The Diocese of Steubenville, Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, blessed St. Lawrence Central School, 315 S. Sixth St., Ironton, on Dec. 13, 2015.

The Ironton Catholic community purchased the school from Ironton City Schools for its parochial school where it educates preschool through sixth-graders.

Father David L. Huffman, pastor of St. Lawrence Parish and St. Joseph Parish, Ironton, and administrator of St. Mary Mission, Pine Grove, stood with the bishop during the dedication ceremony. Huffman thanked Ironton City Schools Superintendent Dean Nance and vice superintendent Bill Dressell for enabling the purchase, as well as Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith and city council for their support.

Maria Whaley, a St. Joseph teacher, directed Catholic school students during the dedication.

After the outdoor ceremony, people gathered in the school’s gymnasium for refreshments.

Paul Mollett is principal of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph Central schools; Chris Monte is assistant principal.