Chapter 15
-- Compiled by the Cumberland Women's Club
and Published by the Cumberland Advocate
1874-1974
(used by permission of the Cumberland Advocate)
Donated by Linda Mott
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Cumberland Catholic Community
The original Catholic population of Cumberland and the surrounding territory was of a very cosmopolitan character, including Italians, Germans, Poles and English. The earliest Catholic services of record were held in the Hall building, which later formed part of the large "Company Store." These services were held by missionary priests from New Richmond, Hayward, and Ashland, and the use of the building was provided free by its owner, Fred Miller.
In 1883 the congregation, under the direction of Father DeParadis, began the erection of the church on Second Street, now known as St. Mary's, and services were occasionally held in the building before its completion in 1884.
In 1885 the Italians who outnumbered the other Catholics around Cumberland, decided to have a church of their own, so they withdrew from St. Mary's and erected a church about a mile south of Cumberland, calling it St. Anthony's. It stood near the Italian settlement, and beside it was laid out a large cemetery, which is now used by both congregations.
From the beginning the two churches have been served by the same priests, with Father George Keller the first regular pastor in 1885. The rectory at St. Mary's, now used for the parish offices, was built at his own expense by Father Stephen A. Leinfelder. On two occasions fire threatened to destroy St. Mary's church but was extinguished with minor damage. However, on May 7, 1944, the church was burned to the ground. The congregation, with its pastor, Father Shaney, immediately made plans to rebuild the church, and during the time it was under construction, the people of St. Mary's attended church at St. Anthony's. The new church was completed and dedicated on January 15, 1948.
At the present time both parishes
are served by the same pastor and assistant pastor, and governed by one
parish council. The members of the council are Tim
Hefferman, president; Nilo Nelli, Ray
Gargaro, Dr. Gerald Tempesta, and Robert
Behling, elected members, Committee chairmen Bernard
Masyga, Cy and Pat Lepak, Albert
DeGidio, Jr., Kathleen Nelson, and
Roger
and Bonnie Wistrcill, and secretary
Catherine
Wickre.
to A
Historical Review of the United Methodist Church
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