The History of Saint Anne Catholic Church
Serving Rock Hill Since 1919
The Beginning (1919–1933)
The history of Saint Anne Parish began in 1919, when Bishop William T. Russell of the Diocese of Charleston appointed Fr. William J. Tobin from St. Peter’s Church to Rock Hill as the first pastor of the newly established parish.
At that time, Rock Hill had a population of approximately 7,500 people, with only about 20 Catholics living in the city. Despite the small congregation, Fr. Tobin worked tirelessly to establish a permanent Catholic presence. His efforts culminated in the opening of the parish’s first church on Saluda Street in November 1920, providing a spiritual home for the growing Catholic community.
(Insert photographs of Fr. Tobin, the original church, and the first parishioners.)
The Arrival of the Oratory (1934)
A new chapter in the life of Saint Anne Parish began in 1934 with the arrival of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri.
The Oratorian Fathers established their residence on Charlotte Avenue and expanded their ministry beyond Rock Hill to serve Catholics throughout York County, as well as neighboring Chester and Lancaster Counties. Their spirituality, rooted in the joy and pastoral vision of St. Philip Neri, continues to shape the identity of St. Anne Parish today.
(Insert photographs of the first Oratorian Fathers and the Oratory House.)
Growth Through the Mid-Century (1940s–1982)
By 1942, St. Anne Parish had grown to approximately 220 registered members. Throughout the following decades, the parish continued to grow steadily as Rock Hill expanded.
The faithful, together with the Oratorian Fathers, built a vibrant parish centered on the celebration of the Eucharist, Catholic education, and service to the community. These decades laid the foundation for the remarkable growth that would follow.
(Insert photographs of parish life, ministries, and early church activities.)
A Time of Expansion (1983–1999)
The 21-year pastorate of Fr. William Pentis, C.O. (1983–2004) marked one of the most significant periods of growth in the history of Saint Anne Parish.
As the parish expanded rapidly, plans were made to construct a larger church to accommodate the growing congregation. After years of planning and construction, the new church was formally dedicated on October 4, 1992.
The altar, ambo, daily chapel furnishings, and many of the liturgical appointments were generously donated by the parish’s Vietnamese Catholic community, reflecting the cultural richness that had become a hallmark of St. Anne.
At the time of the church’s dedication, parish membership had grown to 2,032 families, increasing to 2,538 families the following year.
Construction of the School and Parish Life Center began in 1997. Bishop David B. Thompson dedicated the new facilities on August 21, 1998, and St. Anne School welcomed its first students for the 1998–1999 academic year.
By 1999, parish membership had reached 3,597 families.
(Insert photographs of the church construction, dedication, school opening, and parish celebrations.)
Year 2000 to Present
The new millennium brought continued growth and renewed vitality to Saint Anne Parish.
In 2001, Fr. Adilso Coelho, C.O. joined the parish as Assistant Pastor under Fr. William Pentis, C.O. Upon Fr. Pentis’ retirement in 2004, Fr. Adilso became Pastor, continuing the parish’s tradition of strong pastoral leadership and community growth.
In July 2010, Fr. Elbano Muñoz, C.O. was appointed Pastor. Serving with him were Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O. as Parochial Vicar and Br. Josemaria Schlubach, C.O. as Pastoral Associate.
In 2013, Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O. became Pastor of Saint Anne Parish, serving until 2019. Throughout his six years of leadership, Fr. Fabio emphasized that the strength of the parish came from the faithful service of its parishioners. In his farewell message, he thanked the countless volunteers and ministers whose dedication of time, talent, treasure, and prayer sustained the many ministries of the parish. Reflecting on his own ministry, he wrote that the people of St. Anne had made him “a better priest” and encouraged all parishioners to renew their baptismal call by becoming the presence of Christ to one another.
On May 1, 2019, Very Rev. Dr. Joseph F. Pearce, C.O. was appointed Pastor. During his pastorate, Saint Anne celebrated its Centennial Anniversary, marking one hundred years of Catholic faith in Rock Hill.
In his centennial message, Fr. Joe reminded parishioners that although generations have come and gone, the faith has remained the same. He reflected on the many cultures that have worshipped together, the many languages through which the Gospel has been proclaimed, and the thousands of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and acts of charity that have shaped the parish. He described St. Anne as “a testament to the many faithful people and loving deeds that have been done in the name of Jesus Christ and our Catholic Faith.” His leadership celebrated both the rich history of the parish and its growing diversity.
After faithfully serving Saint Anne for more than six years, Fr. Joe Pearce concluded his pastorate in July 2025.
On July 2, 2025, Fr. Louis Pham assumed pastoral leadership of Saint Anne Parish. During his brief pastorate, which continued through August 28, 2025, he faithfully shepherded the parish during a period of transition while continuing its mission of worship, evangelization, and service.
At the beginning of 2026, Fr. Adilso Coelho, C.O. returned to Saint Anne Parish as Pastor, bringing with him both his previous experience serving the parish and a deep love for its people. He was joined by Fr. Johnni do Bonfim Silva, C.O., who serves as Parochial Vicar. Together they continue the nearly century-long tradition of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, guiding one of the largest and most culturally diverse Catholic communities in the Diocese of Charleston.
Today, Saint Anne Parish is home to more than 5,000 registered parishioners, representing English-, Spanish-, and Vietnamese-speaking communities united in one faith. The parish continues to flourish through vibrant liturgies, Catholic education, faith formation, charitable outreach, and numerous ministries that serve people of every age.
Looking Toward the Future
The story of Saint Anne Parish is ultimately the story of its people—its priests, religious, deacons, parishioners, volunteers, and families whose faith, generosity, and sacrifice have built this community over more than a century.
As we honor the generations who came before us, we also embrace the future with confidence and hope. Guided by the spirituality of St. Philip Neri, strengthened by the Eucharist, and inspired by the example of St. Anne, we remain committed to forming disciples, serving our neighbors, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for generations to come.
As Fr. Joe Pearce wrote during the parish’s Centennial Celebration:
“The names and faces have changed and will continue to change, but the faith is the same.”
With gratitude for our past and hope for our future, Saint Anne Parish continues to answer Christ’s call:
“Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)