The History of Saint John the Baptist Parish

The beginning of Saint John the Baptist parishes dated back to 1870, when Immaculate Conception Church in Connellsville, Pennsylvania was established, and the Scottdale/Everson area became one of their missions.  Mass was offered in private homes or at the mines until 1876 when a small frame church building (a former Episcopal Church) was purchased on the Everson Hill.  Two years later, this mission was declared a parish by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and placed under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist.  Father Thomas McEnrue was named pastor and celebrated the first Mass in September of 1878.  He served until July of 1879 when Father Michael Lambing began a fifty-two year term as pastor of the parish.

An addition was added to the church to serve the ever expanding congregation, and in March of 1881 lots were purchased in the Borough of Scottdale for a new house of worship.  A 400 seat red brick church was built, along with a rectory, and the dedication services were held September 3, 1882. 

 A parish cemetery was established in 1883 with a “new” addition added in 1949, which continues to serve the needs of the community.

In May of 1889 land was purchased for a convent and a four room brick schoolhouse.  The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg ministered at the school for the first 99 years, followed by the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.  The elementary school expanded to eight grades, and from 1923 until 1933 (the Great Depression), Saint John’s had the first Catholic High School in Westmoreland County.  It had to close for lack of funds, and never reopened.  The elementary school was also forced to close from 1934 until 1941 when it reopened and continues to serve the parishes in the area.  We now provide a 3 & 4 year old Pre-kindergarten, full day kindergarten, and grades 1 through 8.  We also serve special needs students.  Our High School students attend Geibel Catholic in Connellsville.

In April of 1931 Father Lambing died, and was replaced by Father Patrick J. Graney who served for the next twenty-six years.  During his tenure the parish endured the Great Depression, the schools challenge, and the rebuilding of that era.  In 1951 the Diocese of Greensburg (including the parish) was formed from the Pittsburgh Diocese, with Bishop Hugh L. Lamb as our first bishop.

Father Graney was replaced upon death by Father Andrew J. Schneider who in his brief two years set the stage for a redevelopment of new structures at Saint John’s.  That rebuilding was undertaken by Monsignor Gerald A. Schroth in December of 1960.  A building campaign was launched in 1962.  A property on Church Street and South Broadway was purchased and renovated as rectory and offices, the old rectory and church were razed, and the building of a church/school was begun, with the ground level serving as a “temporary” church, and the second floor as school.   May 12, 1963 marked the first use of the building.  Monsignor Schroth died in September of 1972.

He was followed by Father William M. Gavron, a former Associate here with Father Graney.  Father Gavron served from 1972 until his untimely death in 1985.  During his time, the “old” school building was razed for parking, the convent was razed and properties purchased for a proposed new church, the parish’s fourth House of Worship in over 100 years, which was dedicated November 23, 1980, by Bishop William G. Connare, our second bishop.  A house was purchased for use by the Sisters.

Upon Father Gavron’s death, Father George K. Alderson arrived as pastor.  He took a great interest in the school and the sports programs of the parish, and was a super Steeler fan.  He purchased a building adjoining the rectory as a convent, and upon the resignation of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, procured the services of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.

During those years, Bishop Anthony G. Bosco was installed as the third Bishop of Greensburg.  Father Alderson was followed by Father Emil S. Payer, who served faithfully until June of 2000, when the present pastor (and former Associate with Father Gavron), Father Leonard W. Stoviak, assumed the responsibility as the ninth pastor of the parish.  In 2002 the parish celebrated 125 years of Faith, Love and Service to the Scottdale/Everson area.  In 2004 the fourth Ordinary of the Diocese was Ordained and Installed—Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt.

The Lord has been good and gracious … may the blessings continue!