THE HISTORY OF ST. DOROTHEA'S

St. Dorothea's Church was founded in 1905 with Rev. Aloysius Quinlan as its first pastor. The original small brick church was built in 1906 on the site of the present firehouse in Eatontown. In 1929, that church building was physically moved to 64 Broad Street. During the tenure of its seventh pastor, Rev. James P. Coyle, 10 acres of property were purchased 240 Broad Street to allow for the expansion of the parish. In 1965, the Family Center (consisting of 8 classrooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria) was erected, and St. Dorothea's moved all its activities to its new location at 240 Broad Street. The original small brick church, rectory and grounds were sold to the Diocese of Trenton.

St. Dorothea's new rectory was completed in 1967. The new church building was then erected and dedicated by Bishop George W. Ahr on June 9, 1968. Built in a contemporary style, it was the first of its kind in the Diocese of Trenton. Its unique architecture represents a "dove" in flight, with the baptistery at its head and the sides spread out as its wings. The large windows are a burst of color -light at the bottom, darker in the middle, and very bright at the top—capable of lifting up thoughts and arousing many feelings. The unusual cross, made of bronze bar outline and fired enamel on copper, depicts Christ with arms fully extended up, leaving the cross in resurrection. The crown, suspended off the head, suggests both the Crown of Thorns and the Crown of High Kingship.

Upon his retirement in 1990, Father Coyle remained in residence until his death in 1993. His Associate, Father Sean Flynn, who was soon elevated to Monsignor and subsequently transferred to Toms River, succeeded him. In October 1996, Rev. Vincent E. Keane was installed as the pastor. In October 1998 Rev. Vincent E. Keane retired from Saint Dorothea's Parish. Today Rev. G. William Evans is the pastor of the approximately 1,800 families that comprise the faith community of St. Dorothea's Church.