Parish History

1950
Fr. Thomas Jordan, while pastor of Sacred Heart parish, Rock Island, IL, purchases seven acres at 24th Street and 31st Avenue.

1955
June 6, St. Pius X parish established by Bishop William Cousins. Fr. Edward M. Farrell appointed first pastor. A refurbished warehouse is used as the church.

1957
A new 12 room grade school and convent completed. School opens with 9 Sisters
of Humility, one lay teacher and 440 students.

1958
September 1, Fr. Farrell dies. The new rectory at 2501 29th avenue is completed at cost of $40,000.

1960
A Four room addition is added to the school completed, used as new temporary church and original warehouse is torn down.

1962
May 20, ground broken for new $760,000 church.

1964
May 10, Bishop John Franz dedicates new church.

1971
Fr. Eugene Gould appointed pastor following resignation by Msgr. Thomas J. Jordan.

1974
Fr. Edward Bader appointed pastor. Rock Island catholic schools consolidate and form Jordan Catholic school.

1976
Fr. Robert Schladen joins Fr. Bader for short period as co-pastor.

1980
September 5, Fr. Bader dies and Fr. Kane appointed pastor.

1985
Fund drive to build new parish center.

1987
October 18, Farrell Hall is completed and dedicated by new Bishop John J. Meyers.

1990
Fr. Raymond Boyle appointed pastor.
     
1991
Franciscan sisters of the Martyr St. George, Alton, IL, begin ministry at St. Pius X and Alleman High School.

1994
August 6, Perpetual Adoration of Blessed Sacrament begun. June 17, Fr. Paul E. Showalter appointed pastor.

2000
Jubilee Year, roof replacement and major $1,000,000 church renovation begun. Farrell Hall is used as church during interim.
 
2002
St. Pius X church receives roof design achievement award from Single Ply Roofing Institute, a national commercial roofing association.
 
2004
Msgr. Showalter dedicates monument outside of Farrell Hall to the unborn.
St. Pius X is announced as pilgrimage parish for the Year of the Eucharist. Pastor named Vicar General.
 
2005
Fr. R. Michael Schaab named pastor. 50th anniversary of St. Pius X parish.