York.