A Brief History

"Yours will be the first parish in the diocese to receive the name, Our Lady of Peace. It is your place to build a beautiful church in honor of the Queen of Peace."
— Bishop Hugh Boyle to Father Herbert Schell, O.F.M. Cap, Feb. 4, 1941

The Parish was founded on March 30, 1941 in cooperation with the Capuchin Friars. The Capuchins ministered here in the days when Our Lady of Peace was a mission of St. Felix in Freedom. Services in the early years were held in Stein’s Store. The parish quickly grew and needed a larger space to hold services. Property was purchased on Third Avenue of Conway. But a church could not be built on the site due to World War ll. During the war building materials were in short supply. The solution came in the form of a Quonset hut, which served as a temporary church till money and supplies could be acquired. After the war, another temporary church was built. (The structure is used today as the parish social hall - Stephens Hall) The permanent church was built in 1964 with a stained glass window which depicts the Blessed Virgin as Our Lady of Peace. The parish has grown and prospered over the years and since 1997 has been under the pastoral leadership of Diocesan priests.

On Pentecost Sunday of 2001 the parish celebrated 60 years as a parish in Conway. And this year we celebrated our 42nd anniversary in the permanent church built in 1964.

Our Lady of Peace Parish, with God’s help, will continue to celebrate the Eucharist, as well as Marriages, Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations and, the reuniting of loved ones called home to God in heaven.