The American Catholic Historical Society will hold a spotlight on local history highlighting Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church on Jan. 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Society House.

Holy Redeemer Church in Philadelphia has the distinction of being the first Catholic church in the Western hemisphere built for Chinese people. Dedicated in 1941, the church recently celebrated its 75h anniversary.

In a talk during the event, Father Thomas Betz, OFM Cap, will call attention to Holy Redeemer’s remarkable history and its contributions to Philadelphia’s Chinese American community.

Father Betz, a native of Western Pennsylvania, is a Capuchin priest and pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia. He had earlier served as parochial vicar of the parish from 1991-1995, and from 1991-2016, he served as the coordinator of the Chinese Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which included responsibility for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and School.

The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will also be livestreamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend online. To register, click here.

Society House is located at 263 South Fourth Street in Philadelphia.