Archbishop Dowling assigns Fr. Terrence Moore the daunting task of establishing a new parish amid the farmlands of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood. Fr. Moore names the new parish Nativity of Our Lord.

August 1923

The first parish structures – Nativity of Our Lord School and the Rectory – are completed. Mass is celebrated in the new school building. Fr. Moore moves into the new Rectory.

September 14, 1923

Nativity of Our Lord School opens its doors with an enrollment of 311.

1927

With enrollment nearing 700, a new wing is added to the school building.

1930

Enrollment continues to grow and a second wing is added.

August 29, 1937

Ground is broken for the new church – almost fifteen years to the day that Fr. Moore was asked to start a new parish.

April 16, 1939

The new church structure is dedicated and 300 people are confirmed in the new facility. The parish now has more than 1,200 families and more than 900 children in the school.

December 7, 1941

America enters World War II – 669 parishioners would eventually serve in the war.

April 1945

Fr. Clarence Steiner is assigned to Nativity as assistant pastor to Fr. Moore. He would serve Nativity for more than 50 years.

February 1948

Fr. Moore dies at the age of 78 from complications of a stroke suffered while kneeling in the sanctuary. Auxiliary Bishop James Byrnes is appointed pastor.

1952

The convent building is completed.

1954

The “baby boom” is in full swing and school enrollment continues to rise. Kindergarten classes are eliminated so that the classrooms can be used by the upper grades.

August 1956

Fr. Steiner is appointed parish administrator.

1958

Enrollment hits 1,040. Anticipating the need to educate an additional 200 students, the parish undertakes its first major capital campaign since the church was built. More than $1 million is raised, with $800,000 going to the school building fund and $200,000 supporting the Archdiocesan Catholic High School program.

1960

Six lots adjacent to the school are purchased; ground is broken for an addition to the school and a larger playground is constructed.

1961

The new addition, housing 12 classrooms, school offices and a new gym, is completed.

1964

Fr. Steiner is appointed pastor.

1965

Vatican II brings many changes, including Masses said in English for the first time.

September 10, 1972

The parish celebrates its 50th anniversary.

1973

Following the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Nativity parishioners rally behind right to life issues.

1975

Fr. Patrick Lannan joins the parish.

September 1975

The first Nativity County Fair is held, raising nearly $28,500.

June 1977

Fr. John Kelley joins Nativity.

1980

The school’s partnership with Holy Rosary parish begins.

October 1982

Nativity begins its first Stewardship program, formalizing annual giving by parishioners.

1983

The stained glass windows are restored and the Nativity Scholarship and Endowment funds are established.

1985

Fr. Lannan is named parish administrator.

1986

Msgr. Steiner retires and Fr. Lannan is named pastor.

1988

The church building is 50 years old.

December 4, 1988

The church is officially paid for and consecrated.

September 1990

The Nativity Early Learning Center opens its doors.

1993

750 parishioners donate $825,000 to renovate the lower church and create Steiner Hall, a much-needed worship and social space.

1994

Females begin serving as acolytes.

April 1994

Nativity parish opens its Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

October 1994

The Nativity Parish Center opens its newly-renovated offices in the former convent.

June 1995

2,000 Nativity School graduates return for the first All-School Reunion.

1996

Fr. Bill Baer joins the parish as associate pastor.

1997

Msgr. Steiner moves to the Little Sisters of the Poor residence after 52 years.

September 1997

The parish celebrates 75 years.

November 1998

Fr. Lannan dies unexpectedly while traveling in the Holy Land . Fr. Baer assumes duties as interim pastor until a successor can be identified.

1999

The parish enters the information age with its first web site.

June 1999

Fr. Peter Christensen joins Nativity parish as its fifth pastor. Fr. Tom Margevicius is assigned to the parish soon after ordination. Fr. Bill Baer leaves
Nativity to take on new responsibilities as rector of St. John Vianney Seminary.

May 2000

Nativity undertakes its first multi-million dollar capital campaign to raise funds to restore the aging church facility and make critical upgrades to the school building.

September 2000

November 2000

The Pastoral Council meets for the first time.

July 2001

The stone monument on the corner of Stanford and Prior is erected.

September 11, 2001

Three airplanes are hijacked by terrorists and the twin towers of the World Trade Center are destroyed. Hundreds of parishioners gather at the church seeking solace and support.

October 2001

Fr. Margevicius is reassigned.

August 2002

Fr. John Kelley dies of cancer after serving Nativity for more than 25 years.

June 2003

Fr. Christopher Wenthe is assigned to Nativity as an associate pastor.

June 2003

The first Taste for Learning wine-tasting event is held.

December 2003

Phase 1 of the Capital Campaign concludes with more than $X million is raised in three years.

June 2004

More than 1,700 families are registered as parishioners. School enrollment holds steady with approximately 800 students registered in grades K through 8 and more than XX students are educated and nurtured in the Nativity Early Learning Center . More than XX individuals are committed adorers in the Perpetual Adoration chapel.