Easton's Dynamic 19th Century & the Rise of St. Bernard's
Welcome to an interactive exploration of Saint Bernard's Catholic Church during the transformative 19th century in Easton, Pennsylvania. As Easton grew into an industrial and commercial hub, fueled by immigration, the need for Catholic institutions became increasingly apparent. This application delves into the founding of St. Bernard's, the lives of its early parishioners, its dedicated leadership, the obstacles it overcame, and its lasting impact. Use the tabs above to navigate through the rich history of the Lehigh Valley's oldest Catholic Church.
Prior to St. Bernard's, a Catholic presence existed in Northampton County from 1737, with families like the McCarthys maintaining their faith in private. An official 1757 count noted 159 Catholics (130 German, 29 Irish), though the actual number was likely higher. This early perseverance laid the groundwork for the formal establishment of parishes like St. Bernard's as the region developed.
The Genesis of a Parish: Founding and Early Years (1820s-1840s)
The establishment of a formal Catholic parish in Easton was a gradual process, initially driven by the efforts of traveling clergy. This section explores the crucial first steps, from missionary outreach to the purchase of land and the dedication of the first church building, marking St. Bernard's as a permanent spiritual home for Easton's growing Catholic community.
In the early 1800s, Father John Fitzpatrick ministered to Catholics across the Lehigh Valley. His work was essential in identifying the need for a permanent church. Saint Bernard Parish was formally established in 1829 when Father Fitzpatrick purchased land for the church and burial grounds on "Gallows Hill" (later "Catholic Hill") for $300. Prior to this, services were held in a rented house on South Fifth Street for $60 annually.
The church building and its adjoining cemetery were dedicated in 1836 by Bishop Kenrick. This was a pivotal moment, as it provided a local, consecrated burial ground, signifying the community's intent to establish deep roots in Easton. St. Bernard's, initially serving 100 members, became recognized as the oldest Catholic Church in the Lehigh Valley.
Father James Maloney was appointed the first resident pastor in March 1837, residing in the formerly rented house. He ministered across Bucks and Northampton counties until 1844.
The Cornerstone Community: First Parishioners of St. Bernard's
The identity and growth of St. Bernard's were profoundly shaped by its earliest members. This section examines the demographics and social context of these foundational parishioners, primarily Irish and German immigrants, who were drawn to Easton by the promise of work in its burgeoning industries and who formed the bedrock of the new parish.
Early Catholic Demographics (1757)
An official investigation in 1757 reported 159 Catholics in Northampton County (130 German, 29 Irish), though children under twelve were not counted. This provides an early baseline before the larger 19th-century immigration waves.
Northampton County Catholics (1757)
Reported ethnic composition of Catholics in Northampton County in 1757. Hover over bars for details.
19th-Century Immigrant Influx
The 19th century saw a large influx of Irish Catholic immigrants, especially after 1815 and during the Great Famine. Easton's industries (canals, railroads, mining, iron smelting) attracted these laborers. Young Irish men performed the "hardest, most dangerous physical work." The Morris Canal, completed in 1831, was a key project.
German Catholic immigrants also arrived throughout the 19th century. While many sought farmland elsewhere, a significant German Catholic community developed in Easton, leading to the formation of Saint Joseph Parish in 1852, catering to their specific linguistic and cultural needs. This contrasted with St. Bernard's, which likely served a more generally immigrant, increasingly Irish-dominated, population initially.
Guiding the Flock: Pastoral Leadership and Parish Development
The stability, growth, and resilience of St. Bernard's throughout the 19th century were significantly influenced by its dedicated pastoral leadership. This section highlights key pastors, particularly the long and impactful tenures of Father Thomas Reardon and Father James McGeveran, and their contributions to the physical and spiritual development of the parish.
The Impactful Pastorate of Father Thomas Reardon (1847-1882)
Father Thomas Reardon served for 35 years. He built a rectory (1847), furnished the church (costing $6,765.23, with his $1,000 contribution), added a gallery, installed a melodeon (1847), and stained-glass windows (1862). When the church was destroyed by fire on April 9, 1867, he led rebuilding efforts, and it was rededicated on June 14, 1868. This rapid recovery highlighted the parish's resilience. He also started a school in the church basement, a response to the Protestant-dominated public education system.
19th-Century Pastors of St. Bernard's
| Pastor Name | Tenure Start | Tenure End | Key Contributions (19th C.) |
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The extended tenures of pastors like Father Reardon and Father McGeveran (nearly 28 years) provided remarkable stability, enabling long-term development and financial management, crucial for immigrant parishes of that era.
Trials and Triumphs: Challenges and Resilience
The journey of St. Bernard's was marked by significant hurdles. This section details the financial struggles the parish faced and the pervasive anti-Catholic sentiment of the era, highlighting the remarkable resilience and collective spirit of the community in overcoming these adversities.
Financial Hardships
Financial stability was a constant concern. Father Reardon personally contributed $1,000 for the rectory and church furnishings in 1847 and organized a subscription drive in 1852 raising $3,336 to clear debts. A major setback occurred when treasurer John McCauley's bankruptcy led to a $503.34 loss for the parish cemetery funds. This prompted the Bishop to mandate direct pastoral management of finances (1855-1867). Later, Father McGeveran successfully liquidated a $15,000 debt from his extensive church improvements. These instances underscore the precarious financial reality for early immigrant parishes.
Anti-Catholic Prejudice and Community Response
Catholicism faced "great opposition." It wasn't until 1836 that Catholics felt "strong enough to build a church in Easton." Individuals like Paul Miller (denied a school position) and John Fricki (denied licenses) faced discrimination due to their faith. After Braddock's defeat (1755-1757), Catholics were forbidden arms but taxed for military exemption. Public schools were Protestant-toned and hostile. Nativism and the Know Nothing movement accused Catholics of disloyalty. The Philadelphia riots of 1844 exemplified extreme prejudice.
This adversity fostered community solidarity. Catholics established their own parochial schools and organizations like the Saint Joseph's Aid Society (by German Catholics in 1848, leading to St. Joseph Parish in 1852) to create safe havens, preserve heritage, and build support networks.
Markers of Progress: Key Milestones in the 19th Century
The 19th century was a period of foundational growth and significant events for St. Bernard's. This interactive timeline highlights the pivotal moments, from the initial land purchase to major construction phases and pastoral transitions, offering a chronological view of the church's development.
Growth and Outreach: Expansion and Enduring Legacy
The latter part of the 19th century saw St. Bernard's continue to expand its physical structure and deepen its community engagement, primarily under Father James McGeveran. This section explores these improvements and the church's role in the context of Easton's diversifying Catholic population, setting the stage for its 20th-century legacy.
Father James McGeveran's Extensive Improvements (1887-1915)
Father McGeveran spearheaded major improvements. In 1898, he enlarged the church, installing new marble altars, pews, and stained glass windows. He also enclosed the South Side Catholic Cemetery with an iron fence and ensured its maintenance. The $15,000 cost of these improvements was fully liquidated under his stewardship. Into the early 20th century, he added a reed organ, a third story to the rectory, a parish hall, and electric fixtures.
Continued Growth and Community Initiatives
Easton's Catholic population grew tremendously, leading to new ethnic parishes like St. Anthony's for Italian-speaking families in 1909, following St. Joseph's for Germans in 1852. Father McGeveran willed $1,000 to the school he founded. His successor, Rev. John E. McCann (from 1914), acquired more property for the school and fostered a Catholic Welfare center.
The 19th-century history of St. Bernard's showcases a community's resilience. From its 1829 establishment, serving mainly Irish and German immigrants, it overcame financial hurdles and anti-Catholic sentiment. Strong leadership, like that of Fathers Reardon and McGeveran, enabled growth, including rebuilding after the 1867 fire. By century's end, St. Bernard's was a central institution in Easton, a testament to its parishioners' enduring faith.