History of St. Helen Parish

St. Helen Banner

The first Catholic Church established in Indian River 
County was St. Helen. Father Rupert Gabriel of the Order of St. Benedict celebrated the first Mass in the present parish boundaries in June of 1919 at the home of Louis Schlitt. For six months, Mass was said every other week in Mr. Schlitt’s home. A wood frame Chapel was constructed in December of 1919. The chapel is now located just north of the Christian Living Center. 

In 1925, the Right Reverend Monsignor Michael Beerhalter from Fort Pierce succeeded Father Gabriel and ministered to the needs of the parishioners. A resident Pastor was assigned to St. Helen in the fall of 1929, the Reverend Michael Mullally, who administered the parish until 1950. Under his administration, the school was established. The Sisters of St. Dominic of Adrian, Michigan, assigned three Sisters to staff the school: Sister Immaculate, O.P., Principal; Sister Anselm, O.P.; and Sister William Ann, O.P. The school opened on September 16, 1940, with an enrollment of 27 students. In the 1950, the Reverend Patrick O’Brien was assigned as the second pastor of St. Helen. Under his administration, the present church was constructed. Since then, the following Pastors have served:

Reverend John F. Mc Keown 1954-1964

Reverend Hugh J. Flynn 1964-1969

Reverend John B. O’Hare 1969-1976

Monsignor Irvine Nugent 1976-1999

Reverend Michael W. Edwards 1999-Present

During Father Mc Keown’s administration, the stained glass windows, the lights and the beautiful 

Italian statues were added. A new four-classroom

building and convent were also constructed. 

 In keeping with the growth of the Catholic population in the northern end of the county, Father McKeown built the mission church of St. William in Sebastian.

 From 1964 to 1969, Reverend Hugh J. Flynn was pastor. Under his administration, St. Helen Harvest Festival was begun and St. Helen’s Service Center, a multi-purpose facility, was constructed in Gifford.

From 1969 to 1976, the pastor was Reverend John B. O’Hare. Under his direction, the Parish Center brought into reality.

St. Helen Parish became part of the new Diocese of Palm Beach in October 1984.

During Father Mc Keown’s administration, the stained glass windows, the lights and the beautiful Italian statues were added. A new four-classroom

building and convent were also constructed. In keeping with the growth of the Catholic population in the northern end of the county, Father McKeown built the mission church of St. William in Sebastian.

From 1964 to 1969, Reverend Hugh J. Flynn was pastor. Under his administration, St. Helen Harvest Festival was begun and St. Helen’s Service Center, a multi-purpose facility, was constructed in Gifford.

From 1969 to 1976, the pastor was Reverend John B. O’Hare. Under his direction, the Parish Center brought into reality.

 St. Helen Parish became part of the new Diocese of Palm Beach in October 1984.