Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
St. Ignatius of Antioch Church
Established 1889
— Oldest Catholic Community in Pinellas County —
Photographed By Fr. Len Plazewski, May 16, 2017
1. St. Ignatius of Antioch Church Marker
In 1888 land was donated for a Catholic church by former Arizona Governor Anson P.K. Safford. A small 28' x 18' mission chapel named St. Ignatius was built by Judge John D. Murphy on Lemon Street the following year, and on May 20, 1889, Father Philippe de Carriere, S.J. celebrated its first mass. By 1905 the church was expanded and in 1929 the mission was entrusted to St. Ceceilia parish in Clearwater. In the late 1940's Msgr. Colreavy purchased 10 lots at the present location and an army frame chapel was relocated to the site. The parish was canonically established on December 9, 1954 under the pastorate of Father William Dubois. The parish continued to grow rapidly over the next 15 years, and more adjoining land was purchased in 1976. Five years later the new church was dedicated. The church's seven large laminated pine beams were transported from North Carolina on the old Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's last local run. That rail line would become the Pinellas Trail.
Erected 2017 by Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1889.
Location. 28° 8.821′ N, 82° 44.708′ W. Marker is in Tarpon Springs, Florida
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Honor of Veterans of All Wars (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Tarpon Springs High School (approx. half a mile away); Rose Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Commercial Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); Memorial Flag Pole (approx. 0.6 miles away); Railway Express Company Building 1 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Railway Express Company Building II (approx. 0.6 miles away); Railroad Depot (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tarpon Springs.
Also see . . . St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish. Parish website homepage (Submitted on May 31, 2017.)
Photographed By Fr. Len Plazewski, May 16, 2017
2. St. Ignatius of Antioch Church Marker
Photographed By Fr. Len Plazewski, May 16, 2017
3. St. Ignatius of Antioch Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2017, by Fr. Len Plazewski of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 434 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2017, by Fr. Len Plazewski of Tampa, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
