The activities of the Roman Catholic Church in Akron date back to the year 1853. The priests came occasionally from Buffalo, Batavia, or Springbrook to minister to the spiritual needs of the few Catholics in the village. The following priests visited Akron during that period: Rev. J. M. Early 1853–54; Rev. M. Kavanagh, 1854–1856; Rev. J. V. O’Donahue, 1856–58; Rev. D. English, 1859–61.

In 1865 property was purchased in a central location in the town, and a little frame building was erected on this land for church purposes. The priest came here occasionally from Springbrook until it became a regularly attended mission, attached to the parish of Springbrook. In 1866 the Rev. J Constant dwelt at Akron for a short periods the first resident pastor. The parishioners, being few in numbers, could not support the parish, and Saint Teresa again became a mission of the Springbrook Parish.

It was about the year 1869 when Saint Teresa became a full – fledged parish with the church at Crittenden as its mission. Father M.P. Connery sold the small church, which was moved from grounds, and converted into a hotel known as the west shore hotel. This site is where the Newstead hotel was and is now presently the American Legion Post. Father Connery immediately erected a new church building and rectory on land purchased some years previous on the corner of Main Street and Parkview Drive during father Connery’s pastorate the mission at Crittenden, was transferred to the Pembroke parish. Father H. Kingston was pastor from 1903-1908 and purchased ground for a new cemetery, which was blessed by Bishop Colton on October 7, 1906.

Rev. John Uriel became pastor in 1917 and remained in Akron until his death May 5, 1939. During his pastorate and old wooden barn was converted into a parish hall and electricity was installed on the property. He also built a church at Clarence, which was a mission of Saint Teresa until his death. This was the small brick church at our Lady of peace in Clarence, which has a small shrine next to it.

Rev. C. F. Kotkiewicz Became pastor in 1949 and renovated the parish property. In March 1 959, Father Kotkiewicz was transferred to Olean, and Rev. Stanley Wisniewski, was installed as pastor of Saint Teresa’s. Plans for a new building we started to include a church, school and auditorium.

On Easter Sunday, 1961 Bishop Smith dedicated the church, school and auditorium and an open house was held. In August, three Felician sisters arrived to staff the school, and they made their home in one of the classrooms. There were Sister Mary, Demaise -principal, Sister Mary Benilda and Sister Mary Casianne, who had already celebrated her golden jubilee as a nun. The enrollment in the school the first year was 63 students. In the spring of 1962, work was started on the sisters convent and was completed in time for the sisters to move in by August 1 962. The 1962 total enrollment was 93 students.

On September 15, Father Wisniewski left the parish and was installed as pastor of Saint Michael the archangel in La Kawana. Rev. Francis Swiatkowski was installed on September 16, 1963 as the new pastor, the organized CYO under father‘s direction was reactivated. Father also reactivated the mothers club, and had men of the parish add speakers in the auditorium, which was used for bingo once a week, and had necessary equipment erected, so that basketball could be played.

Saint Teresa’s school closed in 1978 due to lack of enrollment the Felician sisters, who staffed the school, set up a small retirement home in the convent. The sisters who reside at the convent, are active with the parish visiting the sick and teaching religious education classes.

In 1986, the parishioners celebrated the burning of the mortgage, and on October 15, 1988, Pope John Paul, the second elevated Father Swiatkowski, to the rank of Monsignor. Msgr. Frank retired in 1995.

In January 1 995 Monsignor Robert Williamson was appointed to Saint Teresa’s. Monsignor was Associate Director At Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Buffalo for 30 years prior to this appointment. In 2000 a new roof was put on the church, rectory, and convent while the Erie County waterlines were being installed at the church complex. Further beautification was in progress with trees and shrubs in the landscaping. In 2001–2002, minor alterations were made to the sanctuary and a new tabernacle was donated.

Monsignor Williamson tirelessly led the parish, despite many health concerns, until his retirement in October 2015. The diocesan priest, personal board began a search process for a new pastor, and in January 2016 Bishop, Richard Malone appointed father, David Baker, for a six year term. Father Dave was previously an assistant priest at Saint Amelia‘s in Tonawanda. Our parish was his first pastorate.

Soon after, the diocese began a campaign “Upon This Rock “which St. Teresa conducted in early 2017. 35% of funds raised were returned to the parish for a special project in consultation with the parish council, Father Dave decided to renovate the Narthex area and bathroom facilities in the Church building.

Newly ordained Deacon, Ron Adamczak was assigned to St. Teresa’s parish in October 2018, for a four year term Deacon Ron and his wife Sue have three children. Deacon Ron immediately helped to begin an RCA process at the parish.

2019 was designated the 150th anniversary year of the parish which included: a large banner made by the parish quilt ministry, which hung in the church throughout the year, a larger than usual, parish picnic, including a historical slideshow, trivia contest, and memorabilia raffle, a formal dinner at Sean Patrick’s banquet facility on Millersport Highway and the photo directory.

2021 Father Arthur Mattulke was appointed pastor and assisted in completing the renovations of the Narthex, cry room, and restrooms in 2023 the Diocesan road to renewal program began with grouping St. Teresa's with its original mission parishes Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Our Lady of Peace as well as St. Mary's of Swormville.

Saint Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church