OUR HISTORY....OUR PEOPLE....OUR FAITH ...OUR CHURCH

THE BEGINNING...
During the early 1900’s the focal point of Catholicism in Pinellas County was located in the community of Gulfport, and it is believed that the first masses to be held in the area were celebrated in the homes of the Steinwelder family in Gulfport and the Bethel family on Big Bayou. Over the ensuing years a strong Christian Spirit continues to develop among Catholic families of the area. With the help of mission priests who came by canoe across Tampa Bay, these families struggled and sacrificed to administer instruction in the Faith to the youth of Gulfport and to enrich their Catholic Heritage.
 

THE FIRST YEAR...
By 1960, with a growing desire to have a Church in their community, Catholics warmly welcomed Father William Weinheimer to Gulfport, and gave him every assistance in the establishment of a Mission. On January 3, 1960, at the Retired Coast Guard Club of Miriam Street, four hundred twenty-five people participated in the celebration of the mass with Father James Fahey, assistant pastor to Father Weinheimer.

January 17, the Mission was designated Most Holy Name of Jesus, and one month later, on February 16, 1960; the Mission was established as a parish.

Father Frank Goodman was appointed Parish Administrator on June 9, and soon after his arrival Sunday Masses were held in the Boulevard Skating Rink, which was large enough to accommodate the then more than seven hundred parishioners.
 

STARTING TO BUILD...
The years of 1961 and 1962 were years of rapid growth for the new parish.

In March, property on Fifteenth Avenue at Fifty-eighth Street S. was purchased for the parish. A volunteer group began a house –to-house canvass for the church building fund, and by mid-April the goal of $75,000 was over-subscribed.

September 1 brought Father James Barrett to the parish as assistant pastor. On September 5, Holy Name School opened its’ doors for the first time.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church, designed by John F. Eveland, were held on Sunday, November 19, 1961, with the Right Reverend John P. Mullins officiating. Working closely with Father Frank Goodman, Eveland Brothers Contractors built the church.

With the help of parishioners, the move into the new church was completed on April 14, 1962. On the following day, Palm Sunday, Father Goodman celebrated the first Mass to be held there.

The Dedication of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church was celebrated on June 3, 1962 with Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley presiding.