The Catholic Church in Stoneboro celebrated its first mass about
twenty-four years ago [about 1864] , the service being performed in
private houses. Shortly afterward, however, a house once used as a
dwelling, but then recently vacated, was purchased, and for a period of
four years prior to the erection of the present edifice was occupied as
a place of worship by the congregation. The early Catholic families in
the vicinity were not deterred by the smallness of their number from
attempting to secure for themselves and children larger and more
convenient quarters, in which to conduct their religions services, and
by the year 1876 enough money had been raised to begin the erection of
the present [1888] handsome structure. This, a frame building, 30x50
feet in dimensions, with a sanctuary 12x30 feet, was completed in the
same year, at a cost of $3,000, andwas occupied and dedicated shortly
afterward. It is a very convenient church edifice, and sitting upon the
top of a graceful elevation, presents a pleasing spectacle to the eye of
the beholder. Among the first members of the congregation were Lawrence
Kearns, John Kennedy, Peter Hughes, and Daniel
Conley, with their families. The first regular priest that
ministered to the little flock was Rev. K.
O’Branigan. He was succeeded by Rev.
Thomas Tracey, Rev.William Pugh, Rev. P. Brady, Rev. John Smith,
Rev. J. H. McAdam, of the Mercer Church, who also has charge of
the Stoneboro congregation. The membership numbers forty-two families,
earnest in spirit and determined in faith.
Source: History of Mercer County, 1888, pages 468-469
Early Members
of the Catholic Church
in Stoneboro
Lawrence
Kearns John Kennedy
Peter
Hughes
Daniel
Conley |
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