ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- It was a sign of a brighter future for Italian immigrants in the early 1900s.

Today the Saint Anthony of Padua Church hits the century mark, continuing a growing tradition.

"The church was really the main thing in their family,"  said Theresa Spinelli, Parishioner. "Everyone went to church. Children had their sacraments. That was an important thing."

As a wave of Italians began immigrating to Endicott at the start of the 20th century, the search began for a church gathering place.

Father Matthew Pelligrini of Binghamton started holding masses for immigrants at Saint Ambrose Church.

However, after years of hard work they officially built a church they could call their own.

"I think the faith that we currently have in our parish family was built upon the faith of those who have gone before us,"  said Jim Serowik, St. Anthony of Padua Priest. "For the people who went before us, the church was the center of their lives."

The church contains an 85 foot bell tower and a Latin inscription outside the church doors which reads, "Enter this house of God. It is the gate to heaven."

Father Jim Serowik says he's happy to see the church continuing to flourish.

"It still is going strong," Serowik  said. "It shows that indeed God is present and active in the lives of his people in the life of our parish family here at Saint Anthony's."

One of the more prominent wooden structures in the church was built by a local cabinet shop in the mid 1990s to house the statue, as well as honor the names of the many families who have given back to the church throughout the years. Longtime parishioners say it's up to the next generation to carry on that trend.

"I hope that we can get our young people interested and let them realize how important it is to be together as a family in a church because we did that," Spinelli said. "Our parents did that. I'd like to see more young people come and participate." .

Parishioners hope the church remains a place of hope for generations to come.

Saint Anthony of Padua Church will host a 100th anniversary celebration in the next few months.