(Photo by Richard F. Hope)

St. Michael’s Lithuanian Roman Catholic Church (219 Spring Garden Street)

Gothic Revival church “built of ashlar and brick with a Trenton stone façade”.1 An unusual, short steeple frame finishes off the older church tower. With adjacent garden and parking lot.

The front part of this parcel, fronting along Spring Garden Street, was part of original town Lot No.57 that had been purchased from the Penn Family in 1802 by Philip Odenwelder, Trustee for the German Reformed Congregation of Easton, and trustees for the other congregations in the German Union Church at that time.2 These congregations sold the land to James McKeen in 1853,3 as he assembled a parcel of land on this spot. McKeen had already purchased the rear portion of the parcel a month earlier, from Joseph B. Gross, a clergyman in Fayette, New York.4 Gross had held the property since 1825.5 It is possible, since both portions were effectively church-held before McKeen bought them, that they had long been intended as a possible church site. James McKeen himself was a lumber merchant from South Easton.6 In particular, he was the nephew of Col. Thomas McKeen,7 whose mansion stands today on Spring Garden Street less than a block away, on the other side of Sitgreaves Alley (now called Sitgreaves Street).8

McKeen was apparently assembling this parcel of land for the Brainerd Presbyterian Church,9 named in honor of colonial missionary David Brainerd by “a group of 36 families” in 1853.10 James McKeen sold the property to the Brainerd Church the next year (1854).11 The church was then built, and dedicated on 7 October 1854. Its 175-foot spire “dominated” Easton12 – then the tallest steeple in town.13 The “main audience room” (i.e. nave) was located on the second floor, reached by twin staircases. The first floor had a Sunday School / Lecture Room, and an additional four smaller rooms. The building cost approximately $32,000.14 The first pastor was Rev. G. Wilson McPhail, a

“scholar of distinction” who became the President of Lafayette College in 1857.15 Dr. McPhail originally hailed from Virginia, and accordingly was a Southern sympathizer during the Civil War. He chose to leave Easton 1862.16 “All of his successors in the Presidential office have been members of the Brainerd Church. The same is true of a large proportion of the Faculty of the college . . . .”17

The Presbyterian congregation left the building in 1893, when they joined the Second Presbyterian congregation at the 333 Spring Garden Street church.18 In 1896, the building was purchased by the Grant Conclave, No.123, of the Improved Order of Heptasophs,19 which had recently been organized and chartered.20 The steeple was

1 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008); accord, City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone B (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(Gothic Revival).

2 Deed, John Penn and Richard Penn to Philip Odenwelder, Trustee for German Reformed Congregation of Easton, et al., G2 512 (31 May 1802)(sale price £ 11 18s. 6d. for original town Lot No.57).

3 Deed, German Reformed Congregations of Easton, Drylands, and Plainfield, et al., to James McKeen, G8 395 (1 Apr. 1853)(sale price $7,000).

4 Deed, Joseph B. (Sophia C.) Gross to James McKeen, G8 394 (4 Mar. 1853)(sale price $1,500).

5 See Deed, William (Catharine) Ricker to Joseph B. Gross, B5 143 (6 May 1825). 6 See Deed, German Reformed Congregations of Easton, Drylands, and Plainfield, et al., to

James McKeen, G8 395 (1 Apr. 1853)(recital identifying James McKeen as a Lumber Merchant from South Easton). See also Talbot’s Lehigh Valley Gazetteer and Business Directory 1864-65 23 (Press of Wynkoop & Hallenbeck 1864)(James McKeen, saw-mill proprietor from South Easton); Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 61 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870)(James McKeen, lumber, home at 62 N. Ferry St.).

7 See McKeen Genealogy Chart, contained in the “McKeen” file at the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society (no compiler noted). Nephew James McKeen’s father (a brother to Col. McKeen) was also named James, but in 1854 it would appear more likely that the nephew was the person involved. See generally footnote discussion of the relationships between Col. McKeen and his relatives contained in the separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the McKeen-Young Mansion at 241 Northampton Street.

8 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Col. Thomas McKeen Mansion at 231 Spring Garden Street.

9 Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered pages 1, 42, 45 (Buscemi Enterprises and Pinter’s Printers, Inc. 1991)(spelled “Brainard”); William Peterson, Eagle Scout Project: Historic Guide of Easton Site #30 (2006), available through Easton website, www.easton-pa.com (via “History” link)(constructed 1872).

10 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008).

11 Deed, James (Mary) McKeen to Brainerd Church, A9 243 (3 July 1854)(sale price $3,000 for land at the NE corner of Spring Garden Street and Sitgreaves Alley measuring 60’ X 90’.

12 See Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1961 110 (1961)(picture with spire at p.111); see Buscemi, The

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removed, because the building would “no longer be used as a church.”21 The building was remodeled into a club house, and renamed Heptasophs’ Hall.22 The first floor was fitted out with billiard and pool tables, with a double bowling alley on the East side, “a neat little reading room” in the NW corner, and kitchen and pantry facilities in the NE corner.23 “One stairway to the nave was removed to make way for a smoking room and ladies lounge. The nave was used as an auditorium for concerts and public events.”24 “The auditorium occupies the entire second floor,” excepting cloak and toilet facilities and a gentlemen’s smoking room also installed there.25

The original Order of the Heptasophs (“Seven Wise Men” in Greek) was a fraternal society founded in 1852, modeled loosely upon the Masons. Its motto was “in God We Trust”, and it adopted a number of 7-pointed emblems

1992 Easton Calendar, supra at unnumbered page 42 (church built in 1854); William Peterson, Eagle Scout Project: Historic Guide of Easton, supra at Site #30 (church built in 1852); Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008).

Counting the base, the steeple rose 200’ from the pavement. Article, “The Brainerd Steeple Gone”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Tues., 18 Aug. 1896, p.3, col.5.

But see City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone B (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(built c.1874). It is possible that this date was a typographical error, and that 1854 was actually meant.

13 Article, “The Brainerd Steeple Gone”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Tues., 18 Aug. 1896, p.3, col.5; Buscemi, The 1992 Easton Calendar, supra at unnumbered page 42 (church built in 1854).

14 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1961 110 (1961).

15 Easton Daily Express, Illustrated Industrial Edition 2, col.3 (Jan. 1893, reprinted by W-Graphics); accord, Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1961 110 (1961).

16 Virginia Williams Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, Pennsylvania 1811-1961 110 (1961).

17 Easton Daily Express, Illustrated Industrial Edition 2, col.3 (Jan. 1893, reprinted by W-Graphics).

18 Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered page 42 (Buscemi Enterprises and Pinter’s Printers, Inc. 1991); Bentley, Sesquicentennial Story of the First Presbyterian Church, supra at 123-24.

19 Deed, Brainerd-Union Presbyterian Church to The Heptasoph Association, A27 265 (12 May 1896)(sale price $8,000); see Article, “Easton Heptasophs. They Have an Option on the Old Brainerd Church Property and May Convert it Into a Hall”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Tues., 3 Mar. 1896, p.3, col.2 (Grant Conclave, No. 123, Improved Order of Heptasophs); Article, “Heptasoph Hall Association”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 15 Apr. 1896, p.3, col.2 (Grant Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs, to take possession of old Brainerd Church on 1 May); Article, “The Heptasophs’ Housewarming – An Evening of Music and Speeches at Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.3 (Grant Conclave of Easton); Article, “Heptasoph Hall Opened. The New Building Formally Opened to the Public”, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.2.

But see James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library)(“Imperial Order of Heptasophs”).

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and symbols, as well as an elaborate ritual. In 1878, the Improved Order of Heptasophs split off, wishing to sell fraternal benevolent life insurance to their members. In 1880, the two Heptasoph organizations joined in offering insurance to their members. The Improved Order of Heptasophs initiated many more members than the original group, reaching a membership of 676,887 in 1915. It merged into the Fraternal Aid Union in 1917, which in turn became the Standard Life Association in 1933.26

At the time Easton’s Heptasophs’ Hall was opened in October 1896, Easton’s Conclave was the ninth largest in the United States, with a membership of 340.27 The opening ceremonies were attended by “Hundreds of people”. The welcoming speech was given by Easton’s ex-Mayor Dr. B. Rush Field. The main address was given by Samuel H. Tattersall of Baltimore, the Supreme Secretary of the Order, who emphasized the millions

One authority viewed the Easton group as a Civil War veterans’ club. Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008). While this does not appear to have been explicitly the case, it is possible that the Easton “Grant Conclave” was named for General Grant of Civil War fame. It would also not be surprising if many of the members were from Easton’s large group of Civil War veterans.

20 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Association”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 15 Apr. 1896, p.3, col.2.

21 Article, “The Brainerd Steeple Gone”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Tues., 18 Aug. 1896, p.3, col.5.

22 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008); see Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered pages 42 (Buscemi Enterprises and Pinter’s Printers, Inc. 1991); see also Charles M. Barnard (compiler), West’s Directory for City of Easton 21 (The Union Publishing Co. 1914)(“Blocks, Buildings, Halls”, Heptasophs’ Hall at Spring Garden and North Sitgreaves Streets). Eagle Scout Peterson’s statement that non-religious uses began after the First Presbyterian Church congregation’s merger (in 1941) with the Brainerd Presbyterian Church is apparently an error. William Peterson, Eagle Scout Project: Historic Guide of Easton, supra at Site # 30 (2006).

23 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Opened. The New Building Formally Opened to the Public”, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.2; see Article, “The Heptasophs’ Housewarming – An Evening of Music and Speeches at Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.3 (Grant Conclave of Easton); see also Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008)(billiard and pool tables and bowling alley). See also James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

24 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008).

25 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Opened. The New Building Formally Opened to the Public”, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.2.

26 See Phoenixmasonry, Inc., “Improved Order of Heptasophs”, www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/heptasophs.htm (accessed 8 Oct. 2009); Articles, “Order of the Heptasophs”, www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/ooh_en.html and “Improved Order of Heptasophs”, www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/ioh_en.html (both accessed 6 Oct. 2009).

27 Article, “The Heptasophs’ Housewarming – An Evening of Music and Speeches at Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.3 (Grant Conclave of Easton).

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of dollars paid to families of deceased members (evidently by the insurance available to members).28 Three years later, in August 1899, Easton’s Heptasophs sponsored “Heptasoph Day” at Island Park (an amusement park in the Lehigh River located West of Easton), which drew over 2000 people. The event included races, a baseball game, and a speech by “the silver-tongued orator of the Heptasophs”, Olin Bryan of Baltimore.29 This repeated connection with Baltimore (MD) appears to be no accident. The city had its own Heptasophs’ Hall at the beginning of the 20th Century.30 Even within the last few years, the town has enjoyed a “Heptasoph Series” of theatrical events as part of the Baltimore Theatre Project.31

Heptasophs’ Hall appears to have been leased for various public functions. For example, shortly after its opening, a public concert was given there by local musicians.32 The modern Y.M.C.A. in Easton was formed in 1898, at a “mass meeting” called by Rev. Alfred Claire in Heptasophs’ Hall.33 In 1909, during the week before Thanksgiving, daily cooking lectures were given by Mrs. E.O. Hiller to demonstrate the labor saving properties of using a gas range. The lectures were sponsored by Easton Gas and Electric Co. Attendance by the end of the week was up to 400 ladies, with 200 more chairs to be provided for the growing crowds. A “request that hats be removed has been complied with generally.”34

In 1911, the Sophomore Class of Lafayette College held their second “Cotillion” ball there.35 At the end of 1915, the hall was leased to the Young Men’s Hebrew Association as the headquarters of their campaign to raise funds for a new building.36

In the 20th Century, the Improved Order of Heptasophs, “like so many other post-Civil War fraternal societies, became simply an insurance company, their social and civic functions ended.”37 In 1916, shortly prior to the merger of the national Heptasoph Order into the Fraternal Aid Union (see above), Heptasophs’ Hall was purchased for $18,000 by St. Michael’s Lithuanian Roman Catholic congregation,38 then only four years old.39 The building was remodeled back into a church. “Ceiling murals in High Victorian style were fitted into place and the church was graced with the antique[ ] pews from Trinity

28 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Opened. The New Building Formally Opened to the Public”, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.2; see also Article, “The Heptasophs’ Housewarming – An Evening of Music and Speeches at Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.3.

29 Article, “Heptasoph Day – Members of the Order from All Over the Lehigh Valley Assembled at Island Park”, EASTON FREE PRESS (semi-weekly), Fri., 1 Sept. 1899, pl.3, col.3 (held the prior Monday). See generally Article, “Heptasoph Convention – Held Thursday Evening in Gradwohl’s Hall South Bethlehem”, EASTON FREE PRESS (semi-weekly), Tues., 12 Sept. 1899, p.3, col.5.

30 A college of homeopathic medicine in Baltimore held its ninth commencement exercises there on 10 Apr. 1900. See George T. Shower (Dean), “The Southern Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital of Baltimore”, in William Harvey King, History of Homeopathy and Its Institutions in America, Chapter III, www.homeoint.org/history/king/2-03.htm (accessed 17 Oct. 2009).

31 See Baltimore Theatre Project Inc., the heptasoph series, www.theatreproject.org/heptasophseries.html (accessed 17 Oct. 2009); see also Agents + Assets, www.theatreproject.org/moreinfo_agents.htm (accessed 17 Oct. 2009)(unusual theatrical production that was part of the 2006-07 Heptasoph Series in Baltimore Theatre Project).

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Episcopal Church, Art Deco stained-glass windows, and an elaborate crystal chandelier.”40 The used pews were purchased for $50, while an altar was ordered from Pittsburgh for $425. Local carpenters did other work in the building.41 Services began in May 1917; the church was dedicated on 5 August 1917 with sermons in Lithuanian and Polish. At that time, the community had some 150 families with “more than 1000 souls”, grown from only 5 families ten years before.42 The first resident pastor was Rev. J. Rashtutis, for whose residence the house at 103 Spring Garden Street was rented.43

In 1922, the parish also purchased the Reichard House at 114 Spring Garden Street44 as the residence for successive pastors of St. Michael’s Church.45 It is likely – although unconfirmed in the City Directories – that the Reichard House had been purchased from the Reichard Family by James B. O’Hay for use as a parsonage by St.

32 Item, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Wed., 28 Oct. 1896, p.3, col.1 (concert to be given on Friday evening at Heptasoph Hall by Herman Beans, assisted by Maurice Clemens “and his Thursday morning class.”).

33 James Flagg, “The YMCA’s Always Had a Lot of Friends”, EASTON EXPRESS, Fri., 15 Aug. 1975, p.6; see also Article, “Wars Twice Halted Rise of Y.M.C.A.”, EASTON EXPRESS, Saturday, 12 June 1937, Jubilee Section B p.14 (Alfred Claire called first meeting on 11 Oct. 1898, and organized at a second meeting on 7 Nov. 1898).

34 Article, “Four Hundred at Cooking School”, EASTON EXPRESS, Fri., 19 Nov. 1909, p.4, col.2; see also Advertisement, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 17 Nov. 1909, p.6, cols. 5-7; Article, “Mrs. Hiller to Cook Dinners, And the Ladies attending Her Lectures Will Be Given a Taste of the Luxuries She Prepares”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 15 Nov. 1909, p.4, col.2; Article, “The Cooking School”, EASTON EXPRESS, Tues., 16 Nov. 1909, p.4, col.3; Article, “Cooking for Easton Ladies”, Wed., 17 Nov. 1909, p.5, col.4.

35 Article, “College Dance – Heptasoph Hall in Gay Colors for The Sophomore Cotillion”, EASTON EXPRESS, Sat., 18 Nov. 1911, p.5, col.3.

36 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Is Y.M.H.A. Headquarters”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Fri., 3 Dec. 1915, p.13, col.5; accord, Article, “Young Men’s Hebrew Club Launch New Home Project”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Mon., 6 Dec. 1915, p.1, cols. 4-5 (opening meeting in Star Theatre, but headquarters and noon luncheons at Heptasoph Hall).

37 James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

38 Deed, The Heptasoph Association to Most Rev. Edmund F. Prendergast, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Trustee for Saint Michael Llithuanian Roman Catholic Congregation, D43 322 (31 May 1916)(sale price $18,000 for property 60’ X 90’); James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Church – the early years” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); accord, James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); see Article, “Heptasoph Hall Now St. Michael’s Church – New Catholic Congregation of Lithuanians Dedicate Former Brainerd Presbyterian Edifice”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Mon., 6 Aug. 1917, p.7, col.5; Article, “St. Michael’s Is Dedicated – Lithuanian Church Located in Building Formerly Known as Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 6 Aug. 1917, p.5, col.4; Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered pages 42 (Buscemi Enterprises and Pinter’s Printers, Inc. 1991); Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008).

See generally Leonard S. Buscemi, Sr., The 1992 Easton Calendar unnumbered page 39 (Buscemi Enterprises and Pinter’s Printers, Inc. 1991) (pictures of Brainard Presbyterian Church, Heptasophs [sic] Hall and St. Michael’s Lithuanian Roman Catholic Church).

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Michael’s Parish. O’Hay purchased the house only one year after St. Michael’s began services; he sold it to the Parish immediately after he cleared title with one remaining heir, in 1922.46

In 1929, the first pipe organ was installed in the church. “Art deco” stained glass was added later. In 1950, Rev. Joseph C. Gaudinskas was assigned as administrator of St. Michael’s, and began a general refurbishing of the church. Among other things, he had a new pipe organ installed. In 1954, the “former Episcopal manse next to the church became available” and was purchased to be the rectory. A sacristy was built to connect the two buildings.47 The two St. Michael’s priests then in residence at 114 Spring Garden

39 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008); accord, James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); see James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Church – the early years” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library)(the visiting Lithuanian priest begun in Aug. 1907, but meetings to organize a Lithuanian parish were begun on 7 August 1912).

40 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008); see Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library)(used pews from Trinity Episcopal Church).

41 James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Church – the early years” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library)(pews cost $50, altar ordered from Pittsburgh for $450, local work done to build other features).

42 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Now St. Michael’s Church – New Catholic Congregation of Lithuanians Dedicate Former Brainerd Presbyterian Edifice”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Mon., 6 Aug. 1917, p.7, col.5 (community from “Russian Poland”, which the article located as being “in the Balkans”); Article, “St. Michael’s Is Dedicated – Lithuanian Church Located in Building Formerly Known as Heptasoph Hall”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 6 Aug. 1917, p.5, col.4.

43 Article, “Heptasoph Hall Now St. Michael’s Church – New Catholic Congregation of Lithuanians Dedicate Former Brainerd Presbyterian Edifice”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Mon., 6 Aug. 1917, p.7, col.5; Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library)(Rev. Rastutis (note spelling), the first resident pastor, rented the house at 103 Spring Garden Street). The Information Sheet relates that Rev. Rastutis/Rashtutis had been the assistant to Rev. Gudaitis of Tamaqua, who had been assigned to help the Easton Lithuanians in setting up their parish.

44 Deed, James B. O’Hay to His Eminence, Dennis J. Dougherty, Cardinal Archbishop of Philadelphia, G49 494 (30 June 1922)(sale price $6,000).

45 West’s Easton, Pa and Phillipsburg, NJ Directory 207, 698 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1930)(Pastor J. Simon Draugelis); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1935 153, 619 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1935)(Pastor J. Simon Draugelis); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1937-38 197, 727 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1937)(Rev. Francis Garnius at 727 is evidently a misspelling not followed at 197); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1942 538 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1942)(Rev. Francis Garmus); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1944-45 676 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1944)(Rev . Francis Garmus); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1949 186, 785 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1949)(same); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1951 185, 187, 569 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1951)(Rev. Francis Garmus and Rev. Joseph C. Gaudinskas). See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for 114 Spring Garden Street.

46 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for 114 Spring Garden Street, and sources cited therein.

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Street moved into the new Rectory – which was the Theodore Sitgreaves Mansion at 217 Spring Garden Street – by 1951,48 leaving the Reichard House vacant.49 Reichard House was sold by the parish in December of that year.50 After the steeple at St. Michael’s was destroyed by lightening, Hugh Moore, Jr. (son of the “Dixie® Cup” industrialist) “designed a new bronze fleche to replace it in 1958.”51

In 1964, Father Gaudinskas was named pastor of St. Bernard’s Church, as well as Administrator of St. Michael’s. That left no resident pastor for St. Michael’s Parish. Father Francis Connolly was assigned to St. Michael’s in 1966, and the Rectory was converted into a Convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph.52

In 1971, “in conformity with Vatican II decrees, the interior [of the church] was stripped of many of its ornaments . . . .”53 In 1980, Father Thomas Benested made renovations to the church to emphasize its historical character. The Sisters left the Theodore Sitgreaves mansion, which then became a Holy Family residence for the elderly.54 In 1992, an antique oak altar was brought from St. Joseph’s lower church, with matching sanctuary furnishings.55 In 2008, as part of a “massive restructuring, which closed 47 churches,” St. Michael’s Church was closed and its congregation was consolidated into a new Our Lady of Mercy Parish headquartered in the former St. Joseph’s Church in South Easton.56

In 2011, the building was purchased for $100,000 by Scott and Debra Reda, subject to a dozen use restrictions which precluded (among other things) use of the

47 Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); accord, James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

48 See Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1955 293-94 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1955).49 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1955 999 (R.L. Polk & Co. 1955). 50 Deed, His Excellency, Most Rev. John F. O’Hara, Archbishop of Philadelphia, to Joseph

(Mary) Segreto, A95 138 (2 Dec. 1955). This deed recites that Cardinal Archbishop Dougherty died on 31 May 1951, and Archbishop O’Hara was his successor.

51 Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

52 Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

53 Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, The 28 th Annual House Tour 19 (3 May 2008); accord, James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library); see also Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

54 Information Sheet, Saint Michael’s Church, Easton, Pennsylvania (located in folder of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

55 James Somogy, “Saint Michael’s Historic Buildings” (article copy in the folders of the Marx Room, Easton Area Public Library).

56 John A. Zukowski, “Merged Easton churches feel bond of faith, Combining three Catholic churches into one has been a spiritual success, pastor, parishioners say”, EXPRESS-TIMES, 14 Aug. 2008, p.C-7, cols.2-5.

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building for an unauthorized Roman Catholic church, an abortion clinic, an adult book store, topless bar, or other activities that the Catholic Church would find morally problematic.57 Scott Reda is the son of Lou Reda,58 a singer and then talent agent who retired to found59 Lou Reda Productions, Inc. That firm has produced hundreds of hours of documentaries for the History, A&E and BIO channels,60 most notably on American historical subjects.61 Scott Reda became the executive producer for his father’s film production company, after Scott’s sports goods business closed in 2003.62 (Lou Reda is still Chairman of the Board.63) The Redas have begun transitioning the film production operations into the building.64

57 Deed, Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown and Trustee for Saint Michael Lithuanian Roman Catholic Congregation of Easton, PA, to Scott L. (Debra R.) Reda, 2001-1-022275 (24 Jan. 21011).

58 Scott L. Reda (special), “Remember Pear Harbor for lives lost and lives changed”, MORNING CALL, Wed., 7 Dec. 2011, p.A-19.

59 Kathy Lauer-William, “’Only thing I ever liked was history’ – Renowned documentary maker dropped out of school to be a singer”, MORNING CALL, Sun., 19 June 2011, p.A-1. With only an 8th grade education, Reda became a singer with big bands and the USO, performing at times under the name “Cowboy Red”. As an agent, he represented bands, as well as The Great Kreskin mentalist act.

60 Scott L. Reda (special), “Remember Pear Harbor for lives lost and lives changed”, MORNING CALL, Wed., 7 Dec. 2011, p.A-19 (“more than 400 hours of documentaries”).

61 Kyle Clauss, “Behind the Scenes: Easton filmmaker, Lou Reda, brought the Civil War to national television”, EASTON IRREGULAR 6 (Heritage Edition Summer 2011)(produced over 550 documentary movies).

62 Dane Shope, “Reda Sports closes its doors – Blackwater Sports says on Web site it will take over customer needs,” MORNING CALL, Wed., 19 Nov. 2003, p.D-1. Scott Reda, the Chairman, started the private sports goods company in 1985 on his father’s property, which later expanded with an $812,000 low interest loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. It purchased the old Chipman Mills.

63 Kathy Lauer-William, “’Only thing I ever liked was history’ – Renowned documentary maker dropped out of school to be a singer”, MORNING CALL, Sun., 19 June 2011, p.A-1.

64 Brian Pedersen, “Lou Reda Productions finds fresh stories to tell with latest war series”, EASTON IRREGULAR, Dec.2011/Jan.2012, p.1.

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