ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, GREENVILLE A brief history
In the rededication program booklet of March 25 for the church in Greenville, it was noted that "The tapestry that is St. Michael Roman Catholic Church is woven through the fabric of generations of the community of Greenville. However, the humble red-brick building situated on the west side of this blue-collar, northwestern Pennsylvania town has transcended Catholicism, serving nondenominational needs with compassion and dignity."
Here's a brief history:
The beginning: The roots of Catholicism in Greenville date to 1838 when missionaries, the Rev. John Reid and the Rev. Hugh Gallagher, said Masses in private homes. In 1848, John and Ferdinand Schmidt bought land and deeded it to the Catholic congregation. A small, frame church was built in 1849; an annex was added in 1869.
Founding: By 1889, the need for a permanent structure was clear, and ground was broken that year at the North High Street site. A cornerstore was laid in 1890 but it took until 1893 to complete the church at a cost of $35,000. Bishop Tobias Mullen dedicated the church June 25, 1893. The former church was turned into a school, which opened Jan. 9, 1899. This site was eventually sold when a new school was built in 1903 and became a high school in 1906. Also during this time, a convent for the Sisters of Mercy, who staffed the school, was built, and a rectory was constructed.
Other projects: In 1936, the Rev. James Kearns was appointed assistant at St. Michael's, where his brother, the Rev. John Kearns, was pastor. Father James pioneered a Catholic theater group, directing 12 major musical shows. They spent some 42 years at the church.
More changes: In the ensuing years, the church flourished with Catholic-based organizations including the Altar and Rosary Society, the Infant of Prague Guild, St. Michael's Dramatic Society, St. Michael's Athletic Association, Newman Club and community groups including Boy and Girl Scouts.
Contemporary times: During the pastorate of the Rev. Ralph Ciaiola from 1968 to 1989, the mission parish of St. Margaret's in Jamestown, Pa., was built. St. Michael High School closed in 1965. Monsignor Andrew Karg became pastor in 1999.
Source: St. Michael's Church and The History of Mercer County