History of Holy Family

The Formation and Founding of Holy Family Catholic Church

The life of Holy Family Catholic Church in Ogden, Utah began August 6, 1979, when Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal, our Diocesan Bishop, appointed Father George F. Davich as Pastor. The Diocese had purchased five acres of ground in 1960 and we were blessed - the land was paid for - but we had no money. The new Holy Family Parish would be formed by splitting St. Joseph’s Parish in downtown Ogden and St. Mary’s Parish on the West side of Ogden. We started with 187 families.

The Country Club Theatre on 40th and Washington is where we gathered for our first Mass. Soon the children in the parish called it the “popcorn Mass.” It was a little hectic - poor lighting, sticky drink on the floor, no choir, but a people with a lot of faith.

Soon we outgrew the theater and began Masses at the Bonneville High School Auditorium, which accommodated 1,200.

We took our fist big step by renting the warehouse at the Alamo Storage Center. Our children now named it the “Alamo Church.” The building was renovated in a matter of a few weeks, with a chapel upstairs and eight classrooms downstairs. Parking was ample (and so was the mud!), but it was a step closer to building the Church.

During our fifteen months at the Alamo Storage Center, Father Davich appointed Lew Joseph as the Administrative Assistant, and the two searched out an architect to begin preparations for the new church. We were blessed with our Architect John Piers who designed and day by day supervised the building of the new parish center.

The Church was designed to seat 550 parishioners and would easily be converted into a catechetical center and also serve as a Parish Social Center. It would be a building of 10,000 sq. ft. and would also house the church offices and a rectory, as well as a fine commercial kitchen.

  • Founding Pastor, Father George F. Davich

    Father George F. Davich was a remarkable figure in the establishment of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as its founding Pastor. Under his guidance, the church was constructed, and a vibrant parish community was nurtured. His commitment to faith and service was evident as he later took on the role of Victor General at the Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1982, he was succeeded by Father Lawrence Sweeney. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Davich for his dedication and contributions to our church. May God bless you, Father Davich, and may your soul rest in peace.

  • Foundation and Framework

    Architect John Piers designed the new Parish Center, which now serves as our Social Hall. It was through his ingenuity that the first phase of construction served as a multi-purpose center until phases two and three, which include the current church and our now Religious Education Center. The thoughtful design and versatile use of the space reflect our community's commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for gatherings, celebrations, and educational activities. The Parish Center continues to play a vital role in enhancing our parish life and serving the needs of our congregation.

  • It all begins with an idea.

    “What was the greatest challenge in the formation of a new parish?” Father Davich’s simple answer was always “forming people.” In the beginning, a Census Committee canvassed the parish boundaries, collecting vital information and encouraging all families that the church is growing and a new parish was needed in South Ogden. Suddenly Holy Family grew from the original 187 registered families to 600. (1979)

    1 John 5:14-15:

    "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

  • Groundbreaking Ceremony July, 1980

    Despite the scorching mid-July heat of 1980, throngs of parishioners and locals showed up for the Groundbreaking Ceremony. Hats and umbrellas came out to shade from the heat of the day. The fun, the spiritual enrichment, the excitement of being part of a collective effort as a family to realize our dreams of a permanent sanctuary worthy of worship commenced with the first shovels in the ground. A very momentous day indeed for our community. This event marked not only the beginning of a physical structure but also the strengthening of our bonds and commitment to faith and service. Each participant contributed to a shared vision the prayers and inner strength to push forward in making this milestone a testament to our enduring spirit and unity.

  • May 1981 Dedication

    Seventeen months after groundbreaking on May 26, 1981 the new facility was completed and ready for dedication. The church was designed to seat 550 parishioners and would easily be converted into a Catechetical Center and also serve as a Parish Social Center. It would be a building of 10,000 sq. ft. and would also house the church offices and a rectory, as well as a fine commercial kitchen. It was to serve as a sanctuary and a central hub for various community activities and parish events, fostering a sense of unity among our members. The design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the space supported our mission while being welcoming to all who entered. It is now our Social Hall.

  • Bishop Weigand and Father Davich preparing for Mass

    In May 1981, the newly completed Holy Family Catholic Church was dedicated in a solemn ceremony officiated by Bishop William K. Weigand. The event was graced by the presence of Bishop Joseph Federal, Abbott Emmanuel Spillane, and Reverend George F. Davich, who joined together to celebrate this significant milestone in the parish's journey. The dedication marked not only the culmination of years of planning and construction but also a new chapter for the community, inviting parishioners to deepen their faith and participate fully in the life of the Church. The event was a joyful occasion, reflecting the commitment to spiritual growth and outreach that Holy Family Catholic Church embodies.

  • Father George F. Davich being gifted a chalice donated by Phil and Norene Purcell

    "We are a parish family and as such we should help one another in working out our lives to attain our important eternal goal with God.

    We should do this, whether as an individual or in an organization, with love, compassion and no thought of self, and not seeking the praise of others.

    With this outlook to the future, we will bring each other to our loving God. We have only begun at Holy Family.

    May God love, bless and keep you.”

    Rev. George F. Davich, Pastor

  • Grotto of the Holy Family

    Generously donated by Mozzlle Epperson of Vernal, Utah, and the pride and joy of all parishioners, the statue of the Holy Family is made of Carnelian Marble and was created in Milan, Italy. A spotlight on the Lotto lights the beautiful scene in the evening. This exquisite artwork serves as a daily reminder of the values of love and unity that the Holy Family embodies. The craftsmanship is evident in the fine details, providing both inspiration and beauty to our community. It stands as a testament to faith, inviting all to reflect on the significance of family and the teachings of Christ.

On May 26, 1981, Bishop William Weigan dedicated the building on the lower property as the social hall and temporary church building which remained as such until October 21, 2008 when Bishop John C. Wester dedicated the new Holy Family Church.

In 1982 Msgr. Lawrence Sweeney was appointed Pastor. He acquired an additional 4 acres, making the property 8 acres total, and in 1990, he built the Parish Center at the top of the hill just east of the present church. 

In 2005, Fr. Partick Elliott was appointed pastor by Bishop Niederauer. The vision of founding Bishop, Joseph Lennox Federal, and founding pastor, Msgr. George Davich, began in 2007 for phase II and III. Phase 1 was to “Build the right church as soon as practically possible” (Father Patrick Elliott). The vision was to have a 500 seat church optimized for good acoustics and opportunity for future growth. The process started by selecting a Steering Committee from a broad cross-section of parishioners. Next, a feasibility study was conducted using a professional campaign company with guidance from the diocese. It was determined that 84% of the parishioners desired a new, larger church and began to give estimated pledges. Phase 2 was selecting an architect to create a unified vision of the “Right Church”. During this process the Steering Committee maintained a strong fiscal review process reporting to the community, and Dioceses. Phase 3 was retaining a capital campaign using Walsh & Associated with over 70 members of the parish involved in the campaign and the entire parish committed to a strong prayer-based model. We raised the goal amount while exceeding our DDD goal at the same time. We selected our builder, R&O, and adjusted our building plan to match the current funding.

The beautiful church Holy Family has today was built under the direction of Fr. Elliott. It was dedicated on October 21, 2008, by Bishop John Wester.

Father John Brendan Hart served our parish as interim priest before Father William (Bill) Wheaton was appointed pastor in 2017 and retired in 2022.

Father Joseph Minuth was then appointed as the new parochial administrator in July 2022 and is currently leading Holy Family Parish.

The year 2008 when we built our new church was declared the Year of Saint Paul by Pope Benedict XVI. This is why we have the Saint Paul window in the north transept and the coats of Arms of Bishop Wester and Pope Benedict the XVI, since they both reigned during the year of Saint Paul.

  • Holy Family Bell Tower, South Transcept and Nave

  • Parish Hall - Which was our founding Church designed to seat 550 Parishioners. It now serves as our Parish Social Hall.

  • View from the gathering space of pews and altar

  • View of Holy Family set against the Wasatch Mountain Range

  • Holy Family Stain Glass Window creates a rainbow of light

  • Holy Family in construction phase with Crane and Scofolding

  • During the Construction of the roof

  • Holy Family during construction

  • Construction of the Altar Base

  • Overseeing the hanging of the Crucifix

  • Interior walls and ceiling

  • Stages of construction.

  • Groundbreaking - Parishioners, happy to place the first shovels in the ground, smiling in anticipation the building of the new church to begin. This was 25 years in the making .

  • Installation of Stained glass.

  • Dedication - The church was crowded with parishioners, visiting priests, Fr. Elliot and other dignitaries for the dedication Mass, celebrated by Bishop Wester. "...I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

  • Father Elliott smiles during the dedication of Holy Family. What joy and praise we sing to our loving God who hears our prayers and provides for us. Thank you Lord, for inspiring the dedication and the generosity of so many that funded all the phases to see the new church to this day of celebration. Thank you God for your unending mercy and love. You answered our prayers. Amen.

  • Dedication by the most Revered John C Wester. A time of reflection, mediation, praise and honor with gratitude and humbled hearts. Thank you Lord Jesus for this amazing worship space that welcomes all to come and join us.

  • Dedicated on October 21, 2008, by Bishop John Wester, Holy Family has daily Mass, prayer and adoration and welcomes all to join with us in our journey toward eternal life with our Father. Therefore, as God’s elect, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against anyone else. Forgive, just as Christ forgave you. And, in addition to all these things, put on love, which ties things together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, to which you were also called, in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And everything you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  • photo of Father Patrick Elliott

    In 2005 Father Patrick Elliott was appointed as the new Pastor of Holy Family. As with any new administrator, a first priority is to get to know the parishioners, the various committees and leaders, and understand the issues and concerns. During Finance Committee meeting, Father Elliott said he knew that the construction of a new Church was a priority at Holy Family but to give him some time to get his “feet on the ground” before taking on such a large project. He suggested that we be patient and give him about a year. With that, one of the early pioneers, Bob Evans, passionately responded, “I have been waiting for a permanent Church for twenty-five years-if I have to keep waiting my dreams of a new Church may never be realized”. Father Elliott appreciated Bob’s passion and it wasn’t long afterward the long process of building a new Church was underway.

  • The stained glass window from the former Trappist Monastery in Huntsville, Utah, is quite a fascinating piece! It depicts Our Lady of Prompt Succor and was originally installed in the Abbey of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. The window is 9 feet wide by 21 feet tall and was designed and built by George Merrill & Associates of Los Angeles in 1960 after the original plain glass window was shattered by a strong wind. When the monastery closed in 2017, the window was donated to Holy Family Catholic Church in Ogden, Utah. It underwent extensive cleaning and restoration before being installed behind the altar, where it is now illuminated by LED lighting and visible to motorists on Highway 89. Bishop Oscar A. Solis blessed the window during a May 19, 2017 Mass .

  • Photo of Father Bill Wheaton

    Father Bill Wheaton arrived at Holy Family in 2017 to replace our retiring pastor, Fr. Elliot. He was born and raised in the Ogden area he said he "loved Ogden and he loved the area. I have my roots here. My parents are buried here. I am looking forward to being home again… I have come full circle.” He was ordained a priest in 1992 by Bishop Weigand and served numerous parishes in the diocese. He also served as the diocesan Director of Vocations, an advocate for the Tribunal, and dean of the Southeastern and Eastern deaneries. He served our parish until 2022.