St. John the Evangelist Church
Rev. Lance Gonyo, Pastor
55 Martha Street, Spencerport, NY 14559
(p) 585•352•5481     Email Us: sstjohnc@dor.org



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Diamond Jubilee History

History of St. John's Parish, Spencerport, New York 1867 - 1942
by Rev. Alfred Horr

We dedicate this booklet to all the loyal parishioners of St. John's past and present, whose sacrifices and generosities throughout the years have culminated on this Seventy-Fifth Anniversary in presenting to God free of debt, a church of which they and future generations may well be proud; a lasting monument to their Catholic faith.

The text in the above image reads:

St. John the Evangelist
Every Catholic Church throughout the world is dedicated to God under the patronage of Our Divine Saviour, His Blessed Mother, or some particular Saint. St. John's Church has been placed under the guidance and protection of the Apostle and Evangelist, St. John. In writing a history of this parish, we feel it appropriate to reface that history with a brief sketch of the life of the patron of this church - John, "the Apostle whom Jesus loved."

St. John was the last of the four evangelists to write an inspired life of Our Lord. He was also the last survivor among the "Chosen Twelve." Only miraculously was he preserved from a martyr's death when he was submerged in a caldron of boiling oil in the persecution under the Emperor Domitian.

The Church honors him as Apostle and Evangelist, as Doctor, because of the theme of his Gospel, and as martyr, because he withstood the torment of torture even though it did not cause his death.

John is traditionally considered to be younger than his brother, the Apostle James, because his name usually follows that of James in an enumeration of the Apostles. Both followed the trade of their father, Zebedee, and both worked with him to earn their livelihood as fishermen on the Lake of Genesareth. Peter and Andrew likewise belonged to this group of fishermen.

With Peter and James, John completes the triumvirate who received special favors from Our Lord. The trio were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter back to life, of the Transfiguration, and of the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemani. John was sent with Peter to arrange for the Last Supper at which his place was next to that of Christ.

Of the Chosen Twelve, John alone dared to stand by his Master openly throughout the Passion. It is generally accepted that the "other disciple" who followed Christ into the palace of the high priest, and who saw to it that Peter was allowed to enter is none other than John. As he stood at to foot of the Cross, he was honored by the dying Saviour to look after the Blessed Mother.

There is no record of the time when John left Jerusalem. Perhaps he stayed in the Holy Land for about twelve years after the death of our Blessed Lord. From the Apocalypse it is known that he spent some time on the island of Patmos, where he had been exiled by the Roman authorities. Tradition holds that he outlived all the other Apostles and died at a very old age of nearly one hundred years about the turn of the first century.

These are a few of the noteworthy facts concerning the life of St. John, the patron of this church.

Beginnings of Catholicism in Western New York
More than two hundred years before the founding of St. John's Parish, the seeds of Catholicity were being sown in the Western part of our state by a small band of zealous missionaries who came from other lands to bring a knowledge of God to hostile Indian warriors. In the year 1656, a small group of Jesuit missionaries came to what is now Ontario County and there uplifted the Cross, the emblem of the Christian religion. From that day to our own, the seed down by those early priests has steadily developed and with God's grace produced an abundant harvest.

The Senecas and Cayugas, two of the Iroquois League of Indians, inhabited Western New York before the white man invaded its forests or navigated its streams. The Seneca Indians had villages throughout the Genesee Valley, and the site where Rochester now stands was decorated with their wigwams. These, together with the Cayugas made frequent raids into the country of the Hurons of Northern Canada and carried off many captives who had been instructed in the faith by the French missionaries from Quebec. So numerous were these captives, that at one time they formed an entire village they called St. Michael's. This village was situated in what is now the present town of East Bloomfield, New York. Father Fremin, a Jesuit, built a chapel there and said the first Mass on November 3rd, 1668. Three years later, Father James Pierron, likewise a Jesuit, became a resident missionary in the Indian village of Gannagaw or St. James, located south of the present town of Victor, New York. For many years, in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and difficulties, the Jesuits maintained a number of prosperous missions within the territory of Western New York where they labored faithfully and zealously, keeping alive and spreading the faith which had been brought to the inhabitants of this part of the state.

From these early beginnings, Catholicism in these parts took root and spread. Catholic Churches were erected in some localities, and a small number of zealous priests ministered to the spiritual needs to the Catholic people. Prior to the year 1808, the Catholic Churches in New York State were governed by church authorities in New York City under the direction of Archbishop Carroll of Baltimore. In the year 1808, the Holy See appointed the first Bishop of New York, Most Rev. Luke Concanon, O.P.  The territory now comprising St. John's parish was under the immediate jurisdiction of the Bishop of New York until 1847, when it became part of the newly established Diocese of Buffalo with the Most Rev. John Timon as Bishop. It was during the episcopacy of Bishop Timon that the development and growth of Catholicism in this locality became marked. Undoubtedly the great influx of Irish immigrants who moved westward along the Erie Canal to these parts explains to a great extent the rapid growth of the Catholic population. The great difficulty confronting Bishop Timon and others at this time was the scarcity of priests. It was necessary for priests to minister to the spiritual needs of Catholics in several different localities during these early days.

History of the Parish - Early Beginnings
The history of St. John's parish in Spencerport dates back almost a century. AS early as the year 1851, Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, rector of St. Patrick's Church in Rochester and later consecrated Bishop of Hartford, while traveling through the town of Ogden assured James McDermott, a resident of the town, that he would send a priest from his parish to say Mass for the Catholic population. In that year Father Michael Welch came from Rochester and celebrated Mass for the Catholic inhabitants of Ogden. A wagon shop, located at Ogden Center and owned and operated by an Irish Catholic named William Kenny, served as the first place of public worship for the Catholics of the community. A year later, in 1852, Father Fitzpatrick, also from Rochester ministered to the spiritual needs of a growing Catholic population. The same building was used, but it had been purchased by the town and served now as a town hall.

For several years, Catholic services continued to be held in the town building, priests coming from Rochester and Brockport to offer Mass. In 1857 the people saw the great need for a building of their own. In that year a small wooden chapel was erected on the hill east of the village. The exact location of the chapel is the site of the present home of Andrew Bennett on Coleman Avenue. Father McGowan of Brockport, and his successors, Fathers Creedon and Keenan attended the little chapel for the next few years serving the spiritual wants of the Catholics in Ogden.

Father Story - Erection of the First Church
Click here to view a picture of our first church 1867-1915
In 1863 Rev. Richard Story was appointed pastor at Brockport and at the same time named to take charge of Spencerport. The Catholic population had increased and the small chapel off Spencerport Road could no longer accommodate the fast growing congregation. Moreover, it was the contention of Bishop Timon of Buffalo to the various pastors, that the little chapel was located in a hidden locality as if to indicate that the people were ashamed of their religion. He urged that the church be placed in a more prominent part of the village before he could officially pay a visit for Confirmation. As a result, in 1865, it was necessary for many from Spencerport to go to Brockport in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

William Kinney, a parishioner and one of the first trustees of the parish, donated a most desirable site of land on the corner of Martha and Amity Streets, and on this land Father Story proceeded to erect a new and larger church for the Catholics of this community. On October 7th, 1867, the solemn ceremonies of the laying of the cornerstone took place - the following document was enclosed - "this cornerstone of Spencerport Church was blessed and laid on the 7th of October 1867 in honor of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the title of St. John the Evangelist - Pius IX being Pontiff; Andrew Johnson, President of the United States; William Slayton, President of the Trustees of the village; Rev. Richard Story, Pastor; by the Rev. Wm. Gleason, Administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo, sede vacant (the See being vacant); Rev. James Early preaching the sermon; many priests assisting; a great crowd of people with common joy of all - to the greater glory of God and good of the Catholic cause."

A few days after the laying of the cornerstone, the erection of the church began. After the work had progressed as far as the shingling of the building, the wooden structure was blown to the ground by a terrific gale on the 8th of December, 1867. Shortly thereafter work was once more resumed, and in less than a year the building was completed.

In 1868, Spencerport became part of the Rochester diocese. On November 22nd of that year, St. John's Church was dedicated by Most Rev. Bernard McQuaid, the first Bishop of Rochester, assisted by a number of priests from neighboring parishes. It might be of interest to note that this was the second church to be dedicated by Bishop McQuaid after assuming the See of Rochester - the first being Holy Redeemer's in the city, on July 23rd, 1868.

September 8th, 1868 marked the first meeting of the trustees of the parish. Most Rev. Bernard McQuaid; Very Rev. James Early, Vicar General; Rev. Richard Story, the pastor; and William D. Kinney and John Doyle, parishioners served as the first trustees. Since, for a number of years, Spencerport was an out-mission of Brockport, the early baptismal and marriage records of St. John's were kept at Brockport. It was not until 1875 that separate records are found at Spencerport. In that year we find that the first baptism recorded was that of John Bennett, son of John Bennett and Helen Casey, on February 2nd, 1875; the first marriage of which we have knowledge was that between John Morgan and Catherine Kiernan on Sunday morning, October 24th, 1875, after the last Mass.

During the pastorate of Father Story in June of 1873, four and one-half acres of land were purchased from William Brown to be used for a cemetery. The first burial was that of Thomas Reynolds of Ogden Center on April 12th, 1874.

Much could be said of the noble work accomplished by Father Story in those pioneer days - it suffices to say, he provided a faithful shepherd who cared for his flock. On the next page (click here) appears the oldest extant pew rent diagram on the 10th anniversary, containing the names of parishioners, many of whom were present at the laying of the cornerstone in 1867.

Father Story, after a pastorate of fifteen years was succeeded in August of 1878 by Rev. James Connelly, who became the first resident pastor of St. John's. The present rectory next to the old church was completed at that time. Upon the death of Father Connelly, a year later, Rev. James E. Hartley, later pastor at Palmyra was appointed to take charge. It might be said here that Father Hartley was the first priest to say Mass in Hilton. John Conroy, a resident of the village of Hilton and still active as a trustee of St. Leo's Church, asked Father Hartley to come to Hilton and offer Mass for the Catholics of that community. From 1880 to 1882, Father Hartley often celebrated Mass in Hilton in a building known as Tennyson Hall. In 1882, the zealous and loyal Catholics of that village purchased land that they might erect a church of their own. The same year the present St. Leo's Church was completed and dedicated. The parish was made an out-mission of Spencerport. In connection with the celebration of the first Mass in Hilton, it is of interest to add that the Rt. Rev. James E. Hartley P.A., Rector Emeritus of St. Bernard's Seminary, served that Mass.

Father Hartley resigned the administration of Spencerport in 1884 and was succeeded in turn by Rev. James Hickey, who later became pastor of Holy Apostles' Church in Rochester. A census taken up at this time revealed 501 souls in the parish. Father Magin succeeded Father Hickey in 1888 and served the parish until 1893, when Father Clune who served for four years was named pastor. From 1897 until 1903 there was no resident pastor at Spencerport, but the spiritual needs of the people were administered by priests from Rochester. For five years, Rev. Andrew Breen, well known for his oratory, faithfully served St. John's - he resided at St. Bernard's Seminary. The year following priests likewise from the Seminary administered the duties of the parish. Among these priests were - Fathers Eckel, Cowen, Cosgrove, Lapham, and Edelman.

Kindness and devotedness to their flocks were qualities which endeared all these priests to their people.

Father Kelly - Erection of the New Church
Click here to view the first formal picture of our present church.
The year 1903 marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the parish. In that year Bishop McQuaid appointed Rev. John Kelly, whom many will remember, to the pastorate of Spencerport. During his administration the community saw the erection of the present beautiful church, a true "gem" of English-Gothic architecture. Throughout the diocese St. John's Church has come to be regarded as one of the finest in the suburban areas. It is interesting to note that the cobblestones used in erecting the church came from the farms of parishioners, so that it might be said - each home became as it were a part of the house of God. Much of the work in the building of the church was voluntary labor readily offered by the parishioners themselves.

On July 30th, 1914, Father Kelly purchased the land for the new church from Mrs. Curtis for $1,150. Before he began the building of the church he accumulated a sum of $8,500. $10,000 was obtained through a loan. This building cost approximately $22,000. When Father Kelly let St. John's, the indebtedness on the church property was $10,200.

On March 17th, 1915, the ground for the new church was broken, and on Sunday, May 30th of the same year the cornerstone was laid. Bishop Hickey presided and preached an inspiring sermon on that occasion. On November 21st of the same year, the church was dedicated with solemn ceremonies by Most Rev. Thomas Hickey. A great number of priests and people were in attendance on this occasion. It was likewise on this same date that the last Mass was said in the old church at 7:30 o'clock by Father Kelly and the first Mass in the new church celebrated by Bishop Hickey at 10:30 o'clock. It is of interest to note that two of the seminarians present at these dedication exercises were Rt. Rev. William Bergan, pastor of St. Monica's Church and chancellor of the diocese; and Very Rev. Edward Lyons, President of St. Andrews's Seminary.

St. John's Church is a beautiful monument or testimonial to the loyalty, the devotion, and the generosity of these people for their Holy Faith.

After fourteen years of zealous and fruitful service in this parish, Father Kelly in 1917 was appointed pastor at Victor. Again he gave of his time, his energy in erecting a new and beautiful church in that village.

Succeeding Father Kelly, Rev. James Winters was appointed to take charge, and for nine years he administered the duties at St. John's. Through his untiring labors and the generosity of his parishioners, the debt necessitated by the new church was reduced to $3,500. During his pastorate the side altars in the new church were erected and the beautiful stained glass windows put into the church. The altars, windows, and confessionals were all donations from parishioners. Likewise the rectory was redecorated and refurnished during his administration. With a smile for all, a breezy outlook on life, an optimist of the highest degree, Father Winters endeared himself to all at St. John's, and his untimely death brought grief to the entire community.

Upon the death of Father Winters in 1926, Rt. Rev. John F. Goggin, Rector of St. Bernard's Seminary was appointed administrator of the parish. In September of the same year, Rev. George Predmore, of whom all hold fond memories, was named to his first parish - St. John's in this village. The work he accomplished, the friends he made during his fifteen years as pastor are facts well known to all. Seeing the great need for a Catholic school, one of his first endeavors upon assuming the pastorate of Spencerport was to provide such a school for the children of the parish. He was well aware of Pope Pius Xth, that "parents have a most serious obligation of providing a Catholic education for their children." He was also mindful of the words of Bishop McQuaid - "Let me remind you that there is not a charity in all this country, hospitals, asylums, refuges of any sort, which for far-reaching and lasting charity can for one moment be compared with our Parochial School... I have said I would rather see the school house without the church than the church without the school house."

Father Predmore made it possible for parents to fulfill their obligation when in 1927 he received permission to convert the old church into a school building. The services of the Sisters of St. Joseph were obtained, and in the fall of 1927 the school was opened with a registration of 106 pupils, which surpassed the expectation of both Pastor and people. The following June, St. John's had its first graduations class. It included three members - Marion Hinckley, Helen Puffer, and Margaret Udell. Since that year 210 children have been graduated from St. John's School.

For the first few months after the school was opened it was necessary to bring the Sisters in each day from Nazareth Convent. In the late fall of 1927 the downstairs of the present Convent was rented from John Ryan, and the Sisters resided there. In 1928 the building was purchased for $7,500. It has since been used by the Sisters as their Convent. The first superior to serve in the school was Sister Thomasina. She was succeeded by Sister Julia, who in turn was followed by the present superior, Sister M. Antoinette. During the past summer Sister Antoinette had the joy of celebrating her fiftieth year in the religious life. It will not be possible to enumerate all the devoted Sisters of St. Joseph who have labored in our parish school since its opening. They are many and have left their mark not only here, but in many places far and near to which they have been sent as teachers of the young.

The early days of the school were not without their hardships and trials., For several years it was necessary for the parents to transport their children to and from school. There was no bus service at that time. Some children had to come a distance of more than seven miles. But those parents willing to make a sacrifice, indeed a great sacrifice, that their children might receive the benefits of a Catholic training - a Catholic education. It is another indication of their deep faith; their readiness; their willingness to meet the moral obligations which have been placed upon them in their vocation as parents.

Click here to see a picture of the Diamond Jubilee Graduating Class of 1917.

With the opening of a school building, Father Predmore felt that an important step had been taken endowing the growing parish of St. John's with its much needed equipment. But he mad other improvements also - oil burners were installed in the church, school, and rectory. A new furnace was placed in the convent. During his administration the new organ was purchased and the beautiful chimes installed.

As many know, Father Predmore is recognized as one of the authorities in our diocese on church music. It was his love for church music which led him to organize from the men and boys of his parish a chancel choir. He gave much time and labor in the training of these men and boys. After several years his efforts bore fruit, for he had developed a very worthy liturgical choir.

In March of 1941 the parishioners of St. John's and other members of the community were saddened when they learned that Father Predmore had been named to succeed Father Philip Golding at Holy Apostle's Church in the city. That sadness was tempered however by the thought that it was a well earned promotion in recognition of his outstanding work while at St. John's.

It was also in March of 1941 that Rev. Paul J. Gaffney, who had been chaplain at the State School in Industry for eleven years, realized the ambition of his life when he was named a Pastor succeeding Father Predmore in this parish. He came to us with all the zeal and fervor which characterized his early priesthood. He was bent upon giving every measure of his energy in carrying on the work of his predecessors in Spencerport. But a weak body enveloped a strong soul, and he was called home to God in the prime of his life after a pastorate of but five months. But even in that short span of time, Father Gaffney's pastorate was not without its accomplishments. The rectory and the convert were redecorated, a new chapel was opened for the Sisters in the convent, and St. Leo's Church in Hilton was painted during his administration. Many other plans he made - plans which did not materialize, for he was taken in death after a short illness. Father Gaffney was succeeded on September 27th, 1941 by Rev. Emmett Magee, the present pastor of St. John's Church.

Assistant Pastors
A history of the church would not be complete without the mention of the assistants who have likewise labored in Spencerport. The early years of St. John's found the church ministered to the Pastor only. After growth began to show itself, priests were called in to help on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holy Days. Among the priests who served in this capacity were Fathers Edward Meagher, William Brien, F. Marks, and J. Duffy.

The Reverend Ambrose Kavanaugh was the first regular assistant pastor of St. John's Church. A native of Rochester, he was ordained in the year 1933 and was appointed assistant in this parish June of the same year. Father Kavanaugh is remembered by the parishioners for his devoted attention to the sick and his zealous carrying out of the usual parish functions. In the confessional and in the pulpit, he strove for the spiritual betterment of the people he had been sent to serve.

Reverend Emmet Davis was appointed assistant pastor in October of 1936. He had been ordained in June of the same year. Four years of yeoman service to Father Predmore and to the parish were given by Father DAvis. A happy manner, a lively interest in life went hand in hand with a priestly zeal that was known most clearly by those whom he called back from waywardness. Father Davis was succeeded in June of 1940 by Reverend Alfred Horr, the present assistant pastor.

Lay-Trustees of St. John's
A word concerning the lay-trustees of St. John's, who so faithfully served the parish, should not be without its place in any parish history. Since the very beginning, St. John's has had the good fortune to have as lay-trustees, men who were bent upon doing all in their power for the betterment of this parish. They worked hand in hand with the priests who labored here in every undertaking that would add to the material side of the parochial plant. special mention is due John Morgan, who served as trustee intermittently for forty years; Richard Kinsella, one of the present trustees who has served for the past twenty-six years; and George Helfrich, who acted as trustee for approximately twenty-three years. The gratitude of priests and congregation goes out to this devoted line of earnest workers for the generous manner in which they have fulfilled their office down through the years.

Societies
Two major groups taking a foremost part in the parochial life of St. John's Parish are those men and women known as the Holy Name and Rosary Societies.

Holy Name Society
The Holy Name men, since their inception, have promoted generously and effectively the social activities, the parish programs, and the religious functions of St. John's. Monthly reception of Holy Communion on the second Sunday of each month is a most notable feature of Holy Name activity at St, John's.

The present officers of the Holy Name Society are as follows:
     Charles Kirby, President
     Myron Hammer, Vice-President
     Raymond Meier, Secretary-Treasurer

Rosary Society
From almost the very beginning of St. John's Parish there existed that very popular and primarily spiritual association for women, the Rosary Society. By its spiritual example and material assistance, the Rosary Society of St. John's has contributed richly through many years to the welfare of our parish. By their spiritual exercises and especially by their faithful reception of monthly communion, the Rosarians have exemplified the spiritual health of life in St. John's Parish.

The present officers of the society are:
     Mrs. Leonard Coffee, President
     Mrs. John Kerwin, Vice-President
     Mrs. Charles Kirby, Secretary-Treasurer

Choir
A word of thanks is due the men, women, and boys of the parish who gratefully served in St. John's choir down through the years. Priests and parishioners appreciate the services they have rendered, and certainly their part in rendering praise and worship to God has not been without its rewards before His throne.

Altar Boys
The honest endeavor of our altar boys to cooperate in the public services of St. John's likewise deserves special commendation. By their generous sacrifice of time to the altar, those boys through the years showed that they truly appreciate the special honor and privilege of serving in the sanctuary. Their services have been greatly appreciated.

Men in Service
From St. John's Parish have gone forth a large number of men who have answered the call of our country to defend her rights and liberties. We pray God's help and Our Blessed Mother's protections in keeping them safe spiritually and physically, that once again they may return to us devoted Catholics and loyal citizens.

The following men are now in service as of November 19th, 1942:

Charles DeBruycker, Gilbert DuBois, Robert Kretchmer, Raymond Morrill, Charles Lissow, Daniel Emerick, Edward MacDuff, Thomas Mullaly, Paul Morabito, Donald Roach, Bernard Kedian, Earl Redfield, Robert Otis, Frank Musczak, John Murphy, Charles Wannike, Elmeer Herzog, Richard Keldorf, William Wegner, James Maxwell, James Murphy, James Ryan, and Albert Morabito.

Religious Vocations
St. John's Parish is not without its contributions to the greater number of those who have dedicated their lives to God in the religious life.

The first boy from Ogden to be ordained to the priesthood was James Kiernan. He was born in this town on December 30, 1855; studied at St. Andrew's Seminary and later at Troy, New York. On July 9, 1882 he was ordained by Most Reverend Bernard McQuaid to the priesthood. He sang his first Solemn Mass in the old church on Sunday, July 12th of the same year.

Father Keirnan's first appointment was as assistant to Father O'Hare at the Cathedral. In 1886 he was promoted to the rectorship of the Cathedral and served as Vicar General of the diocese. Later he was named Pastor of St. Mary's Church where he labored until his death.

It was due to Father Kiernan's deep interest in school work that the Cathedral School developed such widespread prominence as a seat of learning. Moreover, it was through his efforts in great part that the Regents examinations were secured for the children of Catholic schools in the city.

Father Kiernan after eighteen years of outstanding work in the diocese died May 16, 1900.

The next vocation from this parish was that of Rev. William Morgan. Father Morgan was born in Adams Basin on June 27, 1864. He was ordained to the priesthood at Niagara on May 27, 1988 for the Diocese of San Francisco. Throughout his ministry he was assigned to the youth Directory, a home for boys. He labored faithfully and zealously in the direction and training of boys until his death February 2, 1875.

Rev. William Murray, a priest of the Redemptorist Order is a native of Ogden. He began his studies for the priesthood at St. Andrew's Seminary. Later, desiring to enter a religious order, he transferred to the seminaries conducted by the Redemptorist Fathers for the young men who desire to become members of that community. He was ordained in the year 1916, and has since been zealously and actively engaged in the priestly work. Father Murray is well known throughout the country for the many fine missions and retreats that he has conducted.

Studying for the priesthood at St. Andrew's Seminary is William Quigley, another boy of the parish.

St. John's has reason for joy and gladness in this small group of worthy priests who have entered the sacerdotal ranks from homes in the parish.

Finally, a work of the young women from Spencerport who have pledged their lives to a service of God in the Religious Sisterhoods. The first to enter the convent from St. John's was Sister St. James Morgan, of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Later, Sister St. James Welch, now missioned at St. Monica's; and Sister Marie Joseph Helfrich, missioned at Corpus Christi assumed the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The first graduate of our school to enter the convent was Sister Helen Louise Kirby, S.S.J., who is now missioned in the Immaculate Conception parish, Ithaca. She was followed a few years later by Sister Mary Virginia Sweeney, of the Sisters of Mercy. Her mission is St. James Hospital in Hornell, New York.

These sisters have been and are a source of pride to our parish. Their lives and their work in the diocese is likewise a glorious tribute to the parish which has equipped them to answer the Divine call.

We are grateful to Almighty God for His many blessings on St. John's Parish during the past seventy-five years, and we humbly pray that parish and people may continue to be worthy of His favor. We give public testimony to the genuine Catholic spirit which prompted such loyal, such generous support from the people of this parish down through the years To the Bishops who have been our shepherds, to the Sisters who have served here, to the Pastors and assistants who have labored for the development of St. John's, we pay a well deserved tribute of praise for all their noble work in a glorious period of seventy-five years.

Jubilee Celebration
Long to be remembered in the memory of the good people of St. John's will be October 7, 1942, the feast of the Holy Rosary. Appropriately on this beautiful was commemorated the diamond jubilee of the parish. Priests, sisters, and parishioners joined with the former Pastor, Father Predmore in offering up Mass that morning in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the spiritual and temporal blessings which have come to St. John's during the past seventy-five years. Father Predmore was assisted at the Solemn Mass by Father Magee as deacon, and Father Horr as subdeacon. On that occasion a former assistant of St. John's, Rev. Ambrose Kavanaugh, preached a very inspiring sermon. His sermon follows:

more to follow........