History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 56

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532

USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections > Part 56

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Evangelical Lutheran, Black Creek Church; built 1854, half a mile west of Black Creek.

White Haven, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, White Haven; organized 1864, by Rev. Hermonn Reif; church built 1865. Pastors: Rev. H. Reif, G. F. W. Guenset, J. H. Schmidt, W. H. Lanbensten, G. T. Weibel and others.

442

HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

Baptist Church .- The Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Baptist church was formed at Forty Fort in 1842 through the labors of Rev. P. L. Post, of Montour. The first pastor, Rev. A. C. Hewitt, was called in 1845 to the congregation ministry in the old courthouse. In 1848 a church was erected on Northampton street, between Franklin and Main. It was of brick, with a marble slot inserted in the wall over the front door, with the inscription " Baptist Meeting House." In 1849 the Wilkes- Barre branch separated from the Kingston side and was known as the "Northampton Street Baptist," but it disbanded in 1873. The pastors were Rev. A. C. Hewitt, John Boyd, E. M. Alden, J. L. Andrews, D. E. Bowen, Charles A. Fox, J. D. Griebel.

The Centennial Baptist Church, of Wilkes-Barre, was formed in the Northamp- ton street building July 16, 1874. The church was sold and a property purchased on South street, corner of Franklin, on which a handsome stone chapel was erected. Pastors, Rev. J. B. Hutchinson and Rev. Frear, D. D.

Welsh Baptist, Wilkes-Barre, Pa .; organized 1867, in Phoenix hall, through Rev. Frederick Evans, D. D., of Hyde Park. In 1870 Rev. Theophilus Jones became the pastor; he was succeeded in 1876 by Rev. E. Edwards. The church building was erected 1874, on Harrison street.

Baptist Exeter Township Church; organized 1798.

Upper Lehigh Welsh Baptist; organized 1868; church built on Main street, 1873.

Nanticoke Welsh Baptist; organized 1870; church built 1871. Pastors: Revs. Theophilus Jones, D. Davies, J. P. Harris, W. F. Davies.

Baptist Church, Jackson Township; organized 1864.

Lake First Baptist Church; organized 1856; church erected 1878. Pastors: Revs. G. W. Schofield, 1856-8; Benjamin Sheaver, 1858-60; E. N. Whitney, 1866-8; Benjamin Sheaver, 1868-70; Mark Parks, 1870-3; R. C. H. Catterall, 1876-9; E. N. Whitney, 1879, etc.

Huntsville Baptist Church; formed 1834. Pastors: Revs. Parker, Mott, Gray, Clark, Schofield, Frink, Shearer, Whitney, Parks, Breuster, Catterall, Gessner, etc.

First Baptist Church, Pittston; organized 1776, by Rev. William Benedict, from New York. The Wyoming massacre nearly broke up the church, which was reorganized in 1786. Until 1801 it was united with the Philadelphia Baptist asso- ciation, and from 1806 until 1833 with Abington Baptist church; in 1834 with Bridgewater association. For eighty-seven years this church worshiped in private houses; in 1875 the present church building was erected. Pastors: Revs. Benedict, Mott, Boyd, Leach, Francis, Thomas, Alder, Shanfelt, Thomas, Bliss, Bailey, Willifer, Finn, Bishop, Miller, Brown, Carey, etc.

Parsons Welsh Baptist Church; organized 1869; church built 1871. Pastors: Rev. James Reese, Jonathan Nichols, David Davies, J. S. Jones, D. T. Phillips.

First Welsh Baptist Church, Kingston; organized 1871; church built 1879. Pastors: Rev. Theophilus Jones, James R. Price.

Jewish .- B'nai Brith Jewish Synagogue; organized October, 1840. A church building was erected on Washington street, 1849. This was enlarged or rebuilt in

The pastors have been Rev. Mans, October, 1848, to August, 1849; M. Strasser, August, 1849, to August, 1851; Isaac Thomas, August, 1851, to May, 1853; Herman Rubin, June, 1853-82; David Sterns, D. D., 1882-6; N. Rundbaken, D. D., 1886-91.

B'nai Jewish Synagogue; organized- -.

Holeb Josher (Polish Hebrew); organized about 1885. Rev. Liman Salinger, rabbi; located on Welles street.

Lutheran Churches .- St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran, Wilkes-Barre, corner Main and South streets; organized 1845; building erected in 1846, on Wash- ington street. This property was sold and the present church property was bought and improved. The parsonage was built in 1872. The pastors have been, Rev.

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

Hemon Eggees, 1845-8; A. O. Briekman, 1848-50; A. Laebenmaier, 1851-2; J. A. Reubelt, 1852; J. Schwalen, 1853-4; G. H. Brosseler, 1854-8; C. M. Jager, 1858-61; E. Speidel, 1861-2; Christian Opinger, 1862-8; K. Schlenker, 1868-70; J. P. Liehtenbug, 1871-2; E. A. Fuenfstueck, 1872-6; E. Nidecker, 1876-82; Conrad Kenehn, 1882-91.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre; organized in the " long room " in Music hall, November 3, 1872, by Rev. F. F. Buermeyer. A frame church edifice was erected in 1874 on the corner of Academy and Dana place, where Mr. Buermeyer held the first service, August 30, 1874. During 1891 a handsome rectory was built in the rear of the church on Dana place. The present member- ship is 255. The pastors have been Rev. F. F. Buermeyer, November 3, 1872, to April 9, 1882; Rev. W. Ashmead Schaeffer, June 1, 1882, to December 31, 1883; Rev. Samuel G. Finckel, January 6, 1884, to June 29, 1884; Rev. L. H. Geseh- wind, December 1, 1885, to May 1, 1890. Rev. George W. Sandt, of Weissport, Pa., the present pastor, entered upon his duties at St. John's, May 18, 1890. In January, 1891, W. Sandt organized Grove Evangelical church at Ashley. The congregation of nearly 100 members worship in the Welsh church, but have no pastor.

Salem Church, Evangelical association, Grove street, began 1871; made a mis- sion 1874; erected its first chapel 1873. This was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1875. The pastors have been: Revs. Andrew Ziegenfuss, 1871; Rev. D. A. Meoler, J. K. Frehr, Anthony Kindt, J. Savitz, H. D. Shultz, I. T. Sand, J. C. Crouse, E. L. Orwold.

Zion Reformed Church, Washington street; organized 1873 as the Evangelical church until 1877, when it was chartered as Zion Reformed church. The present building was erected in 1874. The pastors have been: Revs. J. P. Lichtenberg, 1873-4; J. E. Lang, 1874-5; Rudolph Kunz, 1876-7; F. K. Levan, 1878-92.

Chunts German Evangelical Protestant Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, was organized in 1861; church built 1851; seating capacity, 600. Pastors: Revs. R. S. Magver, W. Hasskail, D. D., and E. A. Bauer, etc .; formed 1820; church built 1833; used by the two bodies alternately. Pastors: Revs. J. N. Zeizer, 1820-39; Isaac Shellhammer, 1840-58; Henry Hoffman, 1858-71; A. R. Hottenstier and Tilgham Derr.

Dorrance Corners, Emanuel Church; built by both bodies jointly. Pastors: Revs. S. Shelhammer, Solomon Hoffman, Clime and M. Clemens.

Nanticoke Church, Hanover; formed 1821. The pastors of the two bodies have been Revs. J. N. Zeizer, Abraham Beike, J. W. Lesber, Frederick Strasses, G. W. Glessner, Rudolph Kunz, F. K. Levan.

Lutheran and General Reformed; Black Creek Friedius Lutheran and German Reformed church; built 1830, near Mountain Grove Railroad station. This is used alternately by the two organizations. The " Shelhamer" German Reformed church stands in the northeast corner of Buck township.

St. John's Church, Hughesville; organized 1799; church built 1808, used alter- nately by the Lutheran and German Reformed bodies. This was followed in 1825 by a larger church and in 1873 by the present handsome building. Pastors: Rev. George Mann, F. W. Vandesloat, H. Hoffman, S. S. Kline, J. N. Seizer, Frederick Croll, J. A. Forrset, H. Daniels, J. M. Clemens, J. H. Neiman.

Grace German Reformed, Hazleton; organized 1845; church built 1861. Pas- tors, since 1861: Revs. Miner, Brand T. Krahn, Waldbridge, Frankil, Fundling and Kuntz.

Evangelical Lutheran, Black Creek Church; built 1854, half a mile west of Black Creek.

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

Salem Evangelical Association Church, Hazleton; organized 1859; church built 1865, and parsonage 1874. Pastors: Revs. J. Frey, I. E. Knerr, T. A. Platten- berg, A. Shultz, C. Myers, W. R. Wiand, D. Z. Kembel, J. M. Ruiker.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran, Hazleton; organized 1873; church erected 1876. Pastor, Rev. J. Wagner.

St. Peter's Reformed Church, Hollenback township; organized 1825; church built 1826; rebuilt 1853. Pastors: Revs. J. N. Zeizer, Isaac Shellhammer, Henry Hoffman, A. R. Hottenstein, Tiglhman Derr, etc.

Evangelical Church, Hollenback township; church built 1849. Pastors: Revs. E. Kohr, A. Valenstamp, Memn Brepler, McKisson, Hice, Binder, Wolf, Reeser, Miller, Clair, Hartzler, Deitrick, Geeham, Pines, Luede, Monis, Kepner, Orwig, Rhodes, Busson, Kreemer, Pine, etc.

Slocum Evangelical Church; organized 1869; church built 1860. Pastors: Revs. Morris Kepner, Orwig, Rhoads, Basson, Kreamer, Pine.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Conyngham; organized 1858. No church building.

Nescopeck Reformed Church; formed 1811; church built 1814. Pastors: Revs. John N. Zeizer, Isaac Shellhammer, Horace Daniel, Henry Hoffman, A. R. Hotten- stein, Tiglhman Derr. This congregation built a second brick church in union with the Lutherans 1868.

Sugarloaf Township Reformed and Lutheran Church .- These two bodies were organized here 1800; church built 1826; rebuilt 1872. It was burned 1873 and rebuilt 1874. Pastors: (Reformed) Revs. J. N. Zeizer, Isaac Shellhammer, J. A. Renbelt, J. W. Lesher, James Seibert, J. B. Pomer, H. Hoffman, J. M. Blemens, etc. ; (Lutheran) Revs. G. Eyster, J. Benninger, J. Shindle, C. F. F. Sallmon, William Haskall, R. S. Wagner, S. S. Kline, J. H. Neiman, etc.

Primitive Methodist, St. John's church, Hazleton; formed 1872; church building erected 1876. Pastors: Revs. D. Savage, Ralph Fothergill, G. Parker, William B. Backe, William Rent, W. H. Yarrow, etc.

Parsons Primitive Methodist Church; formed 1871; church built 1872. Pastors: Revs. J. H. Acomly, Charles McKeehnie, T. C. Bates, H. G. Russell, M. Hawey, etc.

Zion Primitive Methodist Church, Plymouth; organized 1871; church built 1875. Pastors: Revs. Henry Gray, Francis Gray, Henry Jones, J. W. Mugan, W. B. Beach, I. H. Acornley, T. C. Beach, C. Spurr, H. G. Russell, etc.

First Welsh Congregational, Wilkes-Barre; organized 1869. The church build- ing was erected on Hillside street, 1872. The pastors have been: Revs. T. C. Edwards, 1869-80; Rev. John Lewis, 1882; Rev. J. G. Gwhyo Lewis, 1887-92.

Second Welsh Congregational, Parish street; organized about 1885.

Rev. I. Thomas, pastor; has a church building.

Welsh Puritan Church, Sherman street; organized about 1885; has a church building. Rev. E. J. Morris is pastor.

Nanticoke Welsh Congregational Church; organized 1870; church built on Main street 1874.

Welsh Congregational Church, Plains township; organized 1869; church built 1871. In 1877 the building was moved to Miner's Hill and enlarged. Pastors: Revs. David Davies, John W. Williams.

Zion First Congregational Church, Parsons; organized 1871; church built 1874; Pastors: Revs. E. B. Evans, J. W. Williams.

Welsh Congregational Church, Plymouth township; organized 1868; church built 1871. Pastors: Revs. David T. Davis, John G. Evans, T. C. Edwards.

Huntsville " Christian " Church; organized 1845; church built 1848. Rev. L. B. Hyatt, pastor.

[The preceding matter of the Protestant churches was kindly furnished by the Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden, M. A., except the Fourth Methodist of Wilkes-Barre, which was given us by George B. Kulp, Esq.

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

The following concerning the Catholic church was obligingly given mostly by Rev. M. J. Hoban, in charge of the Ashley church.]

Catholics .- The first priest that officially visited the Wyoming valley, so far as is now known, was Rev. James Pellentz, who traveled up the river as far as Stand- ing Stone, Bradford county, in 1787 or 1788. He incidentally visited the few Catholics that were here at that time and probably reported to his superiors the conditions and the wants of the people along the river up as far as Elmira, making his longest stop, it is supposed, at Standing Stone, where he purchased property for £35. Father Dilhet passed over much the same route in. 1805, from Sunbury to the Catholics at Frenchtown and further up, and administering, it is supposed, the church rites to the Catholics here in private residences.

Individual Catholics were here from the very first. A paragraph in Miner's history mentions "Thomas Neill, an Irishman of middle age, the most learned man in the valley-a Catholic, a high Mason [sic], fond of dress, remarkable for his fine flow of spirits and pleasing manners, a bachelor and a schoolmaster, he was a favorite." With characteristic bravery his Irish spirit broke out as the danger became pressing. "' The Yankees are' the weakest party-the odds are against them; though I have no special interest in the fight, so help me heaven! I'll take a turn with them.' Marching out with Capt. McKarrigan's company, July 3, 1778, he fell." This is Mr. Miner's account of the chivalric Irishman. As to the facts of his death on the battle-field there is a mistake somewhere, as the inscription on the monument records Thomas Neill as one who survived the battle.

Abraham Pike is a part and parcel of the history of the bloody days here-an Irishman. Then there was Michael Kelly, so familiar in the early history. He and daughter were taken prisoners in 1779, as related by Miner. In the earliest deeds are the names that are pure Irish-Ryan, Murphy, McGuire, Mullen, McMul- len, Carey, Kelly, Sullivan, McCarthy, Devine, Neill, McKarrigan and others. How many or whether all of these were Catholics is not positively known.

Stewart Pearce says that about 1828 Rev. John Flynn came to Luzerne county and traveled among its scattered people of his faith and extended to them church privileges in their own houses and at temporary meeting places. He remained here three years, and was succeeded by Rev. William Clancy, who made his home in Carbondale, and built there a little church in 1832. After Clancy came Rev. Henry FitzSimmons in 1836, who attended the surrounding towns until 1847.

In what is now Luzerne county, after striking off the counties that once were within its borders, the date for the establishment of the Catholic church here in the full sense, may be fixed as in 1848, as before that time the scattered congregation had been attended from Carbondale and other points. These pastoral visits were mostly by Revs. Henry FitzSimmons and Prendergast.

Father Ethoffer was the first stationed in Wilkes-Barre, and this was in 1848. He was followed by Father O'Shaughnessy for a short time, then came Rev. Basil Shorb, succeeded by Rev. Casper Borgess and then again Rev. Henry FitzSimmons in 1856.

In 1842 the wooden church building on Canal street was built by Father Fitz- Simmons, and in 1845 a brick church was built on Canal street, where the school is now. The congregation was mostly Germans and Irish, and in 1856 the members had so increased that it was deemed advisable to divide the congregation. The Germans took the wooden building and the Irish congregation the brick church, where is now St. Mary's parochial school. The rectors of the German church were Fathers Schneider and Summer. Father Nagel, the present rector of St. Nicholas church, came here in 1858 and conducted the first service in the then new church, now St. Conrad's hall, corner of South and Washington streets.

The corner-stone of the new St. Nicholas church was laid in 1883; dedicated June 16, 1887. In an architectural point of view this ranks well with the finest buildings in the city-Gothic; and the architect was Mr. Shickle, of New York. Assistant pastors: Revs. John Steinkirchner and Joseph Bilstein.

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

St. Mary's church, Washington street, is the outgrowth of the little wooden church of 1840, under the ministrations of Rev. Henry FitzSimmons. The present large and handsome building was erected in 1872, valued at $250,000. The old building is now St. Mary's parochial school. The pastors in the order of coming were Revs. Henry FitzSimmons, 1840-7; Prendergast, 1847; Ethoffer, 1848; John Loughman, Shorb, 1849; Casper Burgess, Henry FitzSimmons, 1856; Dennis O'Haran, 1869-89; Richard McAndrews, 1889, present in charge.

During the pastorate of Rev. O'Haran the parochial residence and St. Mary's academy on Washington street were built, and parishes organized at Plymouth, Nanticoke, Sugar Notch, Plainsville, Kingston, Parsons and Ashley.

During the administration of Father McAndrew, a cyclone having wrecked the steeple and damaged the front of the church, repairs were made and decorations inside were made by Scataglia and the painting by Costagini. A marble altar. was built costing about $5,000.

The church was consecrated Sunday, May 3, 1891. Cardinal Gibbons was present; evening services conducted by Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia. Present on this occasion: Bishops Phelan and McGovern, the latter saying mass. The con- secration by Bishop O'Hara. . Assistant pastors: Revs. James Jordan, William Nealon and John Moylan.

St. Mary's Catholic Church (Polish), is a temporary church on Park avenue, built in 1887. The first pastor was Adelbert Pelcgar. Present pastor is Francis Tomas Zewski; they have a brick parsonage. The plans and arrangements for the erection of a church building at a cost of $50,000 are now completed.

Upper Wilkes-Barre Greek Catholic Church was attended by Rev. Alexander Dzuboy.

The above constitute the Catholic churches of Wilkes-Barre. From St. Mary's is the Laurel Run church. In 1890 the old Mountain house was purchased and converted into a convent, and in 1891 a frame church adjoining was erected.

Pittston Catholic Churches .- Among the early settlers in Pittston was John Daley and family. Then came Thomas Keatings in Cork Lane; James Moore, William Cuddy and Michael Sheridan; in North Pittston were Thomas McCue, John Gallagher and Patrick Gerrity. These families came, the first in 1841, and others soon thereafter. In 1841 Rev. Henry FitzSimmons, of Carbondale, made regular visits to Pittston, stopping with the Daley family and Thomas McCue. In 1843 came Michael Reap, who became one of the prominent merchants and business men of the place. In 1847 Rev. Prendergast visited the place until 1849; also Revs. Basil Shorb and Etoffer. Through the aid of Michael Reap and Rev. John Loughran a piece of ground for a building was secured on Church Hill, and St. Mary's church erected -- a plain, modest, cheap building.

Rev. O'Shaughnessy in October, 1853, succeeded Loughran. He secured a lot on Williams street, and in 1856 erected a new church building. He remained in charge until 1857. September 20, 1858, Very Rev. John Finnen, present rector of St. John's church, was appointed to the place by Bishop Newman, as assistant to Father O'Shaughnessy. October 17, 1858, the new St. John's Evangelist church was dedicated.

In 1882 the old St. Mary's church was torn down, as it had not been used for some time, and the new was built on Church Hill. The corner-stone was laid that year, and the building blessed by Bishop O'Hara in 1883.

St. John's Evangelist .- The old St. John's was torn down, and in its place was erected the present magnificent stone building, at a cost of over $100,000. It is expected that it will be consecrated during the present winter. Assistant pastors at this church, Revs. Greve and Kelly.

St. Mary's Church, Pittston (German), was built by Father Nagel, and attended from Wilkes-Barre until 1882, when it was cut off from Wilkes-Barre. First pastor, Rev. Peter Christ; then Rev. Nicholas Forbe; present pastor, Rev. William

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

Brehe, who also has charge of the congregation at Duryea. The Poles are pre- paring to erect a church building at the latter place.

St. Casimir (Lithuanian) .- Pastor, Rev. Joseph Zlotorzynski.

St. Stanislaus Church, Nanticoke, was built by Rev. Benvenuto Gramlewicz, who also built the schoolhouse; he also built the Catholic church at Morgantown, whose present pastor is Andrew Zycovitz.

St. Vincent's Church, Plymouth, was organized in 1872, from St. Mary's, Wilkes-Barre, and a brick building erected that year. This has been replaced by their present elegant building, in the tower of which is the most musical bell in the county. The old church is used for a parochial school. A comfortable parsonage has been built. Pastors: Revs. Richard Hennessy, 1872-6; Patrick Toner, 1877; T. J. Donahue, 1877-92. Assistant pastor, Rev. Peter Winters.

Nativity Blessed Virgin, of Plymouth .- The congregation divided, the Poles retaining their church and the Lithuanians built. Their pastor is Rev. Baurba.

St. Stephen's Church (Hungarian), Plymouth, was built by Rev. Jaskovitz, their present pastor.

Holy Angels Church, Avondale, is attended from St. Vincent's.

St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton .- A brick church was erected on property donated by Ario Pardee in 1868; also a parsonage; church property valued at $50,000. Pastors: Rev. Maloney began the work as a mission. He was followed by Rev. Michael L. Scanlon, at whose death Rev. Filan took charge; in 1863 Rev. Thomas C. O'Hara succeeded and remained until 1876; Rev. R. E. Hennessy suc- ceeded; in 1887, Rev. J. J. Commisky; assistant, Rev. Edwin Fitzmaurice.

St. Joseph's Church, Hazleton (Hungarian), was organized by Rev. Joseph Kaasalko.

St. Peter and Paul's Church, Hazleton (Polish), Rev. Peter Ambromoytys, pastor.

Holy Trinity Church (German); under Father Nicholas Forbe, sent from Pittston.

Catholic Church (Italian), Hazleton, was organized by Rev. Francis Chinso. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Girimondi, and he in turn by the present pastor, Rev. Rizario Naski.

St. Raphael's Church, Black Creek, is attended from St. Gabriel's.

St. Mary's Church, Frenchtown, also attended from St. Gabriel's.

St. Mary's Church, Pleasant Valley; organized 1875, by Father Finan, and church built; was formerly a part of Pittston parish, and was cut off, and Father Crane, present pastor, was sent. A parsonage was built and steeple put up, under Rev. M. F. Crane.

St. Patrick's Church, White Haven; organized and building erected in 1866-7; a parsonage built the next year, and in 1879 a commodious parochial school build- ing, which was visited by Revs. FitzSimmons, Sharp, O'Shaughnessy, Sullivan, Noonan, Mullen, Tracy, Fallihee, Bergan, Bergrath. The last named is the present pastor.

Sacred Heart Church, Plains. - Here is a very nice frame church, a female con- vent under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy, and a parsonage erected in 1884 under the auspices of Rev. J. W. Dunn, D. D. He administered the affairs of the parish for two years, when he died. He was succeeded in 1866 by Rev. J. C. MacDermott, who died in June, 1888. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Phillips, who succeeded Father MacDermott. The church property, school and parsonage have increased in value since 1884 from $15,000 to $50,000. In 1891 there was an extensive cave-in which damaged the church, school and parochial residence, these have been repaired and the building remodeled and improved. Father O'Harren had purchased the hotel and adjoining property, and Father Dunn made a school building of the hotel and built the parsonage just north of the church. In 1891 Father Philips purchased the brick house next to McKnight's store and changed it into a convent building. Assistant pastor, Rev. Anthony Roderick.

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

St. Leo's Church, Ashley, was organized November 13, 1887, being cut off from St. Mary's of Wilkes-Barre. Rev. M. J. Hoban in charge. Their building, an ele- gant brick, was erected in 1890, at a cost of $25,000; not yet entirely completed. The total cost when finished will aggregate $40,000. A very nice parsonage on the hill was built in 1892. The first small church building is now St. Leo's hall. The first mass in the new church was said January 1, 1891, in the basement.

St. Catharine's Church, Fairview, is attended from Ashley. This church was built under the auspices of Father Rea, of Sugar Notch, from which place it was formerly attended.

St. Charles Boromeo Church, Sugar Notch, was organized in 1875, by Rev. Dennis O'Haran, and the church building erected that year, which has a seating capacity of 700. It was made a separate parish in 1879, with Rev. Thomas Rea in charge. He has built a pastor's house and added many improvements to the church building.

St. Dominic Church, Parsons, was organized in 1883 and a church and parsonage built by Rev. Patrick Roche. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Keenan.

St. Francis Church, Nanticoke, was organized in 1876 by Rev. Dennis O'Haran and their building erected in 1879, when Rev. A. C. Mattingley was in charge. He was followed in 1882 by Rev John C. McDermott. Present pastor is Rev. Felix McGuckin. The latter built the new church at Morgantown in 1889. At the same time he built the Polish church at Morgantown.

St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. - The building was erected in 1886, under charge of Rev. John Bergan. The parsonage was built in 1891. Present pastor is Rev. John O' Malley.

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History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 56

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.) Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1532

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532