St. Rose of Lima Church in Safford came into existence in 1927 as a mission under the tutelage of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Solomon. The original church was constructed by the parishioners.

It had a Spanish mission-style exterior. Work began in 1925 and was completed in two years; the church was dedicated in 1927.

Ten years later, on Dec. 22, 1937, St. Rose of Lima Church was elevated to the level of a regular parish. Rev. J.N. Patterson was the first pastor. The following year, Rev. B.P. O’Boyle became the pastor and served the parish for 10 years. Parish membership and activities grew steadily. The ladies of the parish assumed many of the church chores. Rev. P.M Laracque was appointed pastor in 1948. In 1950, the site of the present church, community hall and pastor’s residence was acquired.

The Rev. Martin C. Kelly assumed pastoral duties in March 1961. Father Kelly’s influence is attributed to the Celtic cross being placed on the new church. Rev. J. Hurtado came as assistant pastor two months later.

Parish interest and activities continued to increase. More parishioners became greatly interested in their parish and tithing became an established success. The building program came closer and closer to reality.

In 1961, the Sisters of the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic came to Safford for the first time to help with religious programs. Rev. J. Debski was assigned as an assistant pastor in 1962.

On Aug. 12, 1962, Father Kelly presided over groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church. The St. Rose of Lima Convent was completed first, then the catechetical classrooms, and finally the beautiful new church. The first Mass was on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963.

Many priests, deacons, nuns, and lay ministers - plus thousands of parishioners and volunteers - have served St. Rose of Lima over its 70 years as a parish and 80 years as a church. Currently, Father Ariel G. Lustan presides over the parish, assisted by Rev. Al Schifano and Deacons Marcello Arbizo and Carl Vessels.

For more information about St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church call the church office at 428-4920 or visit www.saintroselima-safford.com.