An unconventional-looking church that had a challenging construction but the wholehearted support of parishioners, St. Kevin’s Catholic Church continues to thrive.

The Parish Community of St. Kevin was founded in 1951 in Welland, earlier than the building itself. Among 15 parishes opening in the spring and fall of that year, it was established by Cardinal James McGuigan of the Archdiocese of Toronto, with Father Michael Herbert Delaney, vice-chancellor of the diocese.

The church location came down to either a lot on Thorold Road or one on Niagara Street. When Delaney visited Welland to evaluate the properties, he discovered the Niagara Street lot where he originally wanted the church was too shallow in depth, precluding a conventional design.

Despite the size, the lot, consisting of a r

See Full Page