Assembly Resolution No. 1421
BY: M. of A. Palmesano
COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's
Church in the City of Hornell, New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate those enduring institutions which have faithfully served the
spiritual, cultural, and civic life of their communities and whose
histories reflect the growth and development of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in the City of
Hornell, New York, to be celebrated on July 26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, The origins of St. Ann's Parish trace back to the earliest
Catholic missionary efforts in the Hornellsville area during the 1840s,
when Redemptorist missionaries traveled throughout the region
ministering to Catholic settlers and immigrant laborers; and
WHEREAS, In 1843, Father Benedict Bayer made the home of Irish
immigrant Thomas Doorley of Webb's Crossing his headquarters while
serving Catholics in the region, baptizing parishioners and offering
Mass for the faithful; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Doorley, widely regarded as the charter member of
St. Ann's Parish, demonstrated extraordinary faith and devotion by
becoming the first subscriber to the church building fund in 1849,
raising funds through the mortgaging of his farm to assist in the
construction of a permanent church; and
WHEREAS, Following the creation of the Diocese of Buffalo on October
17, 1847, Bishop John Timon appointed Reverend Michael O'Brien Pastor of
the Hornellsville Mission in January of 1849; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Michael O'Brien immediately undertook the
organization of the parish, securing property at the northwest corner of
Cass and Buffalo Streets and overseeing the construction of the first
St. Ann's Church, a modest brick structure measuring thirty by forty
feet, built through the labor and sacrifice of the parishioners; and
WHEREAS, Before the close of 1849, the church was solemnly blessed
and dedicated under the patronage of Saint Ann, providing the Catholic
faithful of Hornellsville with their first permanent house of worship
after years of perseverance and prayer; and
WHEREAS, The rapid growth of Hornellsville, fueled by the expansion
of the Erie Railroad and the influx of immigrant workers and families,
soon filled the small church beyond capacity; and
WHEREAS, Although Catholic missionary activity had been present in
the region for years, it was not until the arrival of Reverend Daniel
Delacy Moore in 1851 that Mass was celebrated every Sunday at St. Ann's
Church on Cass Street, establishing an unbroken tradition of weekly
worship that has continued for 175 years; and
WHEREAS, Since 1851, generations of parishioners have gathered
faithfully each Sunday for the celebration of the Holy Mass in what
would eventually become the City of Hornell, sustaining a vibrant parish
community rooted in faith, charity, and service; and
WHEREAS, St. Ann's Church has stood as a spiritual home for
countless families throughout times of prosperity and hardship alike,
ministering to railroad workers, immigrants, laborers, and residents of
the greater Hornell region for nearly two centuries; and
WHEREAS, The parish began its Jubilee Year celebration on July 26,
2025, commemorating the 175 years since the establishment of regular
Sunday Masses, and has since held prayer services at historic sites
including the Doorley Road location where the earliest Masses were
celebrated and the original Cass and Buffalo Street church site; and
WHEREAS, As part of the anniversary observances, the recently
installed Bishop Bonicci will celebrate the 10:45 a.m. Mass on July 26,
2026, followed by a reception at the Main Place in Hornell, bringing
together parishioners, clergy, community leaders, and guests in joyful
thanksgiving for this historic milestone; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, St. Ann's Church has
remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen
family and community life, and serve the people of Hornell and the
surrounding region with compassion, faith, and dedication; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in Hornell, New
York, and to honor its enduring legacy of faith, service, and community;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to St. Ann's Church, Hornell, New York.
