St. Barnabas Parish, established in the 1950s, became overcrowded as
the post-World War II economic boom transformed the area from a sleepy
rural crossroads to a thriving commercial district. The parish
established an annex, affectionately referred to as “Saint Annex” or
“St. Barnabas Annex.” From this beginning, Ascension Parish emerged.
With a $25,000 donation from St. Barnabas, a school opened in 1964,
staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The community attained
parish status in 1965 and constructed a church in the new Upper
Highlands subdivision, a simple, modern structure with a permanent altar
facing the congregation and a large crucifix. The formal dedication
took place in January 1966, and although local churches had ordinarily
been named for saints, Archbishop John A. Floersh named the new parish
Ascension of Our Lord.
The first pastor, Father Bernard Hartlage, and his assistant, Father
Joseph Hayden, initially lived at St. Barnabas, since there was no
rectory at Ascension. Father Hartlage borrowed $40,000 to construct a
rectory, to provide pews instead of chairs in the church and to purchase
major cafeteria kitchen equipment. During the fall of 1965, he slept in
an Ascension School classroom, guarding the Blessed Sacrament. He was
overseeing construction of the rectory, which was completed by November.
Ascension now has an identity as a vibrant community of over 2,700
generous, active parishioners joining together in worship and religious
education. Multiple generations and extended families continue to work
together to build a strong community and attract new members.
Parishioners have developed a welcoming atmosphere centered around faith
and worship, school, sports and communal activities. They work hard to
keep young people involved in church and outreach activities as they
exit elementary school, high school and college. Numerous school and
church groups participate in outreach ministries that have a local,
national and global reach.