Our History

1968

  • Bishop Paul Tanner assigned Fr. John O'Flaherty to build a Catholic Parish west of the San Sebastian River.
  • The first Masses were held in the flower shop of Mr. & Mrs. Carcaba. A larger facility was soon needed.
  • Mr. John Shugart volunteered the use of his Palmer Street warehouse.


1969

  • The parish was moved to Palmer Street after the building was renovated into a beautiful church seating 256.
  • With the future already in mind, an additional 5.5 acres of land were purchased along State Road 16.


1973

  • Construction on the future church began, providing seating for 340 with additional seating in the social hall for 200.
  • On September 30, 1973 the new San Sebastian Church was officially dedicated in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Tanner.


1975

  • Fr. O'Flaherty announced plans to build a new Rectory within five years.


1976

  • Three additional lots were purchased on Glimpse of Glory Road bringing the total property to 14.5 acres.
  • A small garage was built behind the church for storage.
  • A platform was added to the sanctuary area for the presidential chair and altar servers' chairs.


1980

  • Fr. Doug Reed purchased a double-wide mobile home to serve as a Rectory/Friary until a home could be built.


1982

  • The ground-breaking ceremony for the new Rectory was held.


1983

  • The new Rectory was dedicated on the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Church.


2002

  • Area growth leads to the need to enlarge the church.
  • Committees were formed and an architect, Sr. Barbara Cekosh, was contracted to draw up plans.


2003

  • In March the parish joined together for a "Kick-Off Dinner" for our "Continuing the Vision" New Church Building Campaign.


2005

  • The ground-breaking ceremony for the new Church was held on August 27, 2005.


2007

  • September 15, 2007 the dedication of our new church was celebrated with Bishop Victor Galeone presiding.
  • December 2, 2007 the San Sebastian Carillon Gift Shop opened.


2008

  • February 9, 2008 the San Sebastian Parish Library opened.


2010

  • October 15, 2010 Fr. John D. Gillespie took over as pastor for retiring Fr. Thomas P. Walsh.


2013

  • Kicked Off 2nd phase of the Capital Campaign for the Religious Education Enrichment Center.


2017

  • August 19, 2017 Ground Breaking for our Religious Education Enrichment Center.


2019

  • August 24, 2019 the dedication of the new Religious Education Enrichment Center was celebrated with Bishop Felipe Estévez
    "O Christ, our Teacher, may our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others."