History - Catholics in Philadelphia

In May of 1733, Rev. Joseph Greaton, S.J. bought property between Third and Fourth Streets and south of Walnut. This site would become the first Catholic Church in Philadelphia. The climate for Catholics in Philadelphia was very intolerant at the time. Not long after the church's completion, Protestants complained to the Governor that this "Popish Chapel" was against the law of England. Fr. Greaton claimed his right to have the church under William Penn and the church was allowed to remain open. It was the only place in the English-speaking world where public celebration of mass was permitted by law. The church was dedicated to St. Joseph, the Guardian of The Holy Family. The present Name of St. Joseph's Preparatory School derives directly from St. Joseph's Church.

As 1850 approached the city entered the manufacturing age. With it’s growth and population, charitable and religious societies came to Philadelphia and began to provide free education. The appearance of Catholic immigrants in Philadelphia, especially the Irish, in the 1840s complicated the politics of the city and its schools. Catholics had objected to Protestant prayers and use of the King James version of the Bible. When the school Board finally responded by removing the Bible from Public schools a three day anti-Catholic riot ensued. The Old St. Augustine's Church was burned to the ground in that riot.