St. Cecilia is one of the parishes founded by St. John Neumann

St. Cecilia’s is one of three worship sites that make up St. John Neumann Parish in Wyoming County. The church’s whole existence is a tribute to the caring community that quite literally built the place of worship. Why not take a Jubilee pilgrimage to see what people of faith can accomplish.

St. Cecilia Worship site of St. John Neumann Parish,  991 Centerline Road, Sheldon, NY 14145

History: The first Catholic settlers to Wyoming County were from Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Father John Neumann arrived in Sheldon in 1837. He celebrated Mass in the home of Peter George, establishing a mission.

The next year, Father Neumann asked the people of Sheldon to build a church, and a log church was built on Bartz Road, a mile south from the current church. 

Just 10 years later a larger church was needed. It was named St. Cecilia’s because it was said the people loved music, and she was the patron of music. The congregation outgrew that church as well.

In 1885, the present rectory was built. 

In 1889, the foundation and cornerstone were laid for the present church. Stones came from the properties of Nicholas George, Hensie George and Peter Kehl, and a quarry at John F. Almeter farm.

On Sunday, Jan. 31, 1892, the first service was held in the current church. With much of the material and labor donated, the cost of the church was a mere $13,000.

The school and convent were completed in 1904.

In 1926, a vestibule was added on to the church. Legend has it, it was built due to the loud talking in the church. 

The school closed in 1971. A shed was renovated and turned into Weber Hall in 1974. In 1998 a new shrine area, garden and statue of St. John Neumann was unveiled and blessed. 

In 2007, St. Cecilia merged with St. Patrick in Java Center, St. Mary in Strykersville, and St. Nicholas in North Java, and became part of St. John Neumann Parish, now a member of the Fields of Grace Family of Parishes under Father F. Patrick Melfi.   

Windows: The stained glass windows tell a story. All 12 Apostles are depicted by symbols with their names written in Latin 

Neat facts: St. Cecilia’s is one of seven churches in the Diocese of Buffalo founded by St. John Neumann

Make sure to check out: Blessed Carlo Acutis’ International Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles of the World on display until Aug. 6.