The Pre-history of SS. Mary & Edward Church, Roxboro, N.C. traces back to 1906.

Father Thomas Price, operating from Raleigh where the Catholic Center is now located, traveled to Henderson, bought land and by 1908 built a church.

Father Price, called "The Tar-Heel Apostle" later went on to co-found the Maryknoll Fathers and ultimately died in China. There is talk of seeking his official canonization to Sainthood.

St. Paul's, Henderson, became a Parish in May, 1924. The Pastor, who
lived in a back room of the Church and served the small congregation there,
traveled over a wide region, including Roxboro, offering Mass in the
homes of the few Catholics in the area.

Raleigh became a Diocese in December, 1924, with Bishop Hafey as its
first Bishop. In 1934, Father Eugene Carroll, Pastor of St. Paul's, obtained
an interest free $900 loan from Bishop Hafey to buy the land in Roxboro that
is the present site of our Church.

Mr. George Kane, a Catholic contractor in Roxboro, donated the labor
to build the present Church. Mrs. Mary Hyde, influenced by her brother
Edward Kelly of Brooklyn, donated the $6000 cost of the materials. The Church
was named in honor of the patron saints of these donors. His Excellency,
the Most Reverend William J. Hafey, dedicated the Mission
Church on May 23, 1935.

On April 5, 1936, the Bishop returned for the first conferral of
the Sacrament of Confirmation in the new Church. Robert "Bo" Currier
remembers it well, for he was part of that Confirmation class.

The laymen of the Mission formed a special group to take care of the
Church. Such involvement and dedication so impressed the Bishop that
he allowed the Mission the special privilege of keeping the Eucharist
in the Tabernacle even though no priest was in residence. The small
Mission Church was served by various Priests from surrounding communities
during these early years.

During World War II, the Church was often filled to capacity by soldiers
of the 78th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Butner.

In 1968, Father John Pare of The Society of Saint Edmund was appointed the
first resident pastor. In 1969, the parish purchased and renovated what use
to be called the "old" house, which served as the Rectory until the present
one was built.

Father Pare was succeeded by three additional Edmundite priests;
Father William White, S.S.E., Father William LePage, S.S.E., and Father
Robert J. Sheehey, S.S.E., who served as resident Pastors until 1982. At that
time they had to withdraw from Roxboro due to a shortage of priests in the
order. The meeting room in the basement of the present rectory was named
Saint Edmund's Hall in their honor.

Father John Breunig was sent to Roxboro by Bishop Gossman in 1982 to serve
as the first Diocesan Pastor, but ill health quickly ended his service.
Father Ralph Monk, Durham area hospital chaplain, along with several
visiting priests, filled in until Father Francis Maloney was appointed
resident Pastor in July, 1983.

During the pastoral vacancy before Father Maloney arrived, the Parish
Board gave leadership to the congregation. On weekends when there was no
priest, Lay Ministers planned and conducted Eucharistic services and
brought Holy Communion to the sick. Secretarial and administrative services
were provided by Eileen Cramer.

In 1985, led by Father Maloney, the parish celebrated our 50th anniversary.
The year was designated the "Golden Year" and several special events were
scheduled including the burying of a time capsule under the sun dial, to be
opened during the 75th anniversary in the year 2010.

In 1987, the lot on the south side of the church was purchased to expand
parking capacity and for future growth.

Father James A. Mobbs succeeded Father Maloney in July, 1989 and served as
pastor until 1993 when he died suddenly of a massive heart attack.

Pastor, Father Joe Yaegar, succeeded Father Mobbs in July 1993. Under Father
Joe's leadership, a Knights of Columbus council (#11235) was formed in
1994 as part of the continuing growth of Parish life.

In 1995, the Lady's Guild celebrated its 30th anniversary. Their organization
has been a very major contributing factor to Sts. Mary & Edwards Parish
Life over the years, both socially and economically.

Pastor, Father Paul Milcetich, O.S.F.S. succeeded Father Yaegar in July 1996.
Fr. Miletich served as an Air Force Chaplain from 1967 to 1995 before his
retirement in 1995. Father Milcetich provided great leadership to our parish
during his short pastorial assignment. Father Milcetich helped our parish
move forward in growth, planning, and the building of a new parish hall and
regelious learning center.

Father Milcetich retired and relocated to Denver, CO in July 1997 and was
succeeded by current Pastor, Father Robert Staley. Father Staley comes to us
from Saint Patrick's Fayetteville, NC. Father Staley earned a Bachelor's
Degree in Economics from Purdue University and a Master's in Economics from
Duke University. He attended Chicago's Mundelein Seminary and was ordained inOctober, 1995.

There have been and continue to be many improvements made to the church and grounds by the combined efforts and cooperation of the congregation and its organizations. Included in these projects were the installation of stained
glass windows, custom built walnut altar and lectern, new lightning, new
heating and air conditioning as well as day to day maintenance. It is
noteworthy that much of the financing of these improvements was made
anonymously.

Presently, parishioners are moving forward in the building of our new
Parish Hall and Educational Center. Donations and building fund pledges
has made it possible for our parish to start this $275,000.00 plus project.

JULY 22, 2007 - Roxboro, NC

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh presides and celebrates the installation of Rev. William Rodriguez with the parish community of Saints Mary and Edward.

The past two years have been a blessing to us all!