Beginning in 1842, Mass was celebrated continually in Newark for the growing German Catholic population.
In 1854, the church was ransacked by mobs of “Know Nothings” and Orangemen.
In 1856, the care of the Newark German Catholic parish, “St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception” was entrusted to the Benedictine monks. The present church was opened in 1857. In 1858, the title to the church and property was transferred to the Order of Saint Benedict by the bishop of Newark.
The monks of the abbey conduct St. Benedict’s Preparatory School.
For the abbey website: http://www.newarkabbey.org/main.htm
For excellent pictures of the exterior and interior
of the abbey see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pzalonski/sets/72157624689838352/
About The Building
Architectural Style
- Romanesque Revival
Fabricator(s) of Windows
- Franz Meyer
Notable Works of Art
- Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary - Damaged by Orangemen in 1854
Renovations
- 1890 - Renovated for consecration 1907 - Renovation
Current Status: In use
Interior Pictures
Exterior Pictures
Year Opened: 1857