LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Saint Mary
of the Angels Church

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the people and communi-
ties which comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Saint Mary of the Angels Church, which is
located in the City of Olean, New York; and
WHEREAS, Saint Mary of the Angels began as a small-frame church, cost-
ing about $300 to construct in 1855 with Father McKenna overseeing the
construction; the Franciscan Fathers were given the responsibility of
running Saint Mary of the Angels by Bishop Timothy, of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, On September 19, 1858, Father Pamphilus da Magliano, OSF,
Founder of St. Bonaventure College, placed the cornerstone of the new,
wooden church on the corner of South First and West Henley in the City
of Olean; and
WHEREAS, In 1913, the wooden church was moved across the street, where
services continued; construction on a new stone church began in April of
1913 under the direction of architect Emile M. Uhlrich; the first
cornerstone was laid by Bishop Colton on November 2, 1913; the church is
built in the Gothic style and constructed of Pennsylvania marble from
quarries in West Grove, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The current stone church was completed on May 15, 1915, with
Father E.J. Rengel laying the capstone; it is 150 feet long, with stee-
ples reaching 150 feet high and costing $250,000 to construct; and
WHEREAS, Saint Mary of the Angels was formally opened for divine
services by Reverend Nelson Baker on September 26, 1915; with Cardinal
Patrick Hayes of New York City presiding, Saint Mary of the Angels was
consecrated by Bishop William Turner on June 29, 1919; and
WHEREAS, The church remained in its original state until Christmas Eve
2012, when Father Gregory Dobson announced a $2 million capital campaign
to restore the church; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor milestones in the history of churches large and small in
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Saint Mary of the Angels Church;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Very Reverend Gregory J. Dobson, VF, Pastor for Saint
Mary of the Angels Church.