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In 1924, the Rev. F.X. Langan established what is now known as the Immaculate Conception Regional School. At that time classes were held in the Lyceum with 75 pupils and only three grades. The Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill, PA, were in charge of educating the children. In 1925, Father Langan erected the present school building.
By the time the Rev. Thomas J. Gooley was assigned to the Bridgeton parish in 1944, the interior of the church, which had not been changed since it was built, was badly in need of improvements. Father Gooley took on the task of renovating the churches interior. After receiving alarmingly high estimates for the renovations, which included using only a modest amount of marble, he decided to get an estimate from Italy.
In May, 1949, Father Gooley traveled to Italy and presented his plans to several marble companies. The price he received from the Menchini Company was low enough that he decided to do the entire interior in marble
The next problem was installing the marble. Father Gooley Realized he would need the skill of the Italian artisan to complete the job. After negotiations with the Department of Immigration and Naturalization three Italian workmen arrived in Bridgeton on July 7, 1950 along with more than 200 tons of marble.
Father Gooley also wanted to replace the original stained glass windows in the church. For this, he traveled to Paris where he presented his designs to the famous artist, Maumejean Father Gooley wanted to bring as much light and radiance to the church interior as possible and the French used such brilliant colors in their work. While in Paris, he also commissioned the making of the altar ornaments and much of the bronze work.
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