Our History

The history of our Catholic Church in Trafford and the history of Trafford itself are closely related. The opening of the Westinghouse plant in this area was the impetus for the establishment of the town of Trafford. Most immigrants, regardless of their nationality or religious persuasion, were interested in educating their children and having a place of worship.

Since there was no Catholic Church, the residents of Trafford had to travel to nearby towns in order to attend the church of their choice. Eventually, it was decided it was time to establish their own parish. Then, 18 families petitioned the late Bishop J. F. Regis Canevin, for permission to establish a church in the new town of Trafford. Father Michael Ward, pastor of the former St. Aloysius Parish in Wilmerding, and Father M.A. McGarey, assistant pastor, regularly visited Trafford, administering the sacraments. Father McGarey celebrated the first Mass for 60 people in a hall on the third floor of the Euwer Building.

In July 1905, Bishop Canevin erected St. Michael Parish, Pitcairn. Trafford became a mission that parish. In 1906, with permission from the bishop, the church purchased property from the East Pittsburgh Improvement Company. Plans were drawn up for the church to resemble St. Michael Church. The name of the church was selected by Bishop Canevin to honor St. John Francis Regis, a French Jesuit, who was canonized in 1737.

Bishop Canevin dedicated the church in summer 1907 and Father John Moore, pastor of St. Michael Parish, served St. Regis until Father Patrick J. O’Neil was appointed as the first permanent pastor. When the church was completely destroyed by fire in February 1910, the parish community was determined to rebuild, but this time their plans included a design that would serve as both a church and school. A new building was constructed later that year and the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas day.

The interior was not completely furnished, but the parishioners were so eager to worship in their own church that they willingly accepted all inconveniences. By 1913, Father O'Neil was transferred, and Father Patrick F. Quinn took his place, followed by Father Thomas F. Walsh. By 1922, Father Terence F. McCabe arrived as pastor and served the community for 25 years. 

In January 1943, the church suffered its second fire. Fortunately, the damage was confined to the interior of the church and the sanctuary was rebuilt. Then in December 1947, the late Bishop Hugh C. Boyle, bishop of Pittsburgh, appointed Father Thomas J. Gillen as pastor. He has significant goals, one of which included released time from public school for religious education. The Sisters of Mercy from St. Colman Parish, Turtle Creek, taught students religious education on church grounds for 40 minutes each week during school hours. Additional instruction was given on weekends.

In 1951, the Diocese of Greensburg was erected. The late Bishop Hugh L. Lamb encouraged the establishment of parochial schools. Father Gillen negotiated the purchase of a former residence and office with the intention of creating a convent for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill who would staff the anticipated St. Regis School.

The current church building was constructed in 1959 to house the church, social hall, cafeteria and school. A rectory to house the priests and provide office space was also constructed. The first Mass was celebrated Dec. 25, 1959, 55 years to the day after the first Mass was celebrated in the Euwer Building.

The construction debt ($800,000) was also paid off when the parishioners attended the first Mass. The late Bishop William G. Connare dedicated and blessed the new church and school May 14, 1960, but it wasn't until Sept. 6, 1960 that St. Regis School marked its official opening with a Mass celebrated by Father Gillen. The school housed primary grades, and later expanded to serve kindergarten through eighth grade until decling enrollment forced the school to close in 1993. Several classrooms remain in use for religious education classes, with others remodeled to serve as the parish's administrative center.

The parish's centennial campaign, which raised nearly $600,000, was a three year drive to fund major renovations in the church. Phase I of the project, completed in 2001, included the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system for the church and parish center. Phase II was the renovation of the church. The first Mass in our new worship space was celebrated Holy Thursday 2003 by Father James D. Tringhese, pastor. The Redidication Mass was celebrated by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, July 13, 2003, with many former pastors and parochial vicars in attendance.

Since that first Mass on Christmas morning, 1904, St. Regis Parish has grown to nearly 1,300 families. Throughout all the changes in the last century (including changes in personnel and location, and even the transition to a new diocese), our parish continues to be a strong, faith-filled community.

Our Parish Today:		Ages:		Church:
One person households: 335		Under 12: 430		Seating capacity: 560
Two+ person households: 955		13 to 20: 298		Air-conditioned
Total households: 1310		21 to34: 535		Handicapped accessible
Individual: 3338		35 to 54: 868
		55 to 69: 547
		70-84: 513
		85+  : 109