John Baptist Purcell, the second bishop of Cincinnati, visits Urbana, and preaches from the steps of the old Courthouse on the Square

John Purcell, now the Archbishop of Cincinnati, appoints Rev. Augustus A. Grogan as pastor of the new parish, named in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The cornerstone for the church was laid on the Feast of Corpus Christi, 1853.  The first Mass was celebrated in the small, and unfinished church on Christmas Day 1853.  The church building was eventually completed and dedicated in 1856, for a total cost of $14,000.

A new, larger and more elaborate church was constructed.  A rectory and a schoolhouse were also built.

The church was again enlarged, and given a more elaborate design, including stained glass windows and a bell tower.
The bell, cast in Troy, NY, was “named” St. Joseph!

St. Mary School begins to offer a full High School program (prior it offered a 3 year commercial course following grade school).

The interior of the church was printed and re-decorated, the first major changes made since 1890.

Ground-breaking for the new church, across the street from the original campus on the property that had been Downey Park, The new church was consecrated by Archbishop Karl J. Alter on November 11, 1966

The beautiful stained glass windows and doors, designed by Franklin Art glass Studios of Columbus were installed, in observance of the Jubilee Year.