There is found in Rev George J Lucas, JUD, DD, rector of St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a blending of scholarly attainments and ministerial fidelity that do credit to the man possessing them. If culture may be gained in excess and the lure of study become harmful, its harm is in the temptation it brings to give to it paramount importance and to allow the delights of deep intellectual pursuits to exclude the sterner duties, the less inviting realities of life, to place a clouding veil over the features of existence more enjoyably forgotten. Despite the honors that have been showered upon Dr Lucas, the distinction that he has received as an author, educator and scholar, has neither made him regardless of his priestly responsibilities nor lessened his anxiety for the welfare of the people to whom he ministers.
The Lucas family is of French origin, the line having been founded in Ireland by a Huguenot ancestor who had fled the land of his birth. The grandfather of Rev George J Lucas was a native of Ireland, and embraced the religion of the Society of Friends. His son George, father of Rev George J Lucas, was a master of the workhouse at Youghl, county Cork, and in that locality passed his entire life. He married Margaret Field, of county Cork, a communicant of the Catholic faith, and in that faith their children were reared. George and Margaret (Field) Lucas were the parents of: Margaret, Thomas, Mary, George J, whose name starts this sketch; Frederick, John, William.
Rev George J Lucas was born at Youghl, county Cork, Ireland, 22 May 1852. Almost from childhood his education was directed towards the priesthood, his early training being received under the direction of the Christian Brothers of Cork, and after coming to the United States his preparation consisted of a three years' course in philosophy and a four years' course in theology under the Jesuit Fathers at Woodstock, MD. He was ordained in St Mary's University, Baltimore, MD 28 Oct 1889, Cardinal Gibbons officiating at the ceremony, and in June of the following year he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the same university, his first charge after ordination being as assistant to Rev E J Melley of St John's Church. When the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him at St Mary's University, Cardinal Gibbons, and the chancellor of the Catholic University... ...five months he served in the same capacity with Rev J B Donovan of Dunmore, then being appointed to his first rectorate, at St Andrew's Church, of Blossburg, Pennsylvania. His ministry in this place extended over a period of twelve and one-half years, during which time he conducted a valuable work among his parishioners, and the following three years he was rector of St Mary's Church, at Pittston. On 1 Jan 1912 he received his appointment to St Patrick's Church, in Scranton, which church and city has since been the scene of his ministerial endeavors. His church is a thriving and prosperous one, financially strong and spiritually powerful, exercising an influence potent and far-reaching in the community.He has been appointed as examiner of the clergy of Scranton, serving for the past nine years, and of the most important local offices in the diocese. He is also one of the directors and the secretary and treasurer of St Patrick's Orphan Asylum. On 28 Oct 1914 Father Lucas will have been a priest for twenty-five years and on Sun 25 Oct 1914 he will celebrate his silver jubilee.