Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church

Catholicism in Lehighton dates back to the year 1850, when there were seven Catholic families in the area. A missionary priest, Father John G. Freude served the area from Mauch Chunk to Berlinsville, covering the distance by horse and buggy.  He visited Lehighton once per month.  There was no church at the time.  Fr. Freude celebrated Mass at the Schwartz home on South First Street, a building later to become Smith Home Appliances, and now has several businesses located inside.

At a later unknown date, Father William Heinen built a small church in Lehighton to accommodate the Catholics of the town and gave them their own place of worship. This church was dedicated by Bishop Wood. The exact date of the founding of the church is unknown.

Seeing a need for missionary work in East Mauch Chunk, Father Heinen selected a few Catholic families from Lehighton and with them, founded the parish of St. Joseph. Once again, the Catholics of Lehighton had no pastor of their own, but were attended by a priest from St. Joseph in East Mauch Chunk. During this period, the elder girls of the parish travelled to East Mauch Chunk, sometimes on foot, for their religious instruction. They, in turn, would instruct the younger generation of the parish.

On November 6, 1875, the newspaper of the time, The Carbon Advocate, printed an article that the German Theatrical Association of Mauch Chunk would be performing "William Tell" on November 18th, 1875, to benefit Ss Peter and Paul Church, "of which Fr. Heinen is Pastor".

In the June 23rd, 1877 edition of The Carbon Advocate, it was noted that Father Heinen accompanied Jack Donohue as he ascended the gallows for his execution as part of the infamous Molly Maguires.  Fr. Heinen was his spiritual advisor.

Father Aegidus Mersch became pastor for the Catholic families of Lehighton in 1890 and served until 1892.

From the Sat. March 29th, 1890 edition of the Carbon Advocate:  "Rev. Father A. Mersch, of Philadelphia, held services for the first time in St. Peter and Paul Catholic church on last Sunday.  The reverend gentleman is  young in years but gives promise of a bright future.  Kind and pleasant of action and speech he has already made firm friends of his congregation."

From the Sat. July 25, 1891 edition of The Carbon Advocate, "Rev. Father Mersch, of the Catholic church, this town, on Wednesday chaperoned two wagon loads of boys and girls and some older folks, to Berlinsville, Lehigh county, where the day was pleasantly spent."

Father Mersch's successor was Father Charles Sauers who guided the parish from 1892 to 1903.

From the Carbon Advocate; Sept 30, 1893:  "Last Sunday, in Sts Peter and Paul's Church, Lehighton, this (Forty Hours Devotion) solemn service commenced at 8 o'clock a.m., conducted by the pastor, Father Sauers.  At 10 am, Rev. Father Masson of Philadelphia, offciated and also preached an eloquent sermon in the evening.  Monday evening, Rev. Wm Hamacke, of East Mauch Chunk, delivered an able discourse and conducted the evening services.  The conclusion on Monday was very well attended.  Rev. Fathers Bunce of Mauch Chunk, Charles Norris of Nesquehoning, and Wlliam Hammeke of East Mauch Chunk, were in attendance.  Fr. Norris preached an interesting sermon, and Fr. Bunce concluded the solemn service.  The pastor hereby tenders his thanks to the congregation for their prompt attendance."

In 1903, Father Francis Regnery came to serve the people of Lehighton. He saw the immediate need for a new church. However, it was not until August 21, 1906 that ground was broken. The cornerstone of the present church was laid on October 7, 1906. When fully completed, the construction of the church cost approximately $25,000. This modest yet adequate brick structure with stone trimming of gothic style architecture was dedicated by His Excellency, Archbishop Edmund Prendergast on Monday, September 1, 1907. The first solemn Mass in the new church was celebrated by the Reverend Father Longinus of St. John's Church in Pottsville at 10 A.M. 

Two new bells were installed in 1907. The large bell weighs 1230 pounds and the smaller one weighs 630 pounds. They are dedicated to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother, respectively. The old church was then remodeled for use as a full-time parochial school.

An early morning fire in 1910 was discovered by the sexton who arrived at the church to ring the morning Angelus. Destroyed in the fire were the altar, the candlesticks, the statuary, and similar fixtures.  The fire originated in the boys' sacristy adjoining the altar. The damage exceeded $1,000. Due to the fire, the new church was renovated, including being frescoed and beautifully decorated. Having been closed during the alterations, the church was reopened on Christmas Day of that year. It was also during this time that the Silver Jubilee of the parish was celebrated. 

Father Regnery's pastorate of Ss. Peter and Paul parish lasted until 1923, a stewardship of twenty years.

During the years 1923 to 1940, Father Charles Saas guided the parish with his zeal and well-known charity. It was during his administration and under his personal supervision that the present school building was erected. Digging for the new school building was begun on April 28, 1924. The cornerstone was laid on August 17, 1924. Classes were held in the building for the first time on February 9, 1925. It was also during this time that Father Saas turned over his residence on the south side of the church to the sisters as their convent. The sisters of Saint Francis lived at this convent until 1984. He then planned and built the present rectory as it stands today. In both construction jobs, Father Saas donned working clothes and helped in the manual labor.

On Saturday, June 3, 1939, the first Lehighton native to enter the priesthood was ordained by Cardinal Dennis Dougherty. Reverend James A. Murphy celebrated his first solemn Mass at 10 A.M. the following day in the church of Ss. Peter and Paul before an overflowing crowd of friends, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Father Murphy was paid tribute during a testimonial dinner and reception at St. Joseph's auditorium in East Mauch Chunk. This dinner, held on June 7, 1939, was given by the Damien Council No. 598, Knights of Columbus.

Due to his failing health, Father Saas resigned the pastorate of Ss. Peter and Paul in May of 1940.

The Reverend George J. Fenzil became Pastor of Ss Peter & Paul on March 27, 1953.

In 1954, Father Fenzil built an addition onto the school in order to meet the ever growing needs of the enrollment due to the increasing Catholic population in the area. He also remodeled the school and renovated the school hall, the kitchen in the school, and part of the convent. In 1975, Father Fenzil began renovating the exterior of the church when the church steeple was lowered and the roof, doors, and brick exterior were replaced. Father Fenzil retired in 1976 due to his failing health.

Father Fenzil's successor was the Reverend, later Monsignor William E. Handges. Earlier, Father Handges, now a Monsignor, lived in residence at Ss. Peter and Paul parish while teaching at Marian High School. Fulfilling the dreams of his predecessor, Father Handges continued the renovation of the church. On July 9, 1979, Father Handges undertook the interior beautification project of the church. During the remodeling of the inside of the church, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was held in the school hall. Complete exterior and interior renovations of the church were completed on Friday, September 21, 1979. At a special 7 pm Mass that evening, Father Fenzil and Father Handges concelebrated the first service held in the newly-renovated church.

Interior renovations included painting the walls ivory and beige tones, gold leafing, and rust-colored mosaics. Six new chandeliers and wall-to-wall carpeting were installed. Other new additions included oak pews, a new sound system, sanctuary furniture, organ screen, and several very unique wood carvings.  One depicts the Holy Family and was located above the baptismal font. The five-foot figures were made in Italy of linden wood. In the center of the sanctuary was the altar and directly behind it was a 12-foot high reredos adorned with hand carvings to form a cross. The altar of repose, complete with a golden tabernacle, was located on the right side of the sanctuary. Above the tabernacle was a six-foot wood carving of the Eucharistic Lamb, also crafted in Italy. It is an original by Ray Lorenzoni. The lamb, which symbolizes the risen Eucharistic Lord, is mounted on a golden circle superimposed on a six-foot cross and stands on a book with seven markers, symbolizing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. A dual-purpose room was built at the back of the church to be used for confessions and also as a quiet room for parents with small children during services. The old Stations of the Cross were preserved and finished in gold leaf. Also preserved were the beautiful stained-glass windows.

In 1987, Father Kean was transferred, and Rev. Charles Marciano became Pastor in 1987 and served until 1989, when he was transferred to Sacred Heart Church in Bath. 

Rev. Joseph Sobiesiak came to Ss Peter and Paul in 1989.  He conducted Bible studies and held a Seder Meal for parishioners to better understand what that was. 

Rev. Phillip Rodgers became Pastor in 1999 and he worked to get the youth of the parish more involved in parish life with Youth Groups. 

He coordinated the "Renew 2000" program, where parishioners met in small groups in peoples' homes to discuss their faidid he not th and the Church.

He served until 2003 when he was transferred to Mohnton.

Rev. James Bechtel served as Pastor from 2003 to 2005.

In 2008, the Diocese of Allentown made the decision to close and consolidate nearly 50 churches in the five-country area of the diocese.  As part of the restructuring, many priests were reassigned, and Rev. Michael Ahrensfield became Pastor in 2008.  This was not Father Ahrensfield's first assignment at Ss Peter & Paul.  He served as an assistant in the parish years before.

Former Deacon William Wagner passed away March 10, 2012.  He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Lehighton, where he served as a deacon for 33 years. While actively involved with the church, he taught Catechism, Pre-Marital and Baptism classes and was involved with the RCIA program and the Altar Society. He was also a member of the Knights Of Columbus.

In 2014, Ss Peter & Paul School was closed due to low enrollment and high costs after 128 years.  The building continues to be used for the PREP program, as well as events held in the cafeteria, now the parish hall.

In 2015, Joseph Wilhelm, a parishioner of Ss Peter & Paul, was one of 47 Lehigh Valley men ordained to the Permanent Deaconate for the Diocese of Allentown by Bishop John Barres.  He was assigned to Ss Peter & Paul parish where he continues to minister today.

In 2016, a new boiler was installed in the church basement.

On Monday, September 10th, 2018, Father Ahrensfield had just finished serving the 8 am Mass and had gone upstairs in the rectory to a sitting room to pray.  While he was praying, he suddenly passed away.  The following weekend, Rev. James Torpey, formerly a deacon who had been assigned to Ss Peter & Paul, came to celebrate the weekend Masses.  

June 18, 2019, Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis became Pastor and his installation Mass was held July 24, 2019.  Fr. Zelonis remains as Pastor to the present day.  Under his leadership, a number of upgrades and changes were made at Ss Peter & Paul.

In 2019, the old 1970's era Allen organ was replaced with a 1990's era Allen Renaissance organ with a midi system.  Also in 2019, the exterior roof that covers the church sanctuary was renovated.

In the spring of 2020, an unprecedented pandemic swept the entire world.  Travel was restricted, businesses were closed, and a quarantine was enacted.  As a result, public worship in churches was also restricted.  In the Diocese of Allentown, the weekly requirement of Mass attendance was lifted temporarily, churches were only open for private prayer.

At Ss Peter & Paul parish, the church was open for public prayer.  People had to maintain social distancing and wear face masks.  Public attendance at Masses was not permitted.  Father Zelonis set up a temporary chapel in the rectory, offering Mass via livestream.  

Holy Week of 2020 was the first time Mass was offered in the church, although the public still could not attend.  Carl Marzen set up a cell phone and a laptop computer to enable livestreaming of the Masses and Liturgies.  Father Zelonis along with Deacon Joseph Wilhelm celebrated the Masses in the church, while Jim Logue played the organ and Mary Marzen sang.  Following Easter, all the weekend Masses were livestreamed using the cell phone and laptop computer.  Later, a more permanent camera and livestreaming system was set up to continue livestreaming of all Masses and other events in the church.  Confessions were set up in the front vestibule of the rectory, since the crying room was blocked off during the pandemic and was used for storage.

Later in October, 2020, a new reredos, altar, lectern, and other sanctuary furnishings were installed in the church.  These came from a Catholic church in Minersville that had closed. 

In 2021, a complete replacement of the rectory porch and steps was done, with all new cement work and railings.  The church roof was renovated in 2021 as well.

In 2022, Father Zelonis oversaw a complete interior renovation of the church.  All the small cracks and chips were repaired and the walls and ceiling repainted.  

In 2023, the carpeting in the sanctuary was removed and replaced with a new tile floor.