Although the Diocese of Buffalo was established in 1847, it was not until 1871 that the parish of the Most Precious Blood was founded. From 1850 to 1870 the spiritual needs of the Catholic residents were attended to by the Passionist Fathers of Dunkirk. At request of residents priests traveled to the area saying mass in the larger homes of the Town. This practice continued until 1871 when Most Precious Blood parish was established. Reverend Thomas Ledwith was Most Precious Blood's first pastor.
Father Ledwith purchased an unused schoolhouse on Lake Street and after much-needed repairs put it to use as the first church of the newly formed parish. The first baptism was performed March 26, 1871, for John Woods, born February 20, the son of John & Bridget Fitzgerald Woods. Father Ledwith performed the first marriage of the parish June 30, 1872, for William Eggston and Bridget Hannon.