This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: JudyMcE Surnames: Devine Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.carbon/3805.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I don't know if St. Josephs Church in Mauch Chunk Twp., is still an active church. You might have some luck by calling the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and getting information from them on where records of visiting priests, if there are any, might be located. The website for the info below is: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~carbdat/m&h/mct.htm St. Joseph's Catholic Church-It appears from the records that in 1826 the Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick, of the Catholic denomination and resident in Sunbury, visited this place occasionally. Fathers Cummings and Courtney, from Pottsville, came here quite regularly for several years, the former prior to 1832, and the latter prior to 1838. From the latter date until 1842, Rev. Mr. Wainwright, of Tamaqua, visited the people, after which time came Father Maloney, of the same place, until 1849. He received ground from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company for the location of a church. Next was Father Haingan, who came in 1849, and attended the spiritual wants of the people until 1852. During his term of service a small church was built. Rev. Dr. Manahan was the first resident pastor, during the years 1852-53. The community was visited again, until September, 1854, from Mauch Chunk by Father Coffee. Father Basil Shorb became resident pastor in October, 1854, and remained until Aug! ust, 1858, being succeeded by Rev. Hugh Magorien, until Aug. 9, 1866, when Rev. James Kelly assumed charge, and remained until Nov. 20, 1872, when Rev. John McElroy filled the place until Jan.18, 1875. St. Joseph's seems to be the only Catholic church in the area which dates to that era, but it may be that they went to Tamaqua or elsewhere for baptisms the family had baptisms done during their stay in Mauch Chunk. It might be a tough search but starting with finding possible locations for these priest's records and checking for anything at the Carbon County Courthouse in Mauch Chunk under the Devine surname would be the best place to start. Judy Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.