Immaculate Conception BVM Church, York, Pennsylvania

Commonly known as St. Mary's Church, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in York, Pennsylvania, has a long history. The land was bought in 1850 by the bishop of Philadelphia, St. John Nepumocene Neumann. They planned to create a parish for the local German-speaking Catholics. The first church was completed by 1852 and consecrated on July 25, 1853, by Bishop Neumann. In the 1880s a new church was built around the original church, allowing services to continue during the construction of the walls. This church (the current one) underwent a series of remodeling and refurbishing, along with the additions of a rectory, a school, and a thrift shop.

St. Mary's Church, York

The interior has a rich and historical look, especially enhanced by the 1921 murals in the ceiling.

Nave (seen from altar)

The main altar is flanked by two side altars, one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the other to Saint Joseph. All three are made of Italian marble and were added in the 1921 renovation of the church.

Main altar

Side altar to St. Joseph (the picture of St. Mary's altar didn't come out!)

The baptismal font is also by the main altar.

Baptismal font

New Stations of the Cross were also added in 1921, making them nearly a hundred years old now!

Stations of the Cross

The church has many other fine statues throughout.

Crucifixion

Pieta

Toddler Jesus

Back corner altar with Infant of Prague, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St. Teresa

Close up of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Lourdes altar in the back of the church is a nice touch. At that apparition, Bernadette Soubirous asked the lady for her name. Mary's reply was "I am the Immaculate Conception."