In May of 1870, Father Ignatius Taylor was assigned to Dover as it's first Catholic priest by Bishop Becker and he had his first Mass here on May 8, 1870.  It was held in the Old Academy Building located on the corner of South State Street and Elm Terrace, a short walk from the present church. Later that year Fr. Taylor laid the cornerstone to the first Catholic church located on Bradford Street on November 9 and the Catholic community in Dover began to take shape.  At that time, Bishop Becker gave Fr. Taylor the command to "Raise high the Holy Cross in Dover for all to see."  Consequently, the parish was named Holy Cross.  That makes 2010 our 140th year as a community and we are inviting all parishioners to celebrate this marvelous event.  Please join us throughout the year for fun and entertainment, fellowship and spiritual growth.