Saint Philip Neri Parish History

• 1885-First parish established in Alameda (now the Basilica of St. Joseph).
• 1925-Archbishop Edward Hanna of San Francisco authorizes two additional churches in Alameda, St. Philip Neri and St. Barnabus. Fr. Maurice O'Keefe is the first and founding pastor appointed.
• 1926-Italian Catholic Federation Branch #10 is established on 5/26/26.
• 1928-Construction of the new church (now O'Brien Hall) begins. Mass was conducted in one of the homes on High Street.
• 1938-St. Philip Neri's conference established of St. Vincent DePaul Society on 10/28/38.
• 1941-Drive begins to build a new church (existing church on Van Buren).

• 1953-Rosarian Sodality formed 1/5/53.

• 1959-St. Philip Neri School opens (grades 1-4) with 200 children under the direction of The Sisters of Notre Dame. The schools "Mothers Guild" (now the PTG) has their first meeting 12/16/59. The new convent opens. Construction completed on the new church (Van Buren Street).

• 1963-School grows to 8 grades. First meeting held by the Legion of Mary.

• 1964-First graduating 8th grade class at St. Philip Neri School.

• 1971-First parish council appointed.

• 1972-St. Philip Neri becomes "mother" parish to St. Albert's by providing funds for property on Bay Farm Island.

• 1973-Fr. Patrick O'Brien appointed Monsignor.

• 1974-The Sisters of Notre Dame order recalled from St. Philip Neri School due to a personnel shortage and replaced by the Dominican Sisters. Rosarians assist with refurbishing the 15 year old convent.

• 1975-The church is completely refurbished including new stained glass windows. The school was enhanced with two new rooms. The first Fun Fair was held. Golden Jubilee Mass celebrated 10/19/1975.
• 1976- Bingo opens its doors for their first game.
• 1980-Hall expanded and named in honor of Monsignor O'Brien.
• 1982-New pipe organ purchased for the church.
• 1983-Kindergarten open at St. Philip Neri School.
• 1996-Interior colors of the church were changed during repainting.
• 1996-Youth ministry begins as a coordinated ministry between the four Catholic churches of Alameda.

• 1999-The School expansion is completed with needed additions such as a new library and journalism classroom.

Succession of Pastors

1925-1928
Father Maurice O'Keefe

1928-1943
Father Robert J. O'Connor

1943-1952
Father Harold A. Crampton

1953-1955
Timothy F. O'Connor Administrator

1955-1976
Monsignor Patrick J. O'Brien

1976-1985
Father Gary B. Tollner

1985-1990
Father Raymond G. Breton

1990-1998
Father Jerrold F. Kennedy

1998-2001
Father James B. Pickett

2001-
Father Vincent J. Cotter

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