[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE NATIVITY PARISH OF SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA ON ITS 
                           100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nativity 
Parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary 
on November 1st. I ask that my colleagues pay tribute to this Parish 
that has been an integral part of the Scranton community over the last 
century.
  The story of the Nativity Parish begins on February 2, 1902 when 
Reverend Michael J. Hoban, Bishop of Scranton, announced that a new 
parish would be built on the corner of Hemlock Street and South Webster 
Avenue. The Parish, built on the same property where the first Catholic 
Church in Scranton stood, would be called Nativity of Our Lord.
  Led by Father James A. O'Reilly, the Nativity Parish celebrated its 
first mass on November 1, 1903 at St. John's T.A.B. hall. It is this 
date that marks the official beginning of the Nativity Parish.
  On May 23, 1904, new ground was broken for the present Nativity 
Church. A few months later, on July 31st, Bishop Hoban laid the first 
cornerstone. On July 16, 1905, the lower Church was officially 
dedicated.
  After Father O'Reilly's passing in the spring of 1907, Reverend John 
J. Loughran was appointed Pastor of the Nativity. He would remain with 
the Church until his own passing in the spring of 1940. During his long 
and distinguished tenure with the Parish, Dr. Loughran oversaw the 
expansion of the Nativity Parish, including the additions of the 
Rectory in 1909, upper Church in 1911, and the school and convent in 
1933.
  Mr. Speaker, because of the leadership displayed by Bishop Hoban, 
Reverend O'Reilly, and Reverend Loughran, the Nativity Parish became an 
exemplary institution in the city of Scranton. The dedication of these 
men to both their religion and their community resulted in a beautiful 
Church being built to serve the residents of Scranton.
  Today, under the stewardship of Reverend Joseph R. Kelly this 
congregation remains a vital organization for the city of Scranton and 
her people. As the new Congressman representing the City of Scranton, 
it is a privilege to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Nativity 
Parish.

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