Lebanon Daily News from Lebanon, Pennsylvania • Page 99

1951 FEBRUARY LEBANON DAILY NEWS MID-CENTURY EDITION SECTION PAGE 3 Growth Of Catholicism Bare Rapid Since 1900 Catholicism in Lebanon County dates back to Colonial days, but perhaps the growth of the church has been more noticeable in past half-century. The last fifty years saw expansion from two established churches in the county to six. The Catholic churches at the beginning of the century were St. Mary's in and the Sacred Heart Church at Cornwall. Today, there are two more in Lebanon and two others in the county, in Lebanon, St.

Gertrude's Church is located on East Lehman Street, while Sts. Cyril and Methodius is located at 13th and Lehman Streets. Both have grade schools as does the mother church, St. Mary's. In addition to Sacred Heart Church at Cornwall, both Annville and Myerstown have Catholic Churches St.

Paul's at Annville and Mary, Gate of Heaven Church at Myerstown. Plan Jfew parish The actual number of parishes in county it only fire, for the Myerstown Churcn Is considered a mission church. However, in order to better serve the increasing Catholic population of couuty, plans have been formulated for the creation of a new parish. In fact, the plans have progressed to the point -where eight acres of land in South Lebanon Township have been purchased. The deed for the land was filed at the courthouse In May, 1950.

The land was; transferred from George R. Horst, ot lona, to Bishop George L- Leech, of the Harris- history of Catholicism In Lebanon County, prior to the start of the 20th century, it is recorded that the first chapel was located in North Lebanon Township, on land donated by a man named Arendorf. The exact date is not known. Later services were held at the home of Jacob Arnold in North Lebanon Township, continuing there until 1810. In that year, a plot of ground was donated' by the borough fathers in Lebanon for erection of a new church.

That original location ing completed December 15, 1SSO while the Rer. Aloysuli f. Kuhlioan was pastor. Her. Christ PMtor Upon the death of Fr.

Kuhlman in 1SS1, Rev. Adam Christ appointed pastor of St. Mary's. Under the leadership of Father- Christ, four new parishes were formed. These were: Sacred Heart.

Cornwall, in 1889; Sts. Cyril and Methodius in 1905; St. Gertrude's in 1906 and St. Paul's, Annville. in -It was while Fr.

Christ served St. Mary't that the present Lebanon Catholic High School waa built, too. The Sacred Heart Church teas a mission until 18S9. Colebrook the original location of the Catholic Church in the area. Due to the zeal ot Fr.

Christ, a church was erected in 1S86 at North Cornwall. The church stood its original site until 1914 when the present structure was erected through the efforts of Father Ed- i ward O'Flynn. The present is Fr. Ambrose Hayden. It was in October.

1905. that the Rev. A. J. Kennedy was chosen Led St.

Mary's Congregations to gn among of Lebanon. The first people were held in the basement of St. Mary's. September 30, 1906, saw the laying of the cornerstone for a church. The church, Sts.

Cyril's and Methodius, was dedicated July 7, 1907. From the very beginmg, the church parish had its own school. After many years of fruitful labor, Father Kennedy was transferred to Milton in 1928. He was succeeded by the Rev. John J.

Onofrey, a native of the was to be where the courthouse Parish. The present pastor, the burg Diocese for a reported now stands, but an exchange was Rev Joseph Hager to the Leading congregations of St. Mary's Catholic Church for a combined total of 67 years wete Rev. John J. Idiwley, left, and the Rev.

Adam Clirist, right. The pastorate of Rev. Christ began in 1881 and "extended to 1930 when death ended his long pastorate. During his years here, four new parishes were formed in the city apd county, and the present Lebanon Catholic High School became a reality 1 In October, 1981, he was appointed a Domestic Prelate with the title of Monsignor. Rev.

Lawley succeeded Rev. Christ. A native of Rexmont, he was ordained in 1916 and came to from Mt. Carntel. He rose to the rank of Monsignor and was officially installed October 12, 1948.

Xine days later, death overtook the popular priest. He was succeeded'by the present pastor, the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Paul Weaver. 900.

made for the present site. The In further expansion, it was'year 1810 saw the laying of the announced in January, 19bO, that cornerstone and in 1S14 the the Capt. A. M. Patch property at i church wag dedicated.

On that 14th and Chestnut Streets was day of dedication, the church was purchased Irom the American free of its debt. Legion post for $17,508. Renamed With Father Baumgartner, Assumption Hill, plans call for use of the land as a recreational site for St. Mary's parish. The field was dedicated at ceremonies August 15, 1950- Early History- Looking back over the early movement was begun to enlarge the church.

In 1859, Fr. Antoninus Grununer established the parochial school system. Finally on June 20, 1876 ground was broken for the new church building, the present one. The build- 1999 1959 IVLebanon City and County 30 Years of Progress St. Gertrude's Parish Council of Catholic Women Lebanon, Pa.

church in April, 1940. In July, 1906. the Rev. Frederick Wagner was sent to East Lebanon to form a new St. Gertrude's.

Permission was granted to hold in the Textile Building. November 15 of the same year, the cornerstone of the new church was laid and in July, 1907. the new building was dedicated. The- Augustine Kappes came to St. Gertrude's in 1909.

He was succeeded in 1S23 by the Rev. Leopold Stump. Fr. Stump saw the need for a larger church, and in 1924 the cornerstone was laid. The new building was dedicated In August, 1925.

During the pastorate of Father Stump, two mission churches were Gate of Heaven at Myerstown and Paul's at Annville. The Rev. John Weber followed Fr. Stump at St. Gertrude's.

The present pastor is the Rev. Francis J. Heltshe, -who i came in 1947 following the Rev. Philip Liebich. St.

Paul's Church of Annville is the youngest parish in Lebanon County. Mass was celebrated for I the first time July 15, 1928. by the Rev. Leo B. Kirchner.

The church was built originally for a United Brethren Later it was used congregation. as a market house and Grange hall. The church was dedicated September 9, 1928. Six pastors have followed Fr. Kirchner at St.

Paul's. They -were Fr. William J. B. Weaver, Fr.

Edward J. Lawrence Gustin. Fr. Joseph Smarsh, Fr. William J.

Fitzpatrick and the present pastor, the Rev. Paul Adair, who came to St. Paul's in October. 1950. from St.

Joseph's Church in Shamokin. Under the pastorate of Rev. Christ, a new convent was built in 1926 at a cost of 140.000. The older convent had used since 18S5. Sew School Built The old school, built in 1886, underwent a change in 1905 with an annex added to the building.

The present St. Mary's Parochial School was built at a cost of $300,000. Ground for the; school was broken March 17. 1928. by Fr.

Christ, the cornerstone laid in September and the dedication held June 3, 1929. Lebanon Catholic High School was the Rev. Cletus Helfrick. Fr. Law-ley Takes Over In 1930 with the death of Father Christ, Rev.

John J. Lawley assumed the pastorate of St. St. Mary's. Rev.

Lawley's active career in the Roman Catholic priesthood covered more than a quarter of a century. He was a native of Lebanon County, born in Rexmont in 18S6, a son of Patrick and Susan Callaghan Lawley. His father was employed by several railroads in the State, among them the Pennsylvania and the Cornwall and Lebanon. He was later a merchant in has two laboratories, an I Rev. Lawley -was ordained to rooms.

auditorium which seats 600 persons, a library, gymnasium -with basketball floor, pool room, bowling alleys, shower baths, smoking room, card room, meeting rooms and kitchen. The erection was the crowning achievement of Father Christ's work in Lebanon. His fine work already merited recognition from the Holy Father, for in October. 1921. he had been appointed by Pope Benedict XV a Domestic Prelate with the title or Monsignor.

Lebanon Catholic High School has an enrollment today of 26S. The enrollment of the entire school from erades tnrougfc 12 is 884. Rev. Robert E. Gribbin.

principal of Lebanon Catholic High School, assumed his post here September 1, 1950, succeeding Rev. Frederick R- Bradel who has gone to York. Rev. Gribbin was formerly assistant pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Hanover.

The. first principal of new GEORGE H. WISE Your Local Oldsmobih Dealer 411-415 SOUTH LINCOLN AVENUE In 1945 Mr. Wise opened his first Oldsmobile garage and showroom at 1031 Cornwall KoacL, having gained experience in automobile work through his association with the General Motors any since 1923. Mr.

Wise moved his ce of business to 411-415 South Lincoln Avenue in February, 1947, where he maintains a modern show room and fully equipped garage. Comp? With General Motors For 28 Years the priesthood May 27. 1916. and assigned as assistant pastor at St. Joseph's Church in Shamokin.

In .917. he was appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist Church at Mt. Carmel. serving there for 13 ears.

Father Lawley honored when announcement was made August 21, 1948. that he had been appointed Domestic Prelate by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII. the first Countian to be so honored. The announcement was made on that date by the Most Reverend George L. Leech, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg.

On October 12. 194S, Monsignor Lawley was officially installed at a solemn investiture service is St. Mary's Church. But tragedy struck nine days on October 21 when Monsfgnor Lawley died suddenly. Rev.

Jfow Pastor On November 4, 1948. the Very Rev. Paul" D. Weaver, present pastor of St. Mary's Church, was appointed successor to Monsignor Lawley.

At that time, Rev. Weav- was pastor of St. Peter's Mt. Carmel. At the same time, Rev.

Matthias E. Siedlecki was appointed assistant pastor, also coming from Mt. Carmel where he served as assistant pastor. Rev. Weaver was elevated to rank of domestic prelate with the title of Monsignor in an announcement made June 30, 1949, Bishop Leech had been told of the appointment in an audience with Pope Pius at Rome on May 20.

Monsignor Weaver -was formally invested at ceremonies September 29, 1949, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Harrisburg. Monsignor Weaver is a native of New Oxford, Pa. He prepared for the priesthood at Mt. St.

Mary's Seminary, St. Vincent's Seminary and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood June 14. 1924, serving at Mt.

Carmel until coming to Lebanon. Present assistants to Msgr. Weaver include the Revs. Matthias E. Siedlecki, William A.

Boyle and Robert Gribben. who is the prin-' cipal of Lebanon Catholic High School. In addition, there are several societies and Catholic groups which aid in the work of the church. These include the Holy Xame Society. Rosary Society, Parish Council of Catholic Women, the B.V.M.

Sodality. Catholic War Veterans and their auxiliary and Boy and Girl Scouts. Yflirth For Christ Rallies Organized By Army Officer Reaching out to the young people in Lebanon City and County and offering them Christian fellowship is the local Youth For Christ organization. Many local churches and denominations are represented every Saturday night as Youth For Christ holds'its rallies at the Masonic Hall, on N'orth Eighth Street, with more than ion young people attending. Youth For Christ is Interdenominational.

Through the years since the local organization was begun in 1945, weekly attendance has averaged 250. YFC organization is one of several thousand groups now meeting in principal cities throughout the United States. Canada and in many European countries under the County Christian Endeavor Union Doing Fine Work Building strength rapidly in its 60 years of existence and making Its work felt throughout the State is the Lebanon County Christian Endeavor Union. The 'Christian Endeavor Society is founded on an international scale and is an interdenominational Protestant organization with its motto being "Always For Christ and the Church." The Lebanon County CE Union was organized at the home of Mrs. G.

B. Smith. 531 Cumberland Street, in the Fall of 1891. This 10 years after Dr. Francis E.

Clark and his wife founded the first society in the Willlston Congregational Church, Portland, Me. Three societies made up the union at that early date. They were Fourth Street Presbyterian Society, St. Paul's Evangelical and the Seventh Street Lutheran Church. The Rev.

J. Berg Esenwine became the first president, and Adam Savior the first vice president. Savior later became a State vice president. From the very start the county union began holding annual conventions of two or three days duration, featuring prominent speakers and CE leaders. Rallies and mass meetings were held in the city and larger towns of the county.

Presidents of the union from the turn of the century to the present include the following: Adam Savior, Lorenzo S. Bean, William F. Spayd, Walter T. Kreiser. Mark Lenich, Harry Woltes- berger, Harry M.

Tobias, Warren Leiby. John Wittner. G. Rudolph Dechert. Elra Worcester, Raymond Hoaster.

Ralph Kreider. Gilbert Snyder. Walter Kettering. Mrs. June Miller Estep( first and only lady to be president), Lester Spancake.

John Rittle and the present head of Walter Lutz. The growth and expansion is shown by 1923 figures a total of 53 active societies including 34 senior groups, 19 junior and three intermediate. The intermediate county union, now known as the high school union, was formed, as was the Junior Union in 1927. All departments became more and more active. In 1937.

the annual Easter sunrise service was begun and has been held every Easter morn in coleman Memorial Park since that time, with the exception of one year when it was, held in the high school auditorium. Raymond Hoaster was president then. Another activity worthy of note was the Evangelism Department organization and the holding of services at the. Lebanon County Jaily. Services were held also at the Widow's Home 'and the County Home.

"The Missionary Department work has developed to the point where it has become the outstanding- work of its kind in the State Union. This has been brought through the efforts of Miss Evelyn Shroff, county missionary superin- tssdsnt. Missionaries in the U. S. and In China and India have received aid.

In recognition of her work, Miss Shroff was elected State missionary superintendent in July. 1950. Through the years, scores of Welfare Of Nation Depends On Man's 'God-Mindedness' Mfttcle. ud Welfare of JUBon" wu far VBWX edition by Bar. HUT.

of St. Catholic Chcrch 01 Cttholle By MSGU. PAUL D. WKAVKR "An honest man's the work of God" Alexander Pope, "Essay on Man" In the present international struggle, we in America. citizens- of America, have resolutely 1 championed the cause of human freedom.

We have committed our-j selves to oppose relentlessly the aggression? of those who deny to; man his God-siven rights and aim to enslave all mankind un- der the rule of Godless materialism. Our forefathers were God- 1 their success and our noble heritage. In recent decades, striking advances have been made in meeting man's and social needs; but his moral and religious needs have been discarded if not entirely abandoned. The welfare of our nation de-; pends on man's understanding of KING creation. Man belongs to this world surely, but the first and last claim upon his teach him that he was allegiance is that registered byj know, love and God In God.

This relationship must never this world as the condition for be forgotten if we seek our na- meriting eternal happiness, tional must he! Thirdly, it will indues in him taught that his chief a deep Sens6 of responsibility tor from the fact that he is those an(1 he created by God and destined for life with God in eternity. He will MSGR. PAUL come to maturity in a society possesses hy reason of his citizenship in heaven as well on on earth. Finally, religion -will challenge where social, moral, intellectual him to sanctify whatever walk of and spiritual values are disiate- life he chooses and to seek and grating, in such a society, he will accept the Will of God in what- UTgently need the integrating way it may be manifested, force of religion as taught by Thus, as a principle of Integra- Chrlst jtlon. religion will help child Such a force will give him a to develop "a sense of God, a MIMA complete and rational meaning for his existence.

First of all. it will arouse in him a consciousness of God and of eternity. Secondly, it will give him a continuing purpose in life, for it of direction, a sense of responsibility and a sense of mission in this life." Religion will make a real true American sworn to uphold in peace and in war America's Star Spangled Banner. Serbian Orthodox Church Made Up Of 130 Families In order families of to serve the many Serbian nationalities who had settled in East Lebanon shortly after the start of the 20th century, a Serbian Eastern Orthodox congregation was begun in 1906. with about 100 families making up the group.

It -was not until 1916 that the congregation had their own church building in which to worship, however. The 'church where it stands today at 120 East Weidman Street dedicated October 16, 1916. The church is under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese for America and Canada with its headquarters In St. SETS Monastery, Libertyville, 111. The church bishops are appointed by the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

The first minister to serve these people was the Very Rev. Milan Mrvichln. The present minister is the Very Rev. Jfikola! Dazgich. who came to Lebanon in September.

1943, succeeding the Rev. Nikolai Petkovich. Societies and organizations affiliated with the church have sprung up as the church has grown and progressed along with the rest of the community. The Ladies' Auxiliary was formed in 1924. and four years later the Serbian Singing Society was organized.

Tbe latest group to be formed within the church is the Serbo-Americau Youth Club, begun in 1949. Today, the Serbian Orthodox Church of Lebanon hai 130 families who make up its congregation and add to the worth of Lebanon's Christian community. Christian Endeavorers have gone into the world as pastors and missionaries, medical missionaries, nurses, Christian leaders in churches and organizations and as gsod Christian citizens. Although other youth groups have sprung up and many churches have replaced Christian Endeavor with other programs, the on- tinued growth of the county union is attested to by the number of so- cieties still in existance These include 28 adult classes, 16 high school, 21 alumni. junior and one 2 Upstate Woodburners 1st To Haul Hard Coal Two wood burners, imported from England in 1S33.

were the I first locomotives- ever to haul anthracite in the United States. They were named "Comet" and "Catawissa." Whefi they arrived in P.hiladel- phia. the Sc-hnylkill Cana! frozen. So they were then taken I apart, placed on oxcarts, and i hauled to Tamaqua where they began carrying coal from the Mahonoy Valley to Port Clinton. They were owned by what was known at tliat.

time as the Little Schuyikill. Navigation, Railroad and Coal Company. 11 wag on this railroad that Friedrich List, a German refugee, rereivpd his practical railroad training. He returned to Wurt- temberg. his native land in Germany, and built the first railroad of what later become the German Empire.

Today, he is hailed as the Father of the German railroads. ferred and the leadership of the weekly rallies was taken over by' the present director. George At-' kins. This was in 1946. In the brief history of Lebanon's Youth F'or C'hriii.

many leaders of naiionsl and Interna-i tional have rome to Lebanon as speakers at the Saturday rallies. Youth For Christ endeavors to I reach the unchurched of the com-i St. Mark's Evangelical Reformed Church N. 8TH AND MtFFLIN STREETS Henry J. Herber, D.D., Poster Sunday Services 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 6:30 C.E.

Meeting 7:30 Worship Wednesday 7:30 Prayer Service St. Stephen's Church Evangelical and Reformed Third and Walnut Streets, Lebanon, Pa. Pierce Edward Swope, D.D. (Pastor Since 1, 1022.) 9:30 A. School 10:45 A.

Services 7:30 P. Services Week Night Groups DATES Sunday School, March 1, 1903. Congregation. October 3, 1907 Present Membership Sunday School, 480. Congregation, 437.

If you hove no Church of your own, Come to St. Stephen's. munity and channel them into the church of their choice. Young people are urged to "turn In" early Saturday night, "turn out" early Sunday morning and "turn up" at guidance of Youth For Christ In- church services. ternatlonal.

headquarters are I Youth For Christ has as Its goal In Chicago. Dr. Robert A. Cook is president. The local rallies -were set in motion largely through the interest and efforts of a young Army lieutenant and his and Mrs.

Edwin Stewart, youth leaders In Philadelphia. In 1945 they were living in Lebanon, while the Heu- tenant wag stationed at Indiantown Gap. Later, Lt, Stewart trans- "Evangellzatlon of the world In this generation." Aiding Director Atkins in his work are Elmer H. Horn, director of music; Jane E. Wolfe, secretary; John J.

Williams, John L. Yorty, Betty Atklng, Mary Nels- wender, Milton Hummer, Dr. D. D. Ulrich and J.

Anson Wllhelm, advisors: Bonnie Williams, Ulrich and Alden Blely, Jr. are pianists. TRINITY E. U. B.

CHURCH Corner Ninth Willow Streets "A Friendly Chnreh In The Heart Of A Friendly Community" SUNDAY SERVICES 9:30 A. School 10:45 A. Worship 7:30 P. Worship Wednesday 7:30 P. Servict Pastor, REV.

HARRY W. DEAVEX.