Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
The beginning...1850
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.
Father John G. Freude
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Our first church building
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 William Heinen
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Our first official Pastor - Fr. Hubert H. Hammeke, 1885 to 1890
According to the official records of the parish, Father Hubert H. Hammeke was the first resident pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish. His residency encompassed the years from 1885 to 1890. During his tenure as pastor, Father Hammeke brought the Sisters of Charity to the parish from St. Joseph Church in East Mauch Chunk to instruct the Catholic youth of the Lehighton area. Sensing the need for both secular and religious training, he opened the parish school of Ss. Peter and Paul in 1886 with an enrollment of 60 pupils. The school was staffed by three sisters from the order of Saint Francis from Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania. The old church was remodeled at this time to serve both as a school and as a place of worship. During this time, the sisters lived in the basement of the old church.
From the Sat. March 29th, 1890 edition of the Carbon Advocate: "The members of St. Paul and Peter Catholic church called on Rev. Hammeke, prior to his departure for his new field of labor, and presented him with a handsome purse as an expression of their good will and hearty well wishes for continued future prosperity."
Father Hubert H. Hammeke
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Aegidus Mersch, 1890 to 1892
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."
A very early image of Ss Peter & Paul Church and School, late 1800's.
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Charles Sauers, 1892 to 1903
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."
Fr. Charles Sauers
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. William Hammeke, 1892 to 1903
Father William Hammeke, brother of the Reverend Hubert Hammeke, was then appointed pastor at Ss. Peter and Paul Church. Among his accomplishments while stationed in Lehighton was the building of a rectory. This building was later turned over to the sisters, and a new rectory was built on the south side of the church.
During Father Hammeke's pastorship, four mission parishes were established, these being Bowmanstown, Palmerton, Slatington, and Berlinsville.
Fr. William Hammeke
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Francis P. Regnery, 1903 to 1923
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.
Fr. Francis Regnery
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Charles Saas, 1923 to 1940
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.
Fr. Charles Saas
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. John P. Ludwig, 1940 to 1953
At this time, the Reverend John P. Ludwig was appointed his successor by Cardinal Dennis Dougherty. Under his administration, the excellent work of his predecessors was continued. In 1947, an impressive statue of Christ was erected between the church and the convent. In 1949, Father Ludwig supervised the redecorating of the church, installing new statues, new Stations of the Cross, new lighting, and a new heating system.
After thirteen years of service to the parish of Ss. Peter and Paul, Father Ludwig resigned his charge due to failing health.
Fr. John P. Ludwig
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. George J. Fenzil, 1953 to 1976
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.
Fr. George J. Fenzil
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Msgr. William E. Handges, 1976 to 1980
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.
Msgr. William E. Handges
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Joseph H. Kean, 1983 to 1987
Reverend Joseph H. Kean was appointed pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish by Bishop Joseph McShea on January 18, 1983. Under Father Kean's administration, the parish saw many changes. Shortly after Father Kean arrived in Lehighton, he undertook the much-needed renovation of the rectory. Due to the ever-growing enrollment of the school, Father Kean also undertook some necessary changes in the school. Under his direction, a junk room and the principal's office were transformed into a faculty lounge and a classroom, respectively. A new principal's office was built to replace the office remodeled into a classroom. The parish property was also beautified by landscaping the grounds.
During the 1984-1985 school year, a Kindergarten program was started to enhance an already well-established curriculum. Since the numbers of sisters in the order of St. Francis rapidly decreased, the sisters were forced to leave their Lehighton home after 99 years of service to the parish of Ss. Peter and Paul and the community of Lehighton. A travelling principal remained for one school term to run the school.
It was at this time that a new order of sisters, the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, agreed to live in Lehighton and teach the children of Ss. Peter and Paul School. Consequently, the convent was renovated thanks to the generosity of the parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul. Besides the additions to the faculty, which already consisted of five lay teachers, there were also many other changes in the school. Another important addition to the school curriculum was a pre-school program for three and four year-olds which was established to add to the ever-growing enrollment of the school.
In 1985, Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church celebrated its 100th Anniversary with special events held through the year. A special parish directory was printed featuring photos of the many organizations of the parish, plus photos of many of the parishioners.
From The Morning Call; September 21, 1985:
"The nation’s 50th state may be almost halfway around the world, but it will seem a little closer this weekend as members of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, Lehighton, stage “A Night of Hawaiian Delight” at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in the Lehighton Area High School auditorium. The program, an imaginary trip to Hawaii and Polynesia, is being held as part of the church’s 100th anniversary celebration. It will feature more than 80 children and adults from the parish in the cast."
"The show is being directed and produced by Josephine Noll, a Hawaiian native who has been putting together similar shows for the church for the past 11 years."
"The first half of the show will be educational and will take the audience on a tour of the eight major islands. Dr. John DeMatte will serve as narrator for this part of the program. The rest of the show is pure entertainment, featuring numerous native dances including the Polynesian “hukilau,” a simple hula, and rhythmic Tongan war dances performed with props such as feathered gourds, split bamboo sticks, flat stones and coconut shells. The production of the program has become a family affair over the years, with Noll’s mother and daughter playing major roles."
"Her mother, Toni Arial, a resident of the island of Oahu, helped Noll obtain some of the authentic costumes used in the production when it first began, and still helps secure fabric for parish volunteers who make some of the costumes."
"Mary Marzen, the director’s daughter and a member of Ss. Peter and Paul’s, is serving as choreographer and a dancer in the show, and Carl Marzen, Noll’s son-in-law, is acting as musical director."
From the Morning Call, Nov 10, 1985:
"Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, will hold a Eucharistic Day of Celebration at 7:30 p.m. today in the church. The Rev. Joseph Kean said the celebration is in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the church, which will run until the spring of 1986. Taking part in the service will be 21 ministers, five permanent deacons, the Knights of Columbus Calvary council, and several priests."
"The ministers taking part are Rev. Bruce Hall, Rev. David Ferner, Rev. Doris Bray, Rev. Robert Gildersleeve, Rev. Glenn Miller, Rev. Larry Seiger, Rev. Ben Zettlemoyer, Rev. Raymond Hower, Rev. Charles Kampmeyer, Rev. John Swavely, Rev. Dennis Ulrich, Rev. Roy Koehler, Rev. Manuel Stivers, Rev. Thomas Caddy, Rev. Daniel Hall, Rev. John Charnock, Rev. Stanley Haupt, Rev. H.W. Scott, Rev. Mike Bodnyk, Rev. John Hall and Rev. William Wartluft."
"Priests taking part in the program are Msgr. William Handges, Rev. Stephen Halabura, Rev. George Fenzil, Rev. Joseph Kweder, Rev. Fred Sattler, Rev. Kean and Rev. Robert Fagan. Sister Helen Rita and Sister Kathleen will also take part. Permanent deacons are Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hunkele, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Keenan, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pitts, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wilkerson and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Andrucisian."
L to R: Pat Sandherr, Fr. Joseph Kean, Josephine Noll
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Charles Marciano, 1987 to 1989
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.
Fr. Charles Marciano
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Msgr. Joseph Sobiesiak, 1989 to 1992
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.
Msgr. Joseph Sobiesiak
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Robert McConaghy, 1992 to 1999
Rev. Robert McConaghy was assigned to Ss Peter & Paul in 1992 and served until 1999. His homilies were inspirational. Upon leaving Ss Peter & Paul, he began missionary work in the Phillippines where he remains today.
Fr. Robert McConaghy
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Phillip Rodgers, 1999 to 2003
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.
Fr. Phillip Rodgers
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. James Bechtel, 2003 to 2005
Rev. James Bechtel served as Pastor from 2003 to 2005.
Fr. James Bechtel
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Edward Essig, 2005 to 2008
Rev. Edward Essig served as pastor from 2005 to 2008. He and his family donated a Sacred Heart statue and a Blessed Mother statue, both of which can be found in the niche on side of the church.
In 2007, the steps outside the front of the church were rebuilt to include a new ramp that extends to the corner of the property at 3rd & Coal Streets. A smaller set of steps was installed near where the original steps were located. A new sign was installed in front of the church to allow messages and events.
Fr. Edward Essig
History of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Michael Ahrensfield, 2008 to 2018
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.
Fr. Michael Ahrensfield
HISTORY OF SS PETER & PAUL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Fr. Christopher M. Zelonis, 2019 to present
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.
Fr. Christopher M. Zelonis