The history of st marys church
...man speaking members of the congregation. Succeeding Father Predergast was Father Richard O’ Conner. His first entry in the Baptismal Register was on January 3, 1848. After him was Father Rudolph Etthofer who served as parishioner from 1848 to 1849. Ten years later, Father Fitzsimmons came back to the parish to preside for twelve more years. In October 1868, Reverend Dennis O’Hara was made the new pastor. But in failing health he died on June 27, 1874. For the next 29 years, Reverend Richard McAndrew and Reverend Patrick McManus presided over St, Mary’s. When Father John J. Curran took over he was mostly known for building Holy Savior Church and rectory. After John O’Donnell was at St. Mary’s for thirteen years, the Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, Martin O’Connor, took over. During his three years there, he made many improvements and repairs to the church. After O’Connor, Francis Costello presided over St. Mary’s for twenty five years. He was very active in many Catholic organizations and civil and ecumenical groups. When Costello died, Monsignor John Madden was appointed pastor. When he retired in 1985, the church was in need of a replacement. Monsignor Banick was assigned to St. Mary’s Church in 1986, he established the liturgical celebration of the liturgies on Sunday as the highest priority of parish life and ministry. Under his direction there have been many major productions completed. One of them has been the completion of the Parish Center. On December 8, 1995, Bishop James Timlim, Bishop of Scranton, made a pastoral visit to St. Mary’s Church to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Mary’s Church and to dedicate the newly completed Parish Center. To this date, Monsignor Banick is still with us at St. Mary’s. He has been a great priest and has done many things to help our parish succeed. St. Mary’s Church is a very big part of my life. I was baptized there and have been an acolyte there since I was in the fourth grade. My family has been a part of the parish for more than twenty five years. In fact, my parents were married there. Right now, ou...