The St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel or the "little rock church" was built in 1927 as a mission church for St. Ann's Parish in Murray under Msgr. Patrick A. Maguire. It was dedicated by Bishop John Mitty on Sept. 3 1928. In 1934, Bishop James Kearney made St Therese a parish on its own with Fr. Joseph Gosselin as its first proper pastor covering the Sandy and Draper areas.

Once the parish outgrew the church in the 1950's, it was turned into a social hall and a CCD classroom. However, in 2009 it was restored and the new altar dedicated.

Today, the Old Church is still being used for the daily weekday masses. It holds Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and confessions every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 to 6:15 pm. The chaplet of Divine Mercy is also prayed every Tuesdays and Thursday at 3pm in Spanish. There is also a Nocturnal Adoration every First Friday of the month from 7pm to 9 am on Saturday.

Baptism, Wedding and Quincenera are also held here if the Main Church is not available during weekends.

From 1969 to 1974, the original small stone church could no longer accommodate the increasing number of new parishioners that is why in 1974 Fr. Glen Shrope initiated the construction of the new church of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. But on January 4, 2008, the church was destroyed from smoke damage caused by an Advent-Christmas candle left burning the night before at the end of the evening Mass. Instead of just rebuilding the church, the diocese decided to expand the church. The renovation was done under the supervision of Fr. Martin Diaz and the church was dedicated by Bishop John Wester on September 27, 2009.

Today, the main church is used for all the weekend Masses, including Baptisms, Quinceneras, Funerals, prayer meetings, retreats and other celebrations where a large crowd is expected.

HISTORY OF SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS PARISH

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Midvale began as a mission of Saint Ann's parish in 1917. The Catholic Directories of 1917-1925 list the name of the mission as Saint Joseph Church. The mission's first masses were held in the parlor of a private home on Main Street and later moved to the Woodsmen of America/Odd Fellows Hall located in a local tavern. As time passed Mass was moved to the second story of Goff Mortuary at Center and Main streets. Parishioners traveled from as far away as Riverton traveling in a horse drawn surrey. In the cold months, the two hour round trip was made more comfortable by heated bricks arranged with blankets to keep the adult and children travelers warm.

Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul taught sunday school in Midvale each week from 1924 to 1926.

Father Patrick McGuire was assigned to say mass and administer sacraments at the Mission from 1925 to 1934. Father purchased property in 1926 to build the church. Both Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Magna and Saint Therese Parish in Midvale were designed and constructed as part of the same project. The churches are designed in Old English Style and constructed of native stone. 

Bishop John J. Mitty dedicated the church on September 3, 1928. Midvale was made a full parish in 1934 by Bishop James E. Kearney and Father Joseph I. Gosselin was  named it's first pastor. The name was changed and was listed as Saint Theresa of the Little Flower in the Catholic Directories from 1935 to 1947. Reverend James T. Torsney served as administrator from 1939 through 1942 when Father John A. Finneral became administrator in 1942 serving only one year, passing away in 1943. He died in the rectory, in a chair, beside the telephone.

Following the death of Father Finneral, Bishop Hunt thought of closing Saint Therese Parish. In 1943, however, Father Francis J. Sloan volunteered to become pastor and remained until 1951. The parish grew and in 1957 Father (later Monsignor) Joseph P. Moreton built a Parish Hall on the northwest corner of Church property. He encouraged the parishioners to put a "dime a day" away to later donate to the hall building fund. The new hall served as the place for worship, chairs were moved in for Mass and liturgies and for a Religious Education Center as well as social functions, including bingo.

In the following years pastors were: Father James T. Kenny, 1962-1969, Father Robert C. Pollock, (later Reverend Monsignor) 1969-1972, and Father Glen Shrope, 1972-1982. 

Father Shrope built the new church, the happy parishioners hosted an open house and the church was dedicated and opened for services in 1974. The hall is still in use and with the new church the title "Saint Therese of the Child Jesus" became the permanent name of the parish.

The year 1974 saw the publication of a parish directory, as well as opening of a food bank and thrift store.

The first class of Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, ordained on December 26, 1976 provided Saint Therese Parish with our Deacon Stanley Stott and to this day in 2021 he continues to serve.

1984 through 1989 saw Father James Semple as pastor, followed by Father Matthew O. Wixted from 1989 to 1996. Father Stanislaw Herba served as pastor from 1996 to 2003. In the years 2001 and 2002 a Religious Education Center was constructed and continues to be used.

Father Francisco Pires was assigned to and cared for Saint Therese Parish during 2003. Following his ordination for the Diocese of Salt Lake City on May 29, 2003, Father Samuel Dinsdale was assigned parochial vicar at Saint Therese from 2003 to 2006. Father Dinsdale and Father Pires were reassigned in 2006, Father Dinsdale going to Park City and Father Pires to establish the new Saint Andrew's Parish in Riverton, Utah.

In 2004, Father Pires oversaw the remodeling of the main church interior. A renovation of the Hall kitchen took place in 2006.

On August 2, 2006 Father Martin Diaz arrived at Saint Therese Parish. During his seven year assignment he was instrumental in returning the Little Rock Church to its original use as a Church (instead of a social hall) and oversaw the installation of the necessary equipment so that the church could be used as it once was, for Daily Mass. It is recognized as an historic site and now Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Daily Mass and occasional retreats are held there. It was re-dedicated in July 2010 (Intermountain Catholic article on Little Rock Church Dedication ). 

Sadly, in 2008, the large "new" Church (1974) was greatly damaged by smoke and some fire due to the Church being closed and a candle left burning. After the damage assessment and with the agreement of a large number of parishioners it was decided that to expand and repair the existing Church (Intermountain Catholic article on groundbreaking). With some 500 families, space was becoming scarce. The Parishioners were happy to meet in the old parish Hall and discuss and vote on the plan to recover the church. Mass was held in the Hall for almost two years as the Church was repaired and expanded. 
On September 27,  2009 the new  church building was dedicated by Bishop John C. Wester (Salt Lake Tribune article, Intermountain Catholic article). 

Father Diaz had the Hall kitchen remodeled and updated during his tenure at Saint Therese and also oversaw the upgrade of some rooms including a new kitchen in the CCD Center in order to accommodate the Legion of Mary, DCCW Ladies, and Knights of Columbus meetings. It is dedicated to the memory of Father Thomas Culleton, a generous benefactor .Father Denis Reilly, a retired Dominican priest came to Saint Therese on June 22, 2007. He served faithfully through 2013 when in August he moved to Saint John the Baptist Parish, in Draper, Utah to fill a new assignment.
Father Martin Diaz was called to serve at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, and left Saint Therese Parish in August 2013.

Taking the helm in August 2013, Father Joey Frez as pastor and Father Arokia Dass as Parocial Vicar celebrated special Feast days with processions and welcomed all ethnic groups. The many groups at Saint Therese are now being recognized and encouraged, while the "parish plant" is being evaluated and upgraded. 

In 2015, Fr. Jose A. Barrera was assigned as Parochial Vicar when Fr. Arokia Dass was reassigned to Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley. In 2016, he succeded Fr. Joey Frez, who was reassigned outside of the Diocese, as Administrator. 

In 2017, retired Fr. Hernando Diaz accepted the inivitation to return to semi-active ministry to help primarily with English liturgies and work with the English-speaking members of the community. He is currently in residence at the parish and helping Fr. Barrera.

Saint Therese community celebrates with an annual Festival, and in the past has hosted, at Thanksgiving time a Bingo evening with traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Following Thanksgiving Mass there is a shared Pie Event.

There is much activity at the parish and Saint Therese parishioners are generous with outreach programs. We are growing rapidly with a population that is 80 percent Spanish speaking.

The following priests have served at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish:

1917-1919 Timothy O'Brien, Pastor (when the parish was named St. Joseph Church, mission of St. Ann Parish)
*followed by other priests who served as pastors of St. Ann Parish*

1925-1934 Patrick A. McGuire, Pastor (St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Mission of St. Vincent de Paul Parish)


1934-1937 Joseph E. Gosselin, Pastor

1937-1942 Cornelius E. Reardon, Assistant

1938 - ---- Daniel D. Leahy, Administrator
1939-1942 James T. Torsney, Administrator
1942-1943 John A . Finneral, Administrator
1943-1952 Francis J. Sloan, Pastor
1952-1961 Msgr. Joseph P. Moreton, Pastor

1953-1956 Lawrence M. Spellen, Assistant

1956 - ---- Thomas J. Meersman, Assistant

1956 - ---- Rudolf A. Daz, Assistant

1961-1962 Walter F. Higgins, Assistant

1962-1969 James T. Kenny, Pastor

1964-1970 Walter F. Higgins, Assistant

1969-1972 Robert C. Pollock, Pastor

1972-1982 Glen M. Shrope, Pastor

1980-1983 William M. Mobley, Pastor

1985-1986 James Semple, Administrator / 1986-1989, Pastor

1985-1986 Hernando Diaz, Parochial Vicar

1989-1996 Matthew O. Wixted, Pastor
1996-2003 Stanislaw Herba, Pastor

2000-2003 Javier Virgen, Parochial Vicar

2003-2006 | Francisco Pires, Pastor

2003-2006 | Samuel Dinsdale, Parochial Vicar

2006-2010 | Martin Diaz,  Administrator / 2010-2013, Pastor

2006-2008 | Hernan Juarez, Parochial Vicar

2008-2009 | Jose Fidel Barrera Cruz, Parochial Vicar

2007-2013 Denis Reilly, Parochial Vicar

2013-2016 | Joey Frez, Pastor / 2016-2017,  In Residence

2013-2015 | Arokia Dass, Parochial Vicar

2015-2016 | Jose A. Barrera, Parochial Vicar / 2016-2023, Administrator

2017-2023 | Hernando Diaz, In Residence

2023-present | Jose Gregorio Rausseo, Pastor

The following deacons have served/currently serve at St. Therese Parish:

1981-present | Stanley L. Stott (ordained December 26, 1976)

---- - 2019 | Rubel Salaz (ordained November 30, 1997)
2017-present | Gerardo Marrufo (ordained 2017)

Retired
Mel Sanchez | 1978-1979; 1985-1987; 2008-2013 (ordained December 18, 1977)

2020 Vandalism

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/icon-symbol-at-midvale-church-vandalized

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/midvale-catholic-church-parish-vandalized-burglarized-on-back-to-back-nights

https://www.aciprensa.com/noticias/desconocidos-decapitan-imagen-de-santa-teresa-del-nino-jesus-41957

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/46049/st-therese-parish-in-utah-overwhelmed-with-support-after-statue-vandalism

Iconic symbol at Midvale church vandalized - YouTube

New Statue at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

St. Therese of the Child Catholic Church dedicates new statue following vandalism | Draper Journal

Midvale Catholic church unveils new statue (fox13now.com)

Midvale Catholic church unveils new statue - YouTube

Attacks on churches: How faith groups respond to vandalism and hate crimes - Deseret News

Midvale Journal | September 2021 by The City Journals - Issuu

2023

http://icatholic.org/article/statue-is-restored-58117478

http://icatholic.org/article/ordenaciones-el-diacono-andre-sicard-al-sacerdocio-93517298

http://icatholic.org/article/mass-of-thanksgiving-father-andre-sicard-80617401

http://icatholic.org/article/misa-de-accion-de-gracias-del-padre-sicard-40617388

2022

http://icatholic.org/article/105yearolds-motto-never-lose-hope-and-faith-28516774

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish recognizes parishioner - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Living Stations of the Cross returns after hiatus of two years because of pandemic - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

El sufrimiento de Jesús: 'simboliza la solidaridad con quienes más sufren' - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

2021

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/father-hernando-diaz-50th-anniversary-of-ordination-71114871

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/parishes-donate-to-help-replace-vandalized-statue-at-32214241

St. Jude Thaddeus devotional group has a new banner for their pilgrimage around the diocese - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

2020 

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/parking-lot-mass-provides-safe-worship-space-while-keeping-78214054

Deacons maintain their ministry in face of COVID-19 - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Pandemic Prayers - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Realizan Hora Santa por todos quienes siguen sirviendo a pesar de los retos de la pandemia - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Two-year parking lot expansion project completed - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Priests continue ministry despite pandemic - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Priests offer online liturgy during church closures - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

2019 

http://www.icatholic.org/article/salvadoran-bishop-visits-diocese-of-salt-lake-city-27813305

Cientos de adolescentes Católicos se reunen a celebrar 'La alegría de la Pascua' - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Las Pastorelas mantienen viva tradiciones culturales y de fe - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

2018

Papal blessing - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

2017 

Pay it Forward: The Sandwich Project KUTV

Young adult diocesan retreat brings forward the Catholic faith - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Cursillo retreat provides inspiration and information on how to nourish and grow a Catholic spiritual life - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/parish-anniversary-celebrated-48210399

2016

Cambiando vidas, trescientos sándwiches a la vez - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Parish Lenten Retreat - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/religiosas-salvadorenas-visitan-utah-5749334

El Salvadoran sisters teach about St. Therese - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

http://www.icatholic.org/article/40-years-as-a-deacon-1979597

http://www.icatholic.org/article/souls-are-touched-by-the-holy-spirit-at-healing-mass-3417241

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/mas-de-200-jovenes-catolicos-se-reunen-en-un-encuentro-4686223

More than 200 Catholic youth gather at an encounter - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Tragic altercation takes the lives of two young Saint Therese of the Child Jesus parishioners - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Parishioner leaves a legacy of service, faith and perseverance - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Souls are touched by the Holy Spirit at healing Mass - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Pongal celebration - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Virgin of Chapi celebrated - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

Father Joseph Frez appointed as new pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Midvale - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

New parochial vicar at St. Therese comes from India - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

St. Therese food pantry closes; services transferred to nearby rec center - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/little-rock-churchs-shield-mystery-explained-661579

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/la-juventud-catolica-se-reune-en-grandes-grupos-en-midvale-185706

2012 - Católicos se reúnen en un congreso multifacético - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Sanarán el alma y el cuerpo en Midvale - Intermountain Catholic (icatholic.org)

Little rock church restored at Saint Therese Parish - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/st-therese-of-the-child-jesus-church-is-dedicated-2071957#

https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=13422030&itype=NGPSID&keyword=&qtype=

Ribbon cut for food bank - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

St. Francis of Assisi feast celebrates blessing of pets - Intermountain Catholic (dioslc.org)

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/st-therese-of-the-child-jesus-opens-thrift-store-3112139

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/parish-ready-to-rebuild-after-january-fire-3322879

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/-early-morning-blaze-damages-st-therese-church-3272884

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/-parish-promises-to-help-poor-before-themselves-3453044

http://icatholic.dioslc.org/article/speaker-says-prayer-helps-surrender-our-lives-to-god-8585739