First Presbyterian Church

At the time, all services were conducted in welsh by the Rev. William Morgan, pastor of Baptist churches in Pottsville and five points (on the road to new Philadelphia), who walked to his three charges. This church was located at 23 South Front Street (next to the Wagner residence).

However, by 1870 a large number of English speaking immigrants desired their own services. In that year a Sunday school at 9 a.m. Was started under the Rev. A. H. Sembower, pastor of the first Baptist church of Pottsville, and lay leader Sanford Morgan.

On Feb. 16, 1871, the English element organized its own parish as part of the Pottsville charge and named it the First English Baptist Church of Saint Clair. At first, services were held in the so-called Greek schoolhouse on north Front Street, near the church's present location.

The original church of frame construction was dedicated on Dec. 31, 1871, on the present site. The name of the church was later changed to Bethlehem Baptist church. By 1910, the existing building was considered inadequate. With $500 bequeathed by William Waters and additional adjoining land donated by Ann Griffith, plans for a new church were started.

The present brick building was erected at a cost of $18,000. The cornerstone was laid in 1911 and dedication services were held on December. 15, 1912.

The Rev. T. D. Morris was appointed pastor of the church on February. 1, 1914, and served for 30 years.

In the early 1920's the few remaining members of the Welsh Baptist church transferred their membership to the English church.

The church continues to worship God and celebrate their welsh heritage with an annual welsh hymn sing held in the spring of the year.

First Presbyterian Church

120 North Mill Street

The Reverend Elmer Davis

In 1905, Lehigh Presbytery invited The Rev Joseph Kohout from Kansas City, Kansas to serve the twelve families of "Slovak Calvins" that Michael Ondik had gathered a few years, earlier in St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Pastor Kohout did missionary work among the Slovak families of the Reformed and Lutheran Traditions. In 1910, Pastor Kohout left the area, the same year that George Bardarik, a future pastor, entered training for the ministry.

Miss Stella Horak and Mr. Frank Sintak carried on the work, but it was Miss Horak's work with children that, to a large degree, kept the Slovak families of the Calvinistic tradition together. By 1916, Miss Horak left the field, and about 1919 Rev. Sintak accepted the call of a Bohemian Church "Somewhere in the West".

On May 20, 1920, Lehigh Presbytery invited the Rev. George Bardarik to take over the work. From the start he was well received. The early prayer services were held in the homes of Paul Botto and Michael Maksim. In September of 1920 the congregation rented an old Welsh Baptist Church building for all services. The Congregation was organized in May of 1921. The next month the church was structured, and the officers elected. . In 1932, the church bought the land on which the present Church building and manse were constructed, and dedicated on September 18, 1933. The entire costs were $30,000. The congregation by 1945 paid off an indebtedness of $14,000.

Pastor Bardarik served the church well until he moved on to a new call in 1949. At that time there were 107 active members, 60 young persons in the Christian Endeavor, and a large Sunday School. When World War II broke out the membership reached 150. At this time there were three worship services each Sunday to accommodate the bilingual congregation, a large Sunday School attendance, and about 60 young people in an early evening Christian Endeavor. However, during World War H, when many young persons entered military services, and others left the area for available jobs elsewhere, there was a sharp decline in membership.

Like most churches of the area, the congregation did not recover from the exodus of so many of its youth. With the deaths of the immigrant generation over the years the membership continued to decline. At present the active membership is less than 30, but this loyal group worships regularly at 9: 00 a.m. each Sunday, and maintains the properties of church and manse.

Most interesting, for this congregation, has been its vocational choices. The immigrant generation heads of households took whatever jobs they could get, principally in the mines of the area. The second generation saw most of its men and women seek skilled work in a wider area reaching to Harrisburg, Reading and the Lehigh Valley, The third and fourth generations have sought advancement through education. As a result, at one time, the current pastor could count many young persons with Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts Degrees, several Master Degrees and even a couple of Doctoral degrees. Unfortunately, for employment, most of these had to locate all over the United States, further decreasing the church's opportunity to regain its lost membership.

First Primitive Methodist Church

115 North Mill Street

The Reverend Donald Keller

The First Primitive Methodist church in Saint Clair was the very first church in Saint Clair and the first organized Primitive Methodist Church in Schuylkill County. It has been around for 168 years. Not only is it the oldest church in Saint Clair, but also it is the only church that can boast having one of the founders of its denominational life among its former ministry.

Missionaries sent from England began primitive Methodism in America in 1829. A layman, Edmund Heapes, of Patterson, New Jersey, visited the area and is give credit for beginning the work in Saint Clair. Meetings were held in private homes until the fall of 1831 when the group secured the use of the schoolhouse located in the Saint Clair Borough Cemetery. Hugh Borne, founder of Primitive Methodism, visited America around the year 1845 and ministered from the pulpit in Saint Clair for quite a time The first church building was planned for and erected in 1847 while the Rev. Alexander Miller was pastor at a cost of $2,000. It was a frame building located on the present site. The land for the church was partially donated, and then one-half of the lot was sold to William Yoe for $100, which was the purchase price for the entire lot. As a further item of sale, Mr. Yoe agreed that if he sold any section of his purchase for any amount over $100, the surplus shall be returned to the church society.

The work continued under Rev. Alexander Miller and the organization was chartered December 14, 1848 with the following charter members: John Bamford, John Bates, Philip Lewis, Mary Lewis, Maria Jackson, Mary Fox, Elizabeth Taylor, William Gehering, Ellen Jones, Elizabeth Turner, William Kay and William and Martha Williams.

Progress of the church was steady until during the ministry of Rev. Charles Spurr in 1864, a parsonage located on North Nicholas Street was purchased for $700.

In 1868, Rev. S. Horwell came, and during his pastorate in 1875, the present church building was erected. At this time, mine workings under the church settled, causing the old building to be damaged and was rendered unsafe for worship. The old building was torn down and a new frame church was built. When completed the church cost about $7,500. It was on September 12, 1876 the church was formally dedicated to the worship of God with the cornerstone being laid with Masonic ceremonies, with the Rev. J. W. Read in charge and the Rev. Joseph Odell preaching the sermon. The debt remained on the new church and was Finally liquidated in 1899 during the ministry of Rev. W.H. Acornley.

About the turn of the century working conditions became poor in Saint Clair area and the church had its most difficult period. For a decade the industrial conditions had a great influence on the church, the membership was so depleted and the faith of the few who were left became shaken until the society voted to request the Annual Conference, held at Mount Carmel in 1912 to disband the work and to dispose of the property. The Conference, however, did not agree to the proposal and instead sent the Rev. Thomas E. Jones to the church instead.

Arriving in the field in 1912, Rev. Jones being a tireless worker with a firm faith and convictions rallied to the forces to work, the tide turned and gradually the work has grown until it became one of the strongest congregations among the Protestant churches in Saint Clair. Upon his arrival $600 was spent to electrify and paint the sanctuary. In 1914 art glass windows were added and a steam heating plant installed.

In 1920, during the pastorate of the Rev. John Stephens, the old parsonage on Nicholas Street was sold and in 1921 a new parsonage was built on the adjoining property, north of the church at a cost of $13,000. In 1925 a tower was built to beautify the front of the church. The first organ was purchased in 1940-42 under the ministry of Dr. Richard Owens

In 1951, Rev. Heller came to Saint Clair. He served the church for 10 years, one of the longest terms of service for the 47 ministers who have served the church. From 1951 to 1961 many improvements were made to the church. A new furnace, new churches lights, remodeling of the sanctuary walls and alter area were made. The mortgage burning ceremony took place during the 125th Anniversary Sunday morning service in 1956.

In 1963 property next to the parsonage was purchased, the building was torn down to build a much needed parking lot.

Between 1974-1978 the Department of Labor and industry put legal restrictions on the church due to fire regulations. Thanks to the estate of George Carl renovations of $70,000 were completed to bring the whole building up to State specifications. Between 1980-81 the outside of the church received a face-lift with aluminum siding and stone facing.

The church celebrated its 150^th (Sesquicentennial) Anniversary in 1981. In all there have been forty-nine ministers serving the church and local community. Another long-time minister was Rev. George Kropp, who served here for approximately 15 years ending in June of 1999.

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church

Nichols & Hancock Streets

The Reverend James Smith

The Reverend Thomas A. Starkey who first held services at the Lawton Mansion, Super’s Hall and the Front Street School building organized Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in 1847. On July 7, 1854 the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen purchased lot 198 and 199, situated on the comer of Nichols and Hancock Streets from Abram Hart, his wife Rebecca C., Elizabeth C. Baird from Philadelphia and Henry C. Carey from Burlington, New Jersey for the sum of $300.00. The Reverend Daniel Washburn of Pottsville laid the cornerstone of the present church October 8, 1854.

The first vestry was organized October 8, 1847 in the home of Charles Lawton. The first choir was organized in 1857. In 1858, the parishioners raised enough money to have a choir gallery constructed in the church. A committee on music was formed in 1887 and the first vested choir organized shortly thereafter. In 1903 the first choir stalls were placed in the church. In 1906 or 1907 a pipe organ was installed. The present Austen pipe organ was dedicated in 1927.

Other improvements to the structure were made in 1860 when a schoolroom was added. The rectory was constructed in the late 1860's being enlarged in 1827.

By 1930 a large renovation project took place. The interior of the church had been redecorated, the Parish House had been improved, with an enlarged and modernized stage, and the whole interior redecorated and repainted. The church property, including the rectory had been painted and the heating plant thoroughly renovated.

In more recent years, with the decline of Episcopalians in the county, on December 22, 1971 the North Parish, consisting of Holy Apostles, Christ Church in Frackville, St. Paul's in Minersville and St. John's in Ashland was formed.

In 1978, the bellows on the pipe organ required major repairs. It was at this time that a group of interested parishioners formed the Good Shepherd Guild. Many improvements to the church have been made. This organization continues today.

In March 2000, The Reverend James Smith, a Saint Clair native, was ordained into the priesthood and serves North Parish, as it's rector. We have an active Sunday school with ages varying from 2 to IO years of age. The Sunday school sponsors various Outreach projects throughout the year. Some of these projects include: collecting new and used clothing and donating then to a local women's shelter; participating in Super Bowl Sunday which includes collecting money and can goods for a local soup kitchen; sending cards to local Veteran' s Hospitals to remind Veterans they are not forgotten and collecting pet food, supplies and money for the Hillside S.P.C.A. as a "Make a Difference Day" project.

This past year we were honored to be a part of Saint Clair's Sesquicentennial Celebration. Many meetings were held in the Parish House and we were part of the Family Day Picnic and the Tour of the Churches.

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church

254 North Mill Street

The Reverend John Wysozhanski

Our founding fathers emigrated from the most part from that territory of the Ukraine, then part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire known as Lemkivschina.

On February 2, 1922 a lot with an existing frame home on North Mill Street was purchased by a group of founding fathers. This was done in spite of the disastrous coal strike of 1922. Many of these founders were unemployed, without the benefit of today's unemployment compensation or strike benefits, yet they went ahead with their plans. Being thrifty and practical rather than demolishing the building they decided to move it to the rear of the lot, where it now stands, and utilize the facilities as a temporary chapel and rectory. Because of the strike, manpower was readily available and by utilizing a system of rollers, the structure was moved to its present location. The men of the parish then set out to dig, by hand, the basement and helped put in the solid basement foundation.

The first Pastor, Fr. Jaroslav Skrosty, conducted Divine Liturgy and other religious services. Having a background in architecture, Fr. Skrotsky drew up the plans for the structural design of the church, which, at that time, cost $80,000. It was one of the first buildings in St. Clair to have a steel superstructure.

Originally this church was named St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. 1944 was a time of reorganization for this church and it was then placed under the patronage of the Most Holy Trinity.

Many clergy and religious call this their home parish. Among these is the late beloved Bishop, the Most Reverend John Stock, D.D. who was ordained in December of 1948. He served as the representative of the Ukrainian refugee committee in Western Europe fro 1946 until 1952. He was consecrated as Bishop in 1971.

Another son of the Parish, Peter Skincosky, was ordained a priest of God in June 1947. He was an instructor at St. Basil’s Seminary in Stamford, Conn. Later he was elevated to Monsignor and became rector of St. Basil’s Seminary.

Two daughters of the Parish also entered the religious light. Sister Evelyn Stock and Sister Zachary Kuzio.

Presently Fr. John Wysochansky, who came to us in 1988, ably administers our parish..

Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Caroline Avenue – Diener’s Hill

The Reverend Paul E. Masiar

It was in the 1870's that the Slovaks began to migrate to the United States from their homeland. They settled in different parts of the country. Schuylkill County was one of those parts situated in the rich coalfields of Pennsylvania.

In the early 1900's a priest by the name of Rev. Peter H. Schaaf a native of St. Clair, was acquainted with the local Slovaks. He was assistant rector of St. Joseph's Church, Jim Thorpe. It was under his guidance that plans for a parish was formulated.

Mrs. Mary Dormer sold the land at the southeastern end of town to Archbishop Patrick John Ryan. The property was known as Dormers Place was atop a high hill and was the perfect setting for a church. A dance hall on the property was remodeled and became St. Mary's Slovak Church.

The first mass was celebrated July 22, 1904. The Rev. John Stanek was the parish's first resident pastor. This improvised church was used for services while the brick edifice was being constructed.

In 1905, Archbishop Ryan gave the parish its name, The Immaculate Conception.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1913 the new church was dedicated. It was brick of the Gothic style of architecture and cost $25,000. The tower was equipped with a peal of bells that added to the majesty of this cathedral like church.

Unfortunately, structural defects developed to such an extent that in 1921, the church was condemned for use. For 8 years services were held in the frame building used prior to the construction of the brick church.

On July 27, 1930 the rededication of the present church building took place. Not only had the church been rebuilt, but also the entire parish property was landscaped. Later a pipe organ was installed by Mudler- Hunter Co. of Philadelphia at the cost of $1,100.

Stained glass windows costing $l stained $85 each and statuary costing $55 each were donated by various parishioners.

Depicted in the stained glass windows are; St. Andrew, Christ in Gethesame, St. Gabriel, St. Bernard, Holy Family, Resurrection, St. Joseph, Annunciation, Sts.Cyril and Methodius.

Statuary include: St. Joseph, St. Francis, St. Stephen, St. Philip, Guardian Angel, St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew, St. Barbara, St. Anthony, The Little Flower Pieta.

Through the efforts of dedicated pastors and loyal parishioners the church has been maintained well over the years.

In 1950 Mr. and Mrs. John Sninsky donated the beautiful outdoor grotto. A small chapel has been built in the basement of the main church. It is used for daily masses during the winter months.

The present pastor, Father Masiar is responsible for the replacement of the windows, Chalice and Host, in the Pieta area and in the choir loft, the Musical Symbols, St. Catharine of Siena, St. Cecilia, St. Anne, and St. Elizabeth.

Father Masiar also had all the old trees removed from the front hillside and had shrubbery planted in they’re places as well as having the grounds landscaped.

This magnificent church and its lovely grounds are one you will not want to miss on your tour of the churches

Saint Boniface Roman Catholic Church

Nichols and Lawton Streets

The Reverend Kevin Gallagher

A parish history terms Saint Boniface church the mother of the Roman Catholic Parishes in the anthracite mining town, since at the time of its founding under the auspices of the German Catholic settlers and for many years after, this parish administered the faith to all Catholics of the town and immediate environment.

After giving permission in 1852 for the church to be built in Saint Clair, Bishop Neumann (now St. John Neumann) wrote to a friend in Europe, Rev. Herman Dichtl, that he thanked God for his rich blessings upon the efforts of Fr. Dichtl on behalf of the Diocese.

The Rev. Wencelaus John Repis, who was working among the miners of Saint Clair, became the first pastor of Saint Boniface Church, which was blessed by Bishop Neumann October 30, 1853 at which time he administered the sacrament of confirmation to 43 persons. Mr. Jacob Metz, assisted by members of the congregation, Messrs. Michael Lang, Frank Frey, and John Betz, built the church.

Fr. Repis served the Saint Clair church until August 1854. The Rev. Joseph Hamm who had been ordained by Bishop Neumann succeeded him. Bishop Neumann authorized the blessing of a cemetery in 1858 for the German Catholics of Saint Clair.

Among the other clergy who served Saint Boniface Church in the early years were Rev. Severin, Rev. Philip Woerner, Rev. Francis Neufeld, Rev. Alphonsus Schleble, Rev. Herman Depmann (who added two cast bronze bells I 1866 in the church tower), Rev. Bernard Dornhege, Rev. John Gerhard Freude, Rev. Fredrick Schleble, Rev. Aloysius Misteli, and Rev. Joseph Nerz. During Rev. Nerz’s pastorate a new catholic school was built to replace the old one. On August 6, 1893 the corner stone laying and blessing took place. Rev. Charles Sauers became pastor serving until 1902, Fr. Saures had a larger tower built to Saint Boniface Church in 1902. Rev. Abert Korves replaced Fr. Sauers, During Rev. Korves’s administration a new rectory was built. The original rectory, is now the home of Mr. John Zerdy (43 S. Nichols St.). Rev. Joseph A. Schaeffer was the next pastor, serving from 1911 to 1945. Some of his most outstanding projects was the improvement of the parish property, including the remodeling of the church and school from frame to brick buildings in 1928 and the addition of a stained glass dome above the high altar, new stations of the cross, statue of Saint Boniface, and redecorating the church interior and a new tile roof on the church. Rev. George Fenzil served Saint Boniface from 1945 to 1948. Then came Rev. Vincent J. Hillanbrand, Fr. Hillianbrand was born December 25, 1888, and he served St. Boniface from September 1948 until about 1967 when he became ill. Fr. Hillanbrand died January 3, 1970 and was the last resident pastor of Saint Boniface. Fr. William J. McHale, assumed the pastoral duties about 1967 during the illness of Fr. Hillanbrand. During Fr. McHale’s pastorate many needed improvements were made to the church and parish buildings including the parish cemetery. Fr. McHale started renovations to the interior of the church to conform to Vatican II. Fr. McHale served until June 1975, and then the duties of pastor were delegated to the Rev. Francis McNelis. Fr. McNelis completed renovations started by Fr. McHale by adding new carpet and new altars. The next priest was Rev. Michael Piovane who left on November 2, 1986. Rev. Francis P. Schoenauer succeeded him. Under Fr. Schoenauer’s administration, the interior of the church underwent a restoration project. The interior of the church was repainted and stenciled. New red carpet was added along with a public address system and organ. Fr. James Ward succeeded Fr. Schoenauer. During Fr. Ward’s pastorate an antique gothic high altar with reredos was added to the sanctuary to complete the restoration project. Fr. Kevin Gallagher succeeded Fr. Ward in May 1999. Fr. Gallagher is the present pastor of Saint Boniface.

The nuns who taught at Saint Boniface School were the sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

Priests from St. Boniface Parish

The Rev. Peter P. Gottschall, ordained July 1, 1911, the Rev. Peter H. Schaaf, ordained July 9, 1900, the Rev. Augustine P. Wachter, ordained May 24, 1902 and Rev. Joseph I. Plappert, ordained May 24, 1906.

Sisters from St. Boniface Parish

Sister M. Simeona (Johanna Klein)-Franciscan order, Sister M. Pulcheria (Victoria Klein)-Franciscan Order, Sister Ursulina (Anna Mary Scholly)-Sisters of Christian Charity, Sister Leocadia (Catherine Scholly)- Sisters of Christian Charity, Sister Dolorosa (Magdalene Bauer)- Sisters of Christian Charity, Sister Venanitia (Elizabeth Bauer)- Sisters of Christian Charity, Sister Leonore (Dolorosa Bauer)-Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Mary Rosamunda (Louise Scholly)-Franciscan Order, and Sister M. Elisea (Margaret Ploppert)-Franciscan Order.

Facts and Points of Interest

The original frame building, which dates back to 1853, is contained within the brick exterior walls. The stained glass windows date back to 1900, which were donated by the parishioners. The oldest being a double window is located in the alcove in the sanctuary to the left. The windows depict St. Boniface and St. Elizabeth of Hungary and date back to the late 1800’s. These were donated by the church sodalities, Vonder Sodalitat and Vom Rosenkranz Verein. These windows ere originally located on the back wall of each side of the high altar. The stained glass dome above the altar is rather unusual and dates back to 1928. The center panel was donated by Rev. Joseph A. Schaeffer and depicts St. Boniface.

The back altar and reredos was obtained from St. Stephens’s church in Coal Township and placed in St. Boniface church in December of 1998. The altar is of the Gothic style and weights 2,500 lbs. And is similar to the original high altar which was made by Maurus Oestreich for at St. Boniface over 100 years ago and was removed during renovations some 32 years ago.

A statue of St. Barbra Patron of miners is located in a niche at the top of the reredos of the back altar and is one of St. Boniface’s original statues. It was imported from Germany and is over 100 years old. The wood carved corpus (image of the Body of Christ) on the marble crucifix located in the reredos was the original one used at St. Boniface in the early years and was hand carved in Germany over 100 years ago.

The new altar of sacrifice located in front of the back altar contains the original altar stone with relics consecrated by Bishop Neumann on July 27, 1852. The statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph are located over the side altars. They are original and were imported form Germany over 100 years ago.

There are three cast bronze bells in the church tower. One of which bears the date1853, date of the church’s founding. Bell founder Joseph Bernhard in Philadelphia, PA, who also recast the sister Liberty Bell, cast these bells.

First electric lights (16) were placed in the church February 13, 1893. In the back of the church under the choir loft to the left is a small room, which is a shrine to St. John Neumann. It contains a first class relic of St. John Neumann in a reliquary. Also the small altar in the shrine was made from a section of the original church’s high altar made by Maurus Oestrich over 100 years ago. Mr. Oestrich, a parishioner, was a carpenter and organ builder who specialized in making pipe organs and church furnishings in the mid to late 1800’s. The large crucifix in the back of the church under the choir loft to the right (the image of Christ crucified) is over 100 years old.

Saint Casmir's Lithuanian Catholic Church

441 South Nichols Street

The Reverend Ronald Jankaitis

A Lithuanian parish was formed in Saint Clair in 1912. Rev. A. Kutas visited the newly established parish and celebrated Mass weekly in the Missonia Hall (formally Buchanan’s Pharmacy on S, 2^nd St.). Saint Mary’s Church and later in the Columbia Hall (now called Columbia Hose House).

In 1915 Mass was being held at the Saint Boniface schoolhouse and the parishioners decided it was time to purchase a plot of ground on South Nichols Street. Ground was broken and the construction of the parish was officially named Saint Casimir’s Church.

The need for a parish cemetery was clearly evident so a strip of land was purchased near Port Carbon in October 1929. The Right Reverend Monsignor Rrusas of Chicago, Illinois blessed the new Saint Casimir’s cemetery.

In 1937, the Silver Jubilee year of St. Casimir's Parish brought with it many renovations to the interior of the church, especially the very unique painting of Our Lady of Vilna on the church ceiling, done by artist Mr. Mino Squillace & Sons. This is a replica of the miraculous figure of Our Lady which stood for 500 years in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. Mr. John Bakas, a parishioner, now deceased, did the oval paintings of Our Lord & Our Lady of Saint Casimir’s Church. Mr. Bakas also painted the pictures of Our Lady and Saint Casimir near the front entrance to the church.

In 1952 Our Lady of Fatima shrine was erected and dedicated alongside of the front entrance. Alfredo Soldani, Massa, Italy, carved the statues of Carrara Marble. The statue of Saint Jude was erected in 1958. In 1959 Baut Studios from Forty Fort, PA installed stained glass windows. They were made possible by individual gifts.

Over the years Saint Casimir's has been blessed with many vocations, including Monsignor Gerald Gobitas, Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J. and our present seminarian, Christopher Zelonis.

Our present Pastor, Rev. Ronald Jankaitis, a native of Shenandoah, Pa., is also the Principal of Nativity B.V.M. High School in Pottsville.

During Father Jankaitis's pastorate, our church has undergone a number of renovations and building projects to better enhance our spiritual appreciation of our lovely church. Father Jankaitis has been the shepherd of our flock of 200 families since 1986.

Our Rosary Confraternity group provides spiritual and financial help to Saint Casimir's Parish and the dedication of our Pierogie Sales workers is evident by our successful monthly sales of pierogies & haluskie.

The generosity of our parishioners & friends has been the financial backbone of the parish. Under the protection of the Blessed Mother and our patron Saint Casimir, the church stands as a testament to the memory of the founders of the church, its benefactors, parishioners and friends, many long since departed, who by their personal sacrifices and prayers contributed to the many years of its existence to the greater glory of God.

www.stcasimirschurch.org

Saint John's Lutheran Church

North Nichols Street

The Reverend Mindy Heppe

The first Slovak immigrants to the United States were attracted to the coalfields of Pennsylvania. Those who settled in Saint Clair in the early 19^th century banded together in their homes or public halls to worship in their native language.

A German missionary named Kohut was one of the first ministers to hold services for the Slovak Lutherans in Saint Clair.

In 1907, approximately 15 families banded together to form a congregation. Under the direction of the Rev. John Hurdy of Hazleton, the parish rented the German Lutheran Church on North Nichols Street from the Pennsylvania Ministerium.

Also influential in founding the congregation were Paul Juris, Martin Hubera Sr., Michael Tranowsky and Stephen Kovac. The church was officially organized August 11, 1907.

St. John’s Church was built in 1873 by approximately 20 German Lutherans who left the joint Reformed Lutheran congregation after a long battle over whether German or English should be used in worship services. The Germans sold their half of the church to the Reformed (now St. John’s United Church of Christ on South Front Street) for $1,825, and purchased a lot on North Nichols Street for $2,000.