Saint Alphonsus, McDonald

St. Alphonsus was founded in 1892.  The origin of the parish can be traced to the arrival of workers to labor in the local coal mines and oil fields.  In 1892 the pastor of St. Patrick, Noblestown came to McDonald to organize the new congregation.  Land was purchased for a church and on July 31, 1892, the cornerstone of the new church was laid.  The completed church was dedicated on May 14, 1893.  This church did last long, however.  On February 25, 1900, a fire broke out in the church and completely destroyed the building.  Construction of a new church was begun in March 1900.  The cornerstone was laid on July 15, 1900 and the completed structure was dedicated on June 16, 1901.

The church was initially a mission of St. Patrick, Noblestown until 1907 when the first resident pastor arrived at the parish.  The church was renovated in 1926 and in 1984.  The church continues to serve the congregation today.