Who We Are

The History of Notre Dame de Lourdes

Early Mission Work (Before 1897)

The story of Catholic life in Carbon County began with Father Lawrence Scanlan, who frequently traveled through the coal districts of the Utah Territory to serve scattered mining communities. His visits laid the foundation for the Church’s early presence in the region.

Building Holy Rosary Church (1897–1907)

In 1897, having become Bishop Scanlan, he asked the people of Castle Gate to help him build a frame church named Holy Rosary. The coal company generously donated land for building.

The following year, the church became a mission of St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Salt Lake City. Reverend Peter Bulfamonte served as rector in 1901, offering Mass there monthly as he traveled to nearby mining camps.

Sadly, in 1907, the Holy Rosary Church was destroyed by fire and was never rebuilt.

A New Beginning in Helper (1913–1917)

In 1913, Bishop Scanlan appointed Reverend Anthony Petillo as pastor of the coal camps throughout Carbon County. Father Petillo relocated to Helper, Utah, where he built a new brick church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.

A few years later, in 1917, Father Alfred F. Giovannoni (who would later become Monsignor in 1939) was appointed pastor of Helper.

Founding Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish (1918–1930)

In 1918, Bishop Glass established Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Price, extending its care across Carbon County and all counties south to the Utah state line. The missions served from Price included Helper, Castle Gate, Sunnyside, Hiawatha, Kenilworth, Standardville, Scofield, Green River, and Monticello.

Construction of the new parish church began that same year, with a total cost of $35,000. Funds were generously donated by French residents of Price and the surrounding areas. The parish was named in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, their mother church in France.

Before the church was completed, services were held in the basement during the four years of construction. The finished church was dedicated on June 20, 1923.

Father Giovannoni relocated from Helper to Price and served there until 1930, assisted during his tenure by Reverend Cornelius E. Reardon and Reverend John A. Sanders.

Continued Growth and Restoration (After 1930)

Over the decades, Notre Dame de Lourdes Church has continued to grow and serve as a spiritual home for families across Carbon County. The church has undergone many renovations to both its interior and exterior, preserving its history while meeting the needs of new generations of parishioners.

Parish Center and Office:

Hours:  Monday - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

                                                                                                                  Tuesday - Friday - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

435-637-1846


210 N Carbon Ave
Price, Utah 84501

435-637-1846 Diocese of Salt Lake City United States Conference of Catholic Bishops The HOLY SEE

THE DIOCESE OF SALT LAKE CITY protects children and young people. If you are aware of abuse or have been abused by clerics, Church volunteers, or Church employees, contact the Division of Child and Family Services at 855-323-3237. LA DIOCESIS DE SALT LAKE CITY Protege a niños y jóvenes. Si tiene conocimiento de abuso o ha sido víctima por parte de clerigos, voluntarios o empleados de la Iglesia contacte la división de servicios para infantes y familia a: 855-323-3237

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