The first St. Nicholas Church Building
in the City of Alleghany
This building later became the
recreation center for CFU Lodge 1
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Leaders in the Croatian community in Allegheny organized a parish that would nurture their Catholic faith and preserve the Croatian language and customs. St. Nicholas Church, located in the city of Allegheny (currently comprising the North Side and North Shore of modern day Pittsburgh), was the first Croatian Church established in America in 1894.
Bishop Richard Phelan of the Diocese of Pittsburgh was receptive to the idea of building a new church for the growing numbers of Croatians. The place selected as most convenient by Fr. Franjo Glojnaric, pastor, was Bennett Hill in Millvale.
Taking into consideration the number of Croatians in Etna, Lawrenceville, and Millvale, this appeared to be the most logical and accessible location. To undertake such a goal is evidence of the young energy and love of Church of our Croatian ancestors.
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