The story begins with the scattered Catholic families who settled in the New Richmond area in the mid-19th century. For several years, their spiritual needs were met by visiting missionary priests. In 1872, regular Catholic services began to be held in Washington Hall, located above Deneen’s General Store at 220 South Knowles Avenue. This marked the formal beginnings of a dedicated Catholic community in New Richmond.

In 1879, the growing congregation chose a site for their first church building. A parcel of land was obtained in 1880. The “Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin” was officially incorporated in the summer of 1883. Tragically, shortly after incorporation, the unfinished church building and its contents were destroyed by fire.

Despite the devastating fire, the determined parishioners began again. Father Peter DeParadis played a crucial role during this period, purchasing the land from Alexander Russell and transferring the property to the church on December 31, 1883. A new church was built, and Christmas Mass was celebrated in the rebuilt church in 1889. Immediately following the completion of the church, plans were initiated to build a school. St. Mary’s School opened its doors to students in 1891.

Disaster struck again on January 24, 1892, when a fire originating in the church basement caused significant damage, destroying most of the building. Only the altar and some pews were salvaged. Undeterred, the parish embarked on building a third church, which was completed by the fall of 1892.

The newly rebuilt church became the center of parish life. The first records of the Altar Society date back to 1896, indicating the early development of parish organizations. In 1894, St. Mary’s School held its first graduating class, highlighting the parish’s commitment to Catholic education. The church also withstood the “Cyclone” of 1899, a testament to its solid construction and the resilience of the community.

The third church building served the parish for many decades. However, as the Catholic population continued to grow, the need for a larger church became apparent. By the mid-20th century, the existing church, with a capacity of around 500 people, was often overcrowded.

In 1965, the old church was razed to make way for a new, larger structure. While the new church was under construction, services were held in the gymnasium of St. Mary’s School. The first Mass was celebrated in the current church building on December 8, 1966, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The formal dedication of the new church took place on June 11, 1967. This marked the fourth church building for the parish.

The parish continued to evolve and expand its ministries in the subsequent decades:

1970: A severe thunderstorm destroyed the rectory.

1971: The practice of celebrating Baptism during Mass began.

1977: The Knights of Columbus and parish families remodeled the convent above St. Mary’s School.

1981: The church mortgage was burned, signifying a significant financial achievement.

2003: The Immaculate Conception Education Center was dedicated. This facility housed St. Mary’s School and provided space for parish and diocesan activities, addressing the growing need for program and ministry space.

2006: Parish launched a Capital Campaign to reduce $1.3 million dollar debt on the Immaculate Conception Education Center.