HISTORY OF OUR PARISH
November 27, 1862 states the cornerstone of St. Michael's Church.  From 1856 to 1862, the German Catholics of Hollidaysburg and surrounding areas heard Mass when the Benedictine priests from St. Vincent's Archabbey in Latrobe made a monthly trip to the area.
By 1862, the German colony in Hollidaysburg felt that they were self-sufficient enough to build their own national church without outside help.  And so, hauling lumber and brick themselves, the church was constructed by about 80 families comprising the first congregation.  Named for St. Michael the Archangel, the church was dedicated on December 20, 1863.
Reverend Leo Kirchner, the first pastor, recorded the parish's first baptisms (Anne Marie Wirtemberg) on December 27, 1863.  Father Kirchner remained as pastor for five years and was followed in succession by a number of priests serving terms of five months to several years.  Reverend John Ergler became pastor in 1913 and served for 26 years, during which time the church property included a half square of land which embraced the church, at two story school, a convent and the rectory.

The parish complex was extended by the purchase of additional land during the pastorate of Monsignor John F. Cullinan who served for 31 years (1939-1970).  A new school was built and soon St. Michael's School and St. Mary's School were consolidated to become Hollidaysburg Catholic School.

Monsignor Faber J. Malloy, who served as pastor for 19 years, was responsible for leading a parish committee to renovate and refurbish the church.  During this time, a new rectory was constructed.  On April 9, 1978, St. Michael's Church was rededicated and the new rectory blessed.  From 1989 to 1991, the parish was ably led by Father Raymond Crosser.  In 1991, the current pastor, Father Clement Gardner was appointed.
Over the last ten years, the parish has seen a dramatic increase in members.  This has mirrored the growth in the greater Hollidaysburg area.  The 1994 Parish Self-Study noted that "Even though St. Michael's has experienced an influx of new members, its membership characteristics remain fairly constant.  For example, more than half of the parish's current members have belonged to St. Michael's for ten or more years.  Age-wise, the parish is fairly young.  Sixty percent of the parishioners are below the age of 40 with the age range of 30-39 being the most common."