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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
    Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
    Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
    Ebook162 pages31 minutes

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

    By Mary Ann Knochel

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    Formally established in 1843, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh traces its history back to April 1754, when the first Eucharistic Liturgy was celebrated within what is now Pittsburgh. Franciscan friar Denys Baron established the first Catholic house of worship in this part of the world and dedicated it in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He constructed his small parish at the forks of the Ohio River, and from his meticulous records of baptisms, births, and deaths, there is evidence that he ministered not only to the soldiers of Fort Duquesne, but to people of Native American, Irish, and English descent as well. Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh illustrates how the seeds planted by this first humble faith community grew a rich Catholic tradition nurtured by migr s from myriad European countries, who brought with them traditions and an unwavering faith that has enriched the southwestern area of Pennsylvania for more than 250 years.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherArcadia Publishing
    Release dateApr 18, 2007
    ISBN9781439634561
    Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
    Author

    Mary Ann Knochel

    Mary Ann Knochel, board member of the Mifflin Township Historical Society, assembled this book as a result of researching her own family�s Catholic heritage. Partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives and Records Center, Knochel presents a collection of images that reflect the ethnic diversity, traditions, and faith of the local Catholic community.

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      Book preview

      Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh - Mary Ann Knochel

      faith.

      INTRODUCTION

      There have been myriad volumes written about the history, theology, and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Many were written by divinely inspired saints and theologians, scholars, clergy, and learned laypersons. This author cannot hold that proverbial candle to any of those who came before us and motivated us to know more about our faith.

      This book is simply intended to be both a literal and figurative snapshot of the people who shaped and influenced, whether by word or deed, the growth of the Roman Catholic Church in Southwestern Pennsylvania during the 19th and 20th centuries. Émigrés from Central and Eastern Europe settled in this region for many reasons, not the least of which was the topography that mirrored that of their homelands. They felt comfortable here; there were other groups already settled here who spoke the same language and shared the same customs and traditions. An important commonality among all immigrant groups was their strong Catholic faith. Many examples exist of immigrants settling in a region and, before any other needs are addressed, a church is built. That a priest may not have been available did not discourage these determined Catholics; the church served as a common house of prayer, a gathering place, a center where faith could be shared.

      Southwestern Pennsylvania is undeniably an ethnic region that is made up of people from diverse backgrounds who still maintain the traditions handed down through generations of strong, proud immigrants who made the arduous trip across the Atlantic to settle in an unknown, and occasionally hostile, region. People are proud of their traditions and their ethnic backgrounds, and each ethnicity has contributed much to the Catholic Church in this region. We dedicate our churches to saints who have set an example of enduring faith. We still refer to our communities according to the names given them by those who settled there: Deutschtown, Polish Hill, Little Italy.

      The Catholic Church in this region did not grow in a vacuum. An amalgamation of politics, religion, and industry had a major influence on the development of the region. Catholics played a significant role in the history of this six-county diocese. While researching my own genealogy, I discovered what their faith must have meant to my ancestors, and how important it was to pass it down to a new generation of Americans. Not every parish or school is represented herein; those that are included, however, are representative of the Catholic immigrant experience. I learned a lot, and at times was surprised by what I learned. It is my hope that those who hold their Catholic faith dear to their hearts and those who are interested in the political and industrial history of Pittsburgh can find something in this book that surprises them, too.

      One

      PITTSBURGH AND ALLEGHENY CITY

      This 1850 drawing is the first known depiction of Pittsburgh’s first Catholic church (circled), located at the footbridge to the Pennsylvania Canal at Liberty and Washington Streets, Strip District. With only 20 Catholic families in the city, St. Patrick was dedicated in 1811. Plans for pews were drawn on the floor and, as they could afford it, families would hire a carpenter to build their pew on their chosen site. (Courtesy St. Patrick-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish Archives.)

      The first St. Patrick burned in 1854, and a second church was built on Fourteenth Street. The second St. Patrick could not accommodate the growing population brought about by the Civil War. The property was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and the church was demolished. Seen in this 1911 image is the third St. Patrick at Seventeenth Street and Liberty Avenue. It was dedicated in 1865. (Courtesy Diocesan Archives.)

      By 1923, the future of St. Patrick was in doubt. Only 35 Catholic families remained in the city, others having been pushed out by

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