History of Our Parish
St. Richard's Parish was established in 1946 as the Mission Church by
Father Joseph McCaffrey of St. Canicus, Mahanoy City, PA. Services
were held in Ryan Twp Fire Company, Lakewood ballroom and the Lakewood
Tennis club building. In October 1950 Cardinal Dougherty
established the Mission as a full-fledged parish under the direction of
Fr. Edwin Horn.
Two acres of land with a house to be used as a rectory was
given by the Guinan family. Archbishop John F. O'Hara gave
permission to build a new Church and designate St. Richard of Chichester
whose feast day is April 3rd.
The construction contract was awarded to Whalen Brothers of
Pottsville and the architectural plans were done by Luis Gambone of
Philadelphia.
Ground was broken in July 1954 by Fr Dunn, Fr. Whalen and
Mrs. Julia Guinan. Despite severe winter weather, work was
completed and the first mass held on Easter Sunday 1955.
The dedication and laying of the cornerstone took place on
Sunday July 3, 1955. Solemn Mass was celebrated by Bishop J.
Carroll McCormick, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia with eight priests
assisting.
Previous Pastors
Rev. McCaffery
Rev. Horn
Rev. Devlin
Rev. Dunn
Rev. O'Connor
Rev. Hanlon
Rev. Bednarick
Rev. Luszcak
Rev. Edward McElduff
Rev. Joseph Whalen
Rev. Schoenauer
Rev. Joseph Sobiesiak
Rev. Paul Puza
Rev. Halabura
Current Pastor: Rev. Joseph Whalen