The history of Immaculate Conception of Mary began in 1923. In those early days, the parish family gathered for Mass in a theater on the Boulevard while planning for a permanent home. Eventually, the first church and school building was erected on the site of a former apple orchard. It was not until the middle of the century that the dedicated church was finally completed, becoming a landmark for the Kenmore neighborhood and a spiritual home for generations of Akron families.
The doors on 16th Street closed for the last time in the winter of 2026. Despite the closure, the century of faith that started in that orchard remains a part of the Kenmore community. This website exists to keep those memories alive and to celebrate the many things God accomplished through this parish family for more than a century.
That spirit of service still has a presence in Kenmore today. The Kenmore Free Store continues to operate out of the old school building, providing for neighbors in need just as the parish always did. Seeing this mission continue is a reminder that the work of the Church never truly ends.
This archive is a collection of photos and history from both the parish and the school. Whether you were a student decades ago or a parishioner present for the final Mass, these images are here to serve as a reminder of the blessings shared in this place. While this is currently a fixed collection of available materials, there may be opportunities to include more stories from the community in the future.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8
The people of Immaculate Conception may be scattered now, but the faith built together in Kenmore remains.