Our History

Holy Name of Jesus

Catholic Community

Holy Name of Jesus (HNJ) humbly began as a mission parish of Ascension Catholic Church in Eau Gallie, Florida. On Christmas Eve 1959, Fr. Martin B. Power celebrated the first Mass in Marty McGuire’s unfinished house in Indian Harbour Beach. Subsequent Masses were held in the Indian Harbor Beach Community Center (now the Indian Harbour Beach Fire Dept.) which Mr. McGuire donated to the city.

Recognizing the need to build a church at some point, the Most Reverend Joseph P. Hurley, Archbishop of St. Augustine (affectionately known as “Ten Acre Joe” for his farsighted policy of buying ten-acre parish sites) had purchased our first ten acres in 1956. At the suggestion of Fr. Power, an additional 3.7 acres was purchased in June 1961, with a 290-foot frontage on Highway A1A.

Ground was broken for a provisional Church on September 9, 1962. The Church had a seating capacity of 480 and included a 2,000-sq. ft. Hall. Archbishop Hurley dedicated the Church and Hall in March 1963. There were about 250 families in the Church when the dedication took place.



The children of HNJ attended Ascension School, which opened in September, 1961, was staffed by the Irish Sisters of Mercy of Ardee, Ireland. Due to population growth in the area, Father Power recognized the immediate need of a school at HNJ.

In March, 1964, the school had promising beginnings with approximately 50 students and three grades. Classes were held in the church hall. By September, 1964, the new school was completed and housed the first four grades. Each year, an additional grade was added through the eighth grade. In 1965, portable buildings were added, and in 1968, kindergarten opened.

Technically, HNJ remained a mission of Ascension Parish until May, 1968, when Monsignor Power was appointed Pastor of HNJ by The Most Reverend William D. Borders. A year later, Monsignor Power was transferred to Lakeland and Fr. Arthur Dunnigan was named the second Pastor in June 1969. He was instrumental in purchasing valuable land with 367’ of frontage on A1A and adjacent to the existing church property. This 4.3-acre property, purchased in 1970 included the Greystone Apartments, which were converted to a priest residence, while the garage was converted into parish offices. HNJ now had approximately 18 acres of property.

In February 1974, Fr. Arthur Dunnigan took a leave of absence due to illness and Fr. Patrick Quinn became the third Pastor from 1974-76 and Fr. Peter J. Henry, who served during that time as Associate Pastor, was appointed the fourth Pastor in September 1976.

Due to the rapid growth of HNJ, the provisional Church built in 1963 became overcrowded. Therefore, Fr. Henry initiated a major fund drive in 1978 and raised a million dollars to build the permanent church, which has a seating capacity of 800 people. The Most Reverend Thomas Grady, Bishop of Orlando, dedicated the Church on October 26, 1980.

Fr. David P. Page, former Rector of St. James Cathedral, Orlando, became the fifth Pastor in January 1987. Advancements continued with the parish becoming computerized in 1988. The convent was renovated in 1989 and converted into the administration center to house much-needed offices for the pastoral and lay staff.

During 1987-88, a nationally known consultant facilitated a parish-wide program called Vision 2000 in which parishioners decided on priorities regarding ministry and facilities. A capital fund drive was conducted to provide an education center, an activity center, an outdoor pavilion, a traffic light on A1A, a sewer for the entire parish plant, as well as 10 acres of adjoining property for parking and expansion. Continuing into the 90’s, new ministries were developed, and many new buildings were constructed, including ten additional school classrooms. A new rectory for the priests was completed in 1995, thus providing space in the old rectory for the expansion of the St. Vincent de Paul Assistance Center and the Outreach Thrift Store.

The continued growth of the parish to about 3,000 families once again presented the need for a larger worship space. In August 1997, work began on an expanded place of worship to seat 1,300 people (including a 155 seat overflow daily liturgy chapel, Adoration Chapel & covering for the Atrium). Fr. Page celebrated the first Mass on August 23, 1998, and the Most Reverend Norbert M. Dorsey, Bishop of Orlando, dedicated the Church on October 4, 1998.

In 2001, HNJ School was recognized as a U.S. Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and in 2003, was given a U.S. Department of Education “No Child Left Behind Award”.

In 2004, a bronze Jesus statue was installed in the Atrium. That year, hurricanes Charlie, Frances and Jeanne caused significant damage to the property, leading to the launch of a new building fund drive titled "Share the Vision." 

In 2006 and 2007, the school received eight new modular classrooms and a new soccer and track field. Additionally, in 2007, the Athletic Center was completed, and the refurbished Thrift Shop and St. Vincent de Paul Outreach re-opened. In 2008, the Life Center was opened, which houses the parish offices, parish hall, and meeting rooms.

Msgr. David Page (in 2008 he was given the Honorary title of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI) retired in 2010 and Fr. Tony Welle who was serving as Associate Pastor, was appointed as the sixth Pastor in July of 2010.

In 2012, the Book & Gift Shop was relocated into a larger space in the Life Center and in 2013, the shop space within the church was renovated and reopened as the new Welcome Center. In 2016, we broke ground on an addition to the rectory, which will serve as a retirement suite for retired clergy.

Fr. Scott Circe was appointed the seventh Pastor in July 2017. Prior to this, he served at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, St. James Cathedral in Orlando, and Most Precious Blood in Oviedo. He also held the positions of Vice Rector & Dean of Students, at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.

In 2019, the field behind the Athletic Center was refurbished, a new rosary garden was installed east of the church, and the childcare center located in the Athletic Center was redesigned into an Early Learning Center for children aged 1-3 years.

In July 2025, we commissioned and installed a new Crucifix which was made of solid cedar wood and handcrafted in Peru. At the same time, we transferred the Risen Christ from the main altar to above the main exit of the church.

As we take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude on the dedicated parishioners and clergy who have laid the groundwork for our community, we honor their contributions and the values they instilled in us. Their unwavering commitment and faith have shaped our journey and served as a guiding light. Looking ahead, we are inspired to actively pursue the vision that God has entrusted to us. With a sense of purpose, we strive to cultivate a vibrant community that honors our traditions while embracing new opportunities for growth and service in the years to come.