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History of Towanda
compiled by Edward B Haines

The following is from Edward B Haines' 1873 "History of Towanda" 1

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Prior to 1841, Catholic services were held in various places; but in that year Rev Father John V O'Reilly and the congregation put up a wooden church on the site of the present church. In 1869 the old church was demolished, and the present elegant Gothic structure erected. The new church is built of brick, with stone basement. It is 50x100 feet, with a tower and spire one hundred and ninety feet high. The total cost will be about $75,000. There are about three hundred families in the parish. The Rev Father Patrick Toner is priest in charge, and to his efforts the congregation owes the beautiful structure they now worship in, which is by far the finest church edifice in Bradford county. The church is named Sts Peter and Paul. There is a school held in the basement of the church, taught by Miss Quigley; number of scholars, fifty. There is also a cemetery of about one acre, about one mile from town.

St Patrick's Beneficial Society

This Society, whose purpose is to afford relief to distressed Catholics, was organized June 27, 1870. It now has seventy members. The regular meetings are held in the basement of the Catholic church, on the first Sunday of each month. The present officers are -- James Toyle, President; John Mack, Vice President; Joseph Blum, Secretary; David Sheridan, Treasurer.

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    Notes

  1. Haines, Edward B, compiler, History of Towanda with a Review of its Business and progress for the years 1872-3, Williamsport: Gazette and Bulletin Printing House, 1873; facsimile edition, Towanda: 88 Printers, 1988, pp 21-22
Modified Saturday, 26-Jun-2004 20:38:28 MDT