SAINT POPE JOHN XXIII PARISH
Established July 1, 2024
OUR HISTORY
Established July 1, 2024
OUR HISTORY
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OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH
THE HISTORY OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH
1906 - 2006 1906
St. Stephen's Church.
1917
Little Flower Club Immaculate Conception Society Catholic Men's Club Catholic Women's Guild Altar Society Catholic Women's Auxiliary Recreation Program
The choir loft is renovated. The first Parish Council is established. The first School Board of the Diocese is established in Mt. Carmel. The chair lift for the handicapped is installed. Prayer groups begin in support of the Parish renewal. The confessionals are remodeled. A chapel for daily Mass is created. 1979
Special Youth Mass Memorial plaques were sold A montage was performed recalling the events of the past
e-mail: [email protected] 2005
Reference for information presented was found in "A Legacy", 1982 and in the Church Bulletins. |
SAINT STEPHEN CHURCH
THE HISTORY OF SAINT STEPHEN PARISH
1853 - 2003 In 1853 St. Stephen Parish was founded to serve the religious
needs of the earliest Catholic settlers in Niles—Irish immigrants who had come to work in the steel industry that was beginning to develop here. Why was the parish named for St. Stephen, the proto-martyr? (A proto-martyr is the first Christian martyr in a country or among a particular group, such as a religious order. Similarly, the phrase the Proto-martyr (with no other qualification of country or region) can mean Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian church or Saint Thecla, the first female martyr of the Christian church.) Today, there is no one who knows for certain. However, much of the parish’s fascinating history is known. The first priest to minister to the religious needs of these Catholics was the Rev. Francis Stroker, pastor of a small wooden church in Dungannon, Columbian County. He offered Sunday Mass in the homes of the devout, maintaining his pastoral visits to Niles until 1856 when the Rev. Michael Pendergast succeeded him. In 1858, St. Stephen was attached to St. Columba of Youngstown, first as a station and in 1865 as a mission. It was in the spring of 1864 that Rev. E.M. O’Callaghan, of Youngstown purchased two lots at the corner of Park Ave. and Arlington St. (then known as James and Mechanic Streets). At a cost of $3,000, the original 38 x 70 ft. frame church was built that same year on the site of the present building. Improvements were added to the church from time to time making it an attractive place to worship. The Rev. A.R. Sidley was appointed the first resident pastor for Niles in July 1865, moving into the pastoral residence, a house next to the church. In February 1866, Father Sidley bought five acres of land on Warren Ave. Extension to serve as the beginning of St. Stephen Cemetery. In April of 1868 Rev. B.B. Kelley was names pastor, and it was he who organized a parochial school so that the children of the parish could receive a more thorough religious training. Fr. Kelly left Niles in May 1871 and St. Stephen was attended from the Cathedral in Cleveland by Rev. M. Ivers until August when Rev. T.M. Mahony was appointed resident. In August Fr. Mahony purchased two lots for a new school site adjoining the church on the south end and fronting on W. State St. (then Furnace St.). In Nov. 1873 Rev. A.M. Scanlon succeed him. July 1880 the following priests had pastoral charge of St. Stephen: Rev. J. Monahan, 1884 Rev. D.P. O’Brien, 1888 Rev. J.C. Desmond until May, 1889. In the 1880 St. Stephen experienced major growth. The first church became too small and Fr. O’Brien began a drive to construct a larger church. Thomas McNamara, Sr., native a County Cork, who helped build the original church, turned the sod when the foundation began in the fall of 1888. Bishop Gilmour blessed the cornerstone May 11, 1890, with the church enclosed during the same year. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1891. The church was completed under the direction of Fr. Felix Scullin who served the parish for 27 ½ yrs until his passing. Total cost of the new church, including pews, altars, and other furnishings were $30,000. Ten times the cost of the earlier wooden structure, and it was fully paid when dedicated. This was an impressive accomplishment for Niles Catholics. The dimensions were: Length, 100feet; width, 49 feet; and height of spire, 175 feet. (On a tragic note, two workers fell from a scaffold on the spire as it neared completion and were instantly killed). Built of red brick, trimmed with sandstone, the church has elegant stained glass windows, all donated by parishioners and societies. The 62 parishioners who made substantial contributions to the new church had their names inscribed in the bell in the church tower. Rev. Daniel Crotty served until March 1923. Rev. James McDonough was appointed pastor in April 1923 and served until September 1929. Rev. McDonough rebuilds a portion of the church in the wake of a $9,000 fire in May 1923. The design was done by a parishioner Col. F.W. Bohne’, a prominent architect. The window, which pictured St. Stephen, was replaced with a stained glass portrayal of the Crucifixion, imported from Italy. The church gained national prominence during an imposed confrontation of the Ku Klux Klan. Through the wise and courageous guidance of Fr. McDonough the efforts of the Klan was nullified and its influence was weekend. In August 1934, Fr. Gallagher bought six additional acres adjacent to the original cemetery. The Rev. Thomas Ring succeeded Fr. Gallagher. In August 1943 the Diocese of Youngstown was created. The Most Rev. James McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland was appointed first Ordinary of the new diocese by Pope Pius XII. In 1946, Fr. Ring purchased another quarter of the present block from the McNamara estate. In 1951 a building fund was sent up for the construction of a junior high school and gymnasiumauditorium. The school was dedicated and ready for the fall term in 1954. Estimated cost was $400,000. In June 1951 the Ormerod estate, which adjoined the rectory was purchased and converted into clubrooms where the societies held their meetings. These projects evidenced the vibrant growth of the parish community from 210 families in 1912 to 1100 families just forty years later in 1952. Right Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Lavery was named pastor in November 1952. Upon his death in April 1955, the Rev. Robert O’Dea became the head of the parish. Fr. O’Dea purchased a piece of land on Water St. from the city of Niles for the construction of a garage to house the church owned school busses. He also bought the Jenkins property on W. State Street across from the Sisters Convent. Then tearing down the old rectory, the Ormerod and Buck houses were joined together and were converted into offices and living quarters for the parish priests. It was in Fr. O’Dea’s time that the Fund Drive for Annunciation High School (J.F.K.) was announced. The parish share of the total cost of this school was $120,000. Fr. O’Dea was instrumental in the organization of the Home, School and Church Association, the Catholic Youth Organization for teenagers, and the Christian Family Movement for married couples. His Silver Anniversary as a priest was celebrated by the parish in May 1961. St. Robert’s Mission, Cortland, OH had been tended by the priests and sisters from St. Stephen. When the Mission was given parish status, Fr. O’Dea became its first pastor in 1965. At. St. Stephen, he was succeeded by the Rev. Francis Hughes. Fr. Hughes, assisted by Fathers Gubser and Loperfido, took a complete parish census. With the approval of the parish councilmen, he initiated a monthly listing of offerings and increased the weekly collections considerably. Fr. Hughes also purchased property for the expansion of the cemetery from the Reactive Metals Company. It was he who disposed of the school busses when free bussing was extended to parochial school children. In 1968 the school building on Arlington was condemned. Six classrooms of a temporary nature were constructed on the floor of the gymnasium at a cost of $92,000. In order to meet the need for a 16 classroom building. Also, the exterior of the church was cleaned and the interior renovated. The Sanctuary underwent major changes to conform to Vatican II guidelines. Fr. Hughes marked the 25th year of his ordination in 1970 and the entire parish celebrated his Jubilee. In that same year, he accepted an appointment to St. Patrick’s, Hubbard and was replaced by in June by the Rev. John Turk. To help solve financial problems of the parish, Fr. Turk began a two year Immediate Action Fund Program in April 1971. The goal was $238,000. At the end of the program $165,000. Had been collected. Many projects have been direct result of the generous response to that drive which was extended in order to realize the entire amount. These projects included the razing of the old school building in August 1971, the paving of the parking lot and playground; the replacing of the sidewalks around the church; the installing of handrails at the entrances; and landscaping- all completed by the spring of 1972. Also, each wage earner contributed to a “Fire Fund” to defray the expense of a $24,000 heating and air conditioning system in the church. The parish Finance Committee announced plans for a rectory in December 1972. Exclusive of furnishings, the only new priest’s residence in the parish history was built at a cost of $83,275. In was reading in January 1974. Bishop James Malone celebrated the Blessing Ceremony on September 8, 1974, which was followed by an Open House for parishioners and friends from the community. In April 1974, Fr. Turk was honored at a public reception on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary of his ordination. The first Parish Wedding was hosted by Fr. Turk in January 1976. One hundred sixty five couples, celebrating a total of 3385 years of marriage renewed their vows at the wedding Mass and were congratulated at a reception at the school hall. In 1976, too, the organ was completely rebuilt at a cost of $10,000. An amount, which was collected in only two months from voluntary contributions to a special Organ Fund. The church organ has an interesting history. Purchased in 1914 the original contract reads, “...all materials entering into the construction of the instrument, such as glue, felt, leather, etc., to be of the best the market offers, and the organ as a whole to be, when finished, a work of Art in the strictest sense of the word.” The organ was electrified around 1929, and a new console was added in the 50’s. In addition to the complete overhauling that it received in 1976, to ranks, trumpet and chimes were added. June 1976 parishioners were introduced to newly ordained Deacon Jeffrey Volzer, who spent six months at St. Stephen in a special program of internship before his ordination to the priesthood. Two major efforts were realized in 1977. Again through voluntary contributions, parish members paid for the purchase and installation of a new boiler for the school, $14,000 expenditure. Secondly, after minor repairs to the church and revarnishing of the pews, the walls of the church were painted and decorated by Rozzi Studios of Youngstown. The Blessed Sacrament altar was brought forward, and the Sanctuary screen was replaced with one in the Gothic mode of the structure. Also in 1977, storm windows were installed at the convent and the parish owned apartment building on Chestnut St. A contract was signed for the installation of storm windows at the church. The Materials have never taken precedence of the Spiritual at St. Stephen. The material needs have been successfully met only because parishioners have been God-centered in their lives. The past history of St. Stephen Church is witness of God’s fatherly love and affection toward his children who make up the St. Stephen family parish. We must give praise and thanksgiving to the Father for His generosity and care. As we step into the future, we know that God’s blessings and guidance will continue with us if we turn to Him in childlike prayer. So let our vision be filled with optimism and our spirits respond to Christ’s invitation, “COME, FOLLOW ME”. THE HISTORY OF ST. STEPHEN PARISH
1978-2003 Just as the Roman Catholic Church has evolved over the past 2
years, St. Stephen parish has had to adapt to changing times. Like the church as a whole, St. Stephen has had to adjust to the dramatic decrease in religious vocations and a corresponding need for an increase in lay participation. St. Stephen parishioners have been asked on several occasion to sacrifice and make donation to help preserve their church and school structures. In both cases, parishioners have responded in a generous fashion, sharing their time, talents and fortunes to enable St. Stephen to continue as a vibrant faith force in our community. PARISHIONER BECOME MORE INVOLVED Challenged to be active witnesses to their faith, increasing number of men and women have accepted roles in the church, which previously were reserved for priests and religious. Parishioners have become Readers of the Word, Ministers of the Eucharist, Catechists and Sacristans. They serve has helpers to their pastor in bringing converts to the Sacrament of Baptism, since the Rite of Initiation of Adults or R.I.C.A. was introduced in 1984. In preparation for the sacrament of Marriage, married couples volunteer to serve as sponsor couples for those preparing for the sacrament. Young girls are now permitted to be altar servers along with boys. During the pastorate of Father John Cunningham from 1983 to 1989, a Parish Council was formed to “enhance and ensure the quality of parish life and ministry.” Parishioners make up the membership of the council. A vibrant Outreach Mission developed out of parish council’s Christian Witness Committee. Outreach members comfort the homebound, the hospitalized, and the sick with visits, prayers, cards and distribution of Holy Eucharist. In June 1989, the Sisters of Humility of Mary departed St. Stephen’s Parish after more than 100 years. The order of nuns had served St. Stephen since 1881. Their roles of parish ministry and teachers at St. Stephen School are now filled by the laity. Sister Mary Slick, Margaret Burgess, and Kathryn Conry were the last remaining nuns at St. Stephen, and were honored with a farewell Mass and reception in June 1989. The large brick convent on the school grounds, which had been home to the sisters for many years, was razed in 1998. A PERIOD OF RENOVATION Father Robert Hannon, the church’s associate pastor, was named pastor of St. Stephen in 1989 upon the death of Father John Cunningham. Father Sylvester Kaminski was named to the Father Hannon’s Associate. Music is another area where lay involvement continued to grow in the past 25 years. Since 1991, Joseph and Patricia Maciejewski have served as organist for the church. Mr. Maciejewski accompanies the congregation at all Masses of Obligation and directs the church’s adult choir. He has instructed several cantors and soloists during his tenure, and in 2003 also introduced a Resurrection Choir, which sings at funeral Masses. Mrs. Maciejewski provides music for weddings and funerals. Father Hannon began a fund-raising drive in 1991 to help meet the most pressing needs of the church. Monies raised were used for the repair of church parking lots and sidewalks, the renovation of church restrooms, repair of the air conditioning unit, and the purchase of a computer and software for the church. However, major structural problems remained, most notable the deteriorating roof. In August 1988 church bulletin noted, “The interior of the church is in need of repair. Cracking plaster and pealing paint can be seen in several sections of the walls.” By the time Father John Gubser was named pastor in July 1992, church renovation had become a priority and necessity. Working with Parish Council’s Finance Committee and the architectural firm of Hunter, Howard and Saxon, Father Gubser announced a three-phase Capital Improvement Drive in August 1993. The congregation responded generously. By 1998, a new roof, gutters and spouting had been installed, putting an end to leaks that had caused the deterioration of the interior plaster. That same year, the vacant convent was torn down and the area cleaned for additional parking lot and playground space. In the spring of 1999, renovation of the church’s interior began. The work represented the most extensive renovation to date. All interior plaster was repaired, the church was painted and decorative wall coverings were installed along with new carpet and flooring. In 2000, the Christopher Grusha Memorial Bell Choir was formed in honor of a St Stephen School student who passed away in 1999. Christopher’s mother, Nancy Grusha directs the choir. By February 2000, the repairs were completed and new furnishings were purchased and placed in the sanctuary. New Stations of the Cross and statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph were mounted in place in 2001. A bell striker- a power unity with a programmable control panelwas installed. This improvement enabled the church bells to ring for Saturday and Sunday Masses, the daily Angelus, and for funerals. In addition, a new sound system was installed with funds donated by former parishioner Larry Sullivan, in memory of his late parents, Frank and Mayme Sullivan. In conjunction with the church’s 150th anniversary, the parish began a fund-raising drive to renovate the church organ. In 1914, parishioners made sacrifices to buy and install the 15-rank pipe organ, built by Philip Wirsching, one of the country’s premier organ builders. The organ has been recognized as a historical treasure, as few Wirsching organs still exist in Ohio. In the early 1970’s some renovation work was performed on the organ. Time and use, however, took their toll on the instrument, and by 2003, it was in need of major restoration. An organ Renovation Committee was formed and surveyed several companies for recommendations on the repair work, before a $58,000 fund drive was begun in July 2003 to pay for the renovation. The restoration would include the cleaning and tuning of all 886 pipes and repair of all wind chests, among other things, to bring the organ up to standards of the American Organ Guild. Work was to begin in early 2004. Today, St. Stephen Church is a beautiful house of worship, lovingly preserved by a generous and devoted family of believers. The church, school, rectory and their grounds make up an entire city block- a block of beauty. The St. Stephen campus is a point of pride for the entire community, and a valued asset in its downtown neighborhood. An imposing figure of the Sacred Heart stands at the front of St. Stephen property with a sign to identify the church and school to all passersby. Its arms uplifted in praise the statue embraces all in love. SHEPERDING THE ST. STEPHEN FLOCK Father John Gubser was named pastor of St. Stephen Parish on July 24, 1992, and continued in that leadership role as the church marked its 150th anniversary year. During his 11 years at St. Stephen, Father Gubser has offered parishioners many opportunities for spiritual growth. These have included the sharing of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, special Lenten and Advent penance services, Lenten missions preached by visiting priests, and, for the children, the introduction of the Liturgy of the Word for Children in November 1997. Ecumenically, the church maintains a visible presence in the community. Father Gubser has served as president of the Niles Clergy Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of Niles Community Services. St. Stephen participates in the Clergy Pulpit exchange, the Niles Interfaith Dinner, and the Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service. St. Stephen also hosts community suppers for the needy. A special Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated on Sunday, December 29, 2002, to mark the 40th anniversary of Father Gubser’s ordination. Parishioners honored him at a brunch that followed in the school hall. 2003- A YEAR OF CELEBRATION St. Stephen’s 150th Anniversary year has been marked by numerous events that have united parishioners in celebration. On Sunday, May 18, a community band concert and ice cream social were held in the school hall. The event included performance by the church’s Christopher Grusha Memorial Bell and the Canfield Community Band. It served as the kickoff for a year of events marking the 150th anniversary. The annual parish picnic took place on Sunday, July 13, a church history book was printed, and a new parish pictorial directory was photographed and compiled. In addition, anniversary committee members sold commemorative plates and banners. The events culminated with an anniversary Mas and Dinner on Sunday, September 14. Bishop Thomas Tobin concelebrated the 3:00 p.m. Mass, which was followed by dinner at Ciminero’s Banquet Center in downtown Niles. Former priests and nuns who had served at St. Stephen were invited to attend the Mass and banquet. Mayor Ralph Infante presented the parish with a proclamation from the city of Niles honoring the church for its 150 years of faith and ministry in the community. A Mass and brunch to celebrate the feast of St. Stephen (December 26) was scheduled for Sunday, December 28, and would culminate the year’s anniversary celebrations. |