The first Mass ever offered in this part of Pennsylvania was celebrated in June, 1840, at 522 Front Street, overlooking Roaring Brook within the confines of Nativity Parish. The first Catholic Church in Scranton was built in 1847 at the corner of Hemlock Street and South Webster Avenue on the site of the present Nativity Convent. Shortly thereafter a new Church was built in central city to accommodate the growing population. It was not until February 2, 1902, that the Most Rev. Michael J. Hoban, Bishop of Scranton, made the announcement that a new parish was to be created in South Scranton and it was to be called Nativity of Our Lord. The Rev. James A. O'Reilly was named as the new pastor. On November 1, 1903, Father O'Reilly took up his residence in Nativity and celebrated Mass for the first time at St. John's T.A.B. Hall, South Webster Avenue and Hickory Street. The history of Nativity Parish therefore begins from this date.
The Rev. John J. Loughran, D.D. was named Pastor of Nativity on July 31, 1907 and served the parish with incredible distinction until his death, April 12, 1940. It was during the pastorate of Dr. Loughran that the present rectory was built in 1909, the magnificent upper Church was dedicated on November 29, 1914, and the beautiful school and convent were blessed on September 7, 1933.
In 1978 the Church was completely renovated and refinished, and today Nativity's parish structures are a fitting monument to the Divine Faith of our forefathers whose labors and sacrifices made them possible.
...to be continued
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