Immaculate Heart of Mary

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was established in 1951 in Painted Post, a village in Steuben County named for a Native American landmark that once stood at the confluence of the Cohocton and Tioga rivers. The parish was founded during the post-World War II era to serve the growing Catholic population in this Southern Tier community.

Father Harold F. Rogers served as the founding pastor, and the church building was completed just a year later in 1952. Father Rogers would continue to serve the parish for three decades until 1981, providing remarkable stability as Painted Post grew alongside the nearby cities of Corning and Elmira.

In later decades, Immaculate Heart of Mary was served by a variety of administrators, including lay leaders, deacons, and religious sisters—reflecting the Diocese of Rochester's innovative approach to parish leadership during a time of declining vocations. Sister Joan Cawley, SSJ, served as administrator for six years, and Deacon Dean F. Condon led the parish for twelve years.

The parish eventually closed, but the Catholic community in Painted Post continues to be served through All Saints Parish, maintaining the faith presence that Father Rogers established over 70 years ago.