St Andrew logoSt. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Drexel Hill will mark the closing of its centennial year on Saturday, June 25 when Archbishop Charles Chaput will be the main celebrant at the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass.

Current and former parishioners are invited to the Mass in the church located at School Lane and Foss Avenue in Drexel Hill and afterward for a celebration at Springfield Country Club.

The parish was founded in July 1916 when Archbishop Edmond Prendergast sent Father Joseph McShain to Drexel Hill to find suitable land to build a church. From its humble beginnings in a home on Burmont Road, St. Andrew Parish grew from 55 founding members to nearly 5,000 today.

At a time in history when many parishes and schools are consolidating or closing their doors, St. Andrew continues to grow. Rising enrollment in the parish school and a growing number of ministries and community outreach programs has prompted the parish to embrace a capital campaign.

It will provide a much-needed gymnasium for children and a parish center for the community.