Murrinsville, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Murrinsville is a small community in Pennsylvania, United States. It's located in Marion Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania. You can find it where two state roads, Route 58 and Route 308, cross paths. This quiet place has a rich history, especially linked to its early settlers and a historic church.

Murrinsville: A Small Town's Story

How Murrinsville Began

Murrinsville was first planned in 1828. A man named 'Squire John Murrin surveyed the land. He wanted to create a new town. The area is high up, about 1,440 feet (439 meters) above sea level. In December 1828, Mr. Murrin announced that he would sell building lots. The first sales happened in January 1829. This marked the official start of Murrinsville.

The Story of St. Alphonsus Church

Right at the center of Murrinsville is the historic St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church. It was founded in 1841. The church was built because many Irish families moved to this area. They started arriving as early as 1796. One of these Catholic immigrants was Hugh Murrin. The town of Murrinsville was named after him.

For about 40 years, the small community did not have a regular priest. Sometimes, priests passing through or from nearby towns would visit. Until 1841, church services were held in Hugh Murrin's home. As more families moved in, the community grew. Soon, they needed a proper church building.

On August 23, 1841, a plan to build the church was made. The completed church was officially opened on August 2, 1842. For several years, priests from other towns continued to serve the church. In 1850, a full-time pastor was assigned to the parish.

In December 1892, a fire damaged the inside of the church. However, the strong stone walls were still standing. After some discussion, the community decided to repair the old church. They did not tear it down to build a new one. The newly fixed church was dedicated on December 2, 1893. This beautiful church still serves the Murrinsville community today.