History of St. Bernard Church, Peoria

  • January 4, 1902: Construction began on a new church with Romanesque design, offering seating for 600, in the East Bluff.
  • September 27, 1903: The red brick church located on the corner of Kansas and New York Avenue, known as St. Bernard, was dedicated.
  • January 3, 1904: The church bell, weighing a ton and manufactured in St. Louis, was dedicated by Bishop Peter J. O’Reilly.
  • 1906: The present rectory was constructed.
  • September 23, 1909: Bishop Dunne confirmed the first class.
  • September 3, 1911: The new school, capable of accommodating 600 students, was dedicated.
  • 1927: A mothers’ club was organized.
  • 1930: A men's club was established.
  • 1956: The Legion of Mary was formed.
  • 1961: Church improvements, including painting and remodeling, were carried out.
  • 1972-1973: Extensive renovations, updates, painting, and carpeting were completed in the church and sanctuary.
  • 1977: The gym underwent renovation.
  • 2002: The church was restored by R. Pallardy in preparation for the parish centennial celebration in 2003.
  • August 25, 2024: Last Mass celebrated at St. Bernard Church, prior to merging with Cathedral of St. Mary