The history of the Bridgeton Catholic Community is nearly synonymous with the early growth of Catholocism in South Jersey. The famous Jesuit "Father Farmer" came to Bridgeton once or twice a year to baptize, officiate at marriages and celebrate Mass. Father Gessner of Millville built the first Catholic church in Bridgeton in 1864, located at the corner of Pearl and North Streets. The second rectory and the present church were built during the pastorate of Father (later Monsignor) Arthur D. Hassett (1911-17). During this time, the name of the parish was changed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.