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The original Saint Michael's Church, the site of first Greek Catholic Church in America, Shenandoah, PA.

Thanks for posting this, Ray.

Many years,

Neil

This first church later became a church hall, when an actual church building was constructed. However, the first church was used again after the disastrous fire when Father (now Bishop) John Bura was pastor. Several times it has been suggested that the first church should become a church museum.

Fr. Serge

From such humble beginnings. It should be preserved not only as a witness to the beginning but preserved as an active church for as long as possible.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Marvelous! God grant this parish many years!

Dear Father,

I would agree that maintaining the building as an active church would be more than proper. I've not heard of any encouragement towards this idea, but that doesn't say it cannot be done.

Saint Michael's is a large parish, but even a large parish will have small services on some predictable occasions (weekday celebrations of Divine Liturgy come to mind at once), so it could be useful to have such a small church available for use. It would also be appropriate to have some services there on the patronal feast and the Great Feasts - imagine a festal procession from the old church to the present church, for instance.

It's a most worth-while idea: remembering our origins and our relatively recent ancestors is both joyful and good.

Fr. Serge

Thanks to all who posted about Saint Michael's in "Shendo" Pennsylvania.

It may not be a practical idea to use it again for worship, but
in the Coal Region of PA it would make more sense...that is "cents" to bring some type of Heritage Center and tourist attraction. There are plenty of closed churches that could donate items for display.

Then there are issues of structural soundness, insurance, parking, funding, zoning etc.

I was happy to see the cross still on the front and outdoor sign!

Are there forum members who can give us any additional insight? Thank you, Fr. Serge for yours.

Ray

It is beautiful. Thank you so much for posting the photo. Does anyone know how close (or far) the first church is to the present church? Is it next door, right down the street, left down the street or across town? Just curious. I also agree with the idea of having it as an operating church. I understand there are issues to be looked into--including insurance and structural soundness. But I'm sure none of those are unsolvable. If someone wants it to happen! I would be happy to sign any petition asking the Bishop to pursue this course of action.

Tim

Would you be willing to donate $$$ toward it? Everything does cost money.

Ray

The first Saint Michael's and the present Saint Michael's are within easy walking distance of each other.

Fr. Serge

Would really like to see the inside..is it "liturgically correct"?

Dear Allen,

Almost certainly not, since services have not been held there for 25 years or so. It would be necessary to supply the first church with appropriate furnishings and so forth.

Fr. Serge

I'd be thrilled to see a photo of the interior from when it was functioning - perhaps our resident curator of parish histories, John, might be able to access one?

Many years,

Neil

For the centenary, Saint Michael's published a good-sized book of various aspects of the parish history - it might well contain some pictures of the first church when it was in use for the conduct of divine worship.

Fr. Serge

It turns out that St. Michael's is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in November 2009 and some sort of "do" is being planned. Its last two anniversaries (1959 and 1984) produced well done histories; perhaps another will appear for the 125th.