Original Dedication Booklet of Mary Queen of Peace Church, 1929

Cardinal Dennis Joseph Dougherty

Cardinal Dougherty, archbishop of Philadelphia, gave the direction for the establishment of Mary Queen of Peace, helping set in motion the foundation of a parish community that would serve Pottsville’s Catholic faithful for generations. His leadership played a vital role in guiding the church’s early beginnings and the lasting legacy that followed.

1929-08-25 Little Flower Chapel – Mt Laffee

The Little Flower Chapel at Mt. Laffee was the chapel used by the congregation prior to the construction of the present church, completed in 1929. Its modest scale and simple devotional architecture reflect the religious life of the period and the early worship history of the Mary Queen of Peace community.

Interior of Little Flower Chapel at Mt. Laffee

The interior of the Little Flower Chapel at Mt. Laffee preserves the modest worship space used by the congregation prior to the construction of the present Mary Queen of Peace Church, completed in 1929. Its simple altar, devotional statuary, and orderly rows of pews reflect the reverent character of the community’s early liturgical life.

Construction of the new Mary Queen of Peace Church, Pottsville, 1928

The steel frame of the new church built between the rectory and convent after parishioners chose to replace the aging chapel. Designed by G. C. Freeman of Reading and constructed under diocesan approval without a general contractor, the project provided both economy and work for parish members. Begun in spring 1928, the 525-seat church was under roof by winter. Photo provided by Dan Eagan.

Mary Queen of Peace Front Exterior in 1929

The newly constructed Mary Queen of Peace, located at 730 N. Centre St., Pottsville, PA 17901, in 1929. The original roof consisted of clay tile. Photo from the August 25, 1929, Dedication Booklet.

Penn Clay Block Used in the Construction of Mary Queen of Peace, 1929

The new church building of Mary Queen of Peace was constructed using Penn Clay Denison “H” tile, selected for its strength, economy, and insulating qualities. In 1929, these materials were presented as an important part of the church’s construction, helping provide durable walls and protection against moisture, heat, and cold.

J. M. Kase Stained Glass Studios and the 1929 Windows of Mary Queen of Peace

The windows of Mary Queen of Peace Church were created by J. M. Kase Stained Glass Studios. In 1929, the firm was recognized for its work in Catholic stained glass and recorded that the windows of Mary Queen of Peace were made in its studios in Reading, Pennsylvania, and New York, New York. Each window was given as a gift by a member or family of the congregation.

Benefactors and Donors of the Windows of Mary Queen of Peace, 1929

This page records the benefactors who helped furnish the new church of Mary Queen of Peace, with special recognition given to those who donated its stained glass windows. The list reflects the generosity of parish families, parish organizations, and memorial donors whose gifts helped shape the beauty and devotional character of the church in 1929.

Corrections and Additional Donors of Mary Queen of Peace, 1929

This page preserves corrections to the church’s list of donors and recognizes additional patrons and patronesses connected to the building and furnishing of Mary Queen of Peace. Together, these names reflect the broad support of parishioners, families, and friends whose contributions helped establish and adorn the new church in 1929.

P. J. Sharkey and the Stucco Work of Mary Queen of Peace Church, 1929

The stucco and plastering for Mary Queen of Peace Church was carried out by P. J. Sharkey of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. In 1929, his work formed part of the finishing construction of the new church, including both plain and ornamental plastering as well as stucco and cement work.

Andrew Zachar Family Bell Gift, Mary Queen of Peace, 1929

The bell installed at Mary Queen of Peace was cast by the St. Louis Bell Foundry. Donated by Andrew Zachar and his family, the 800-pound bell was solemnly blessed the week prior to the dedication of the new church on August 25, 1929, by Father Shay, assisted by Rev. Joseph Toye and Rev. John Foed, with Rev. Joseph Rhodes serving as Master of Ceremonies.

MQP Dedication Medalion

Commemorative dedication medal issued for the dedication of Mary Queen of Peace Church in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on August 25, 1929. The medal features an image of the church and a portrait pin of Father George W. Shay above, joined by red, white, and blue ribbon. Photo provided by Teresa Stoffregen.

Mary Queen of Peace Class Photo, Late 1930s

This class photo, taken outside Mary Queen of Peace in the late 1930s, preserves a glimpse of parish school life from an earlier generation. In the comments shared with the image, Rich Leibel identified his uncle, Norman Leibel, in the top row on the right side, while Barbara Shay noted that Bernie Roth is in the top row, third from the right, and Lisa Brennan identified her father as fifth from the left. Photo provided by Rich Leibel.

May Procession at Mary Queen of Peace, Late 1950s or Early 1960s

Children of Mary Queen of Peace participate in the parish’s annual May Procession, photographed in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Community recollections indicate that the procession likely included members of the current First Communion class and reflects a cherished devotional tradition in parish life. Photo gently restored with AI, and provided by Dan Eagan.

Youth Group on Stage at Mary Queen of Peace, Early 1960s

Group portrait of a uniformed youth group on stage at Mary Queen of Peace, photographed in the early 1960s. Family recollections identify Frank Piccioni as second from the right and Fritz Eagan as eighth from the left. Photo provided by Michael Thomas Piccioni.

Children’s Choir or School Group at Mary Queen of Peace with Father McNulty, early 1960s

Group portrait at Mary Queen of Peace, likely dating to the early 1960s, showing children gathered with Father McNulty and August Kaswandik. Community recollections also suggest the presence of Lisa Brennan, Tommy Hoffman, and possibly Debbie Maskerines. Photo courtesy of Lisa Brennan.

Children’s Choir or School Group at Mary Queen of Peace with Father McNulty, early 1960s

Group portrait at Mary Queen of Peace, likely dating to the early 1960s, showing children gathered with Father McNulty and August Kaswandik. Community recollections also suggest the presence of Lisa Brennan, Tommy Hoffman, and possibly Debbie Maskerines. Photo courtesy of Mary Mozloom Davis.

Sister Anthony Marian in the Mary Queen of Peace Play Yard, November 1962

Sister Anthony Marian with children in the play yard behind Mary Queen of Peace in November 1962, with the rear of the church and school buildings in view. Recalled by former parishioners and students with great affection, the image preserves a scene from everyday life at Mary Queen of Peace. Photo provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Play Yard Scene at Mary Queen of Peace, November 1962

Play yard scene behind Mary Queen of Peace, November 1962, from the same photo series. Community recollections identify Don Melochick, Ron Walchalk, Carol Callahan, Ed Woznicki, Marie Ondisco, Dan Toomey, Mary Ann Everly, Margaret, and Dawn Gerkin’s mother at center between the two boys. Photo minimally refined with AI and was provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Sister Mary Jane in the Mary Queen of Peace Play Yard, November 1962

Sister Mary Jane in the play yard behind Mary Queen of Peace in November 1962. Part of the same photograph series, this image preserves a moment from everyday school life behind Mary Queen of Peace. Gently refined with AI. Photo provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Carol Hess Kramer, Margaret Walchalk, and Marie Roth in the Mary Queen of Peace Play Yard, November 1962.

Left to right: Carol Hess Kramer, Margaret Walchalk, and Marie Roth in the play yard behind Mary Queen of Peace in November 1962. Part of the same photograph series, this image preserves a familiar moment from everyday school life at Mary Queen of Peace. Gently refined with AI. Photo provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Interior Procession at Mary Queen of Peace, November 1962

Interior scene at Mary Queen of Peace in November 1962, showing boys processing down the aisle during a parish ceremony. Community recollections identify Buddy Schuster at left and Ed Woznicki beside him. Also visible in this photograph are the church’s original floor tile, original pews, and elements of its original interior decor, including the small candelabras that once adorned the sides of the church between the stained glass windows. Gently refined with AI. Photo provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Carol Hess, Janice Demko, and Carol Callahan at Mary Queen of Peace, 1962

Left to right: Carol Hess, Janice Demko, and Carol Callahan in a procession at Mary Queen of Peace, 1962. This image preserves a youthful and reverent moment from parish life at Mary Queen of Peace. Gently refined with AI. Photo provided by Carol Hess Kramer.

Mary Queen of Peace First Communion Class, May 1963

This First Communion class photo from May 1963 captures a joyful moment in the life of Mary Queen of Peace and preserves the faces of many parish children on an important day of faith. The names shared with the photograph include Judy Greenberg, Patricia DeAngeles, AnnMarie Chesla, Joe Clark, Donna Ryan, Diane Gross, Donna Antonini, Mike Sanders, Jack Hayner, John Schuster, Joe Cremia, Paul Bevan, Bob Svrcek, Ron Moser, Ron Callaghan, Dan Kelly, Mike Slifko, Bud Schuster, Burt Wojcik, Allen Holley, Leo Keller, and Allen Colna, with John Hennick later identified in the comments as standing next to Danny. Commenters also recalled that the altar server shown was George Trachte, helping preserve another piece of parish memory. Photo provided by Donna Pugh.

The Original Altar of Mary Queen of Peace, 1967

The original altar of Mary Queen of Peace Church as it appeared in 1967. Gently restored using AI, it offers a view of the sanctuary and its earlier devotional furnishings before later changes to the church interior; the angels that once held the candelabras on the altar were later repurposed in the choir loft, where they still preside over the church today. Photo provided by Dan Eagan.

Processional Standard at Mary Queen of Peace, c. 1967–1969

This photograph preserves another view of a parish procession at Mary Queen of Peace, likely dating from 1967 to 1969. Fred Eagan is identified as the bearer of the processional standard. Photo provided by Dan Eagan.

Parish Procession at Mary Queen of Peace, c. 1967–1969

This photograph preserves a parish procession at Mary Queen of Peace, likely taken between 1967 and 1969. Dan Eagan, who provided the image, is identified as the boy at the center of the group of six; others pictured may include Dave Kaswandick, Pat Schuster, Ronnie Wojcik, Vince Wychunas, and Francis Burns.

Dan Eagan and Pat Schuster at Mary Queen of Peace, c. 1966–1967

Dan Eagan, at right, and Pat Schuster are pictured inside Mary Queen of Peace Church in about 1966 or 1967. The photograph was taken by Father McNulty while he stood on a ladder preparing Christmas decorations, and it also preserves a view of the church’s original altar rail still in place.

Wedding at Mary Queen of Peace Church, May 6, 1972

A wedding celebrated at Mary Queen of Peace Church on May 6, 1972, as identified by Paul S. Kenderes Sr. The photograph also preserves a view of the church’s interior as it appeared during that period. Photo provided by Paul S. Kenderes Sr.

First Communion Class at Mary Queen of Peace with Father Tom Edwards, Mid-1970s

First Communion class at Mary Queen of Peace with Father Tom Edwards. Community recollections identify Karen Brennan among the children, Jerry Curran as the boy in plaid pants, Gerard Klema beside him, Angela Brilla as the last girl in the front row, and possibly Pete DeAngeles at the far right of the front row; the photograph is believed to date from the mid-1970s. Photo courtesy of Lisa Brennan.

Christmas at Mary Queen, early 1980s

Christmas at Mary Queen of Peace in the early 1980s, before the 1985 rededication, when the former lighting remained in place and the full altar rails were still installed. Photograph restored using AI. Photo provided by Robert Antonini.

New Year’s Day Gathering at Mary Queen of Peace, 1982

Tom Hoffman and Dan Eagan are pictured on New Year’s Day 1982 at the Mary Queen of Peace basement hall. The photograph preserves a candid moment of parish social life during that period. Photo provided by Dan Eagan.

Rev. Charles A. Marciano, Pastor 1984 to 1987

Ordained in 1972, Rev. Charles A. Marciano served the Diocese of Allentown in a wide range of pastoral assignments after studying for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. He was pastor of Mary Queen of Peace Church in Pottsville from 1984 to 1987 and later served several other parishes, while also contributing to diocesan ministry through the Spanish-speaking Apostolate, the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, and Catholic school governance.

Rededication Plaque of Mary Queen of Peace Church, 1985

Installed in the vestibule of Mary Queen of Peace Church, this plaque commemorates the rededication of the church on May 12, 1985, by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of Allentown. It also honors Rev. Charles L. McNulty, Pastor Emeritus; Rev. Charles A. Marciano, Pastor; and Mr. Stephen Andrusisian, Permanent Deacon, marking an important moment of renewal in the life of the parish.

Deacon Stephen Andrusisian

Deacon Stephen Andrusisian served Mary Queen of Peace Church as Permanent Deacon during an important period in the parish’s later history and was among those honored in the church’s 1985 rededication. Remembered alongside his wife, Elizabeth Andrusisian, his ministry formed part of the liturgical and devotional life of Mary Queen of Peace and the wider Catholic community of Schuylkill County.

75th Anniversary: Dinner Venue

75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Image restored using AI. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Cake

75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Father Robert Sharkey, Father James Mihalak, Bishop Thomas Welsh

Father Robert Sharkey, Father James Mihalak, Bishop Thomas Welsh. 75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Deacon Steve Andrusisian and Bishop Welsh

Deacon Steve Andrusisian and Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. 75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Father Edwards

75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Father Walsh (St. Kieran’s Church), Father Anthony Drouncheck, Father Mc Kenna, Bishop Ronald Gainer, Father Charles McNulty.

Father Walsh (St. Kieran’s Church), Father Anthony Drouncheck, Father Mc Kenna, Bishop Ronald Gainer, Father Charles McNulty. 75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

75th Anniversary: Deacon Steve Andrusisian, Father Charles Marciano, Father Robert Quinn.

Deacon Steve Andrusisian, Father Charles Marciano, Father Robert Quinn. 75th Anniversary Dinner of Mary Queen of Peace, October 21, 1995. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

Rev. John W. Bambrick, Pastor 2003 to 2008

Rev. John W. Bambrick served as pastor of Mary Queen of Peace Church in Pottsville from 2003 until the parish’s closure in 2008. Ordained on May 23, 1970, he devoted decades of priestly service to the Diocese of Allentown and later continued his pastoral ministry in Ashland until his death in 2016.

Alumni of Mary Queen of Peace School

Alumni of Mary Queen of Peace School group photo taken the day Mary Queen had its last mass as a parish on last farewell Mass as an independent parish on July 13, 2008. Front Row: Donna Ryan Pugh, Mary Meyers, Theresa Roshannon, Kathy Bowers Williams, Marie Roth Dusel. Second row: Sally Ann Meyers Dalvet, unknown, Renee Reddington, Judy Zelinski, Betty Bowman. Ann Marie Stefichek is behind Renee, unknown. Last row: Mary Ann LaScala Dragna, Joe Stefichek, Larry Stefichek, Michael Ryan, Jim Toomey. Photo provided by Donna Ryan Pugh.

Assumption Day Mass Bulletin, Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012

Bulletin for a Mass honoring the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, held on August 15, 2012, at 730 N. Centre St., Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Conducted by St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, under the discretion of the Most Reverend Bishop Barres, Monsignor Edward O’Connor, and the Congregation of the Clergy, Vatican State, Rome, this liturgy reflected the continuing desire of the faithful to preserve Mary Queen of Peace as a place of Catholic worship and devotion. Drafted by Mr. Robert Antonini.

Mary Queen of Peace: Solemnity of the Assumption, 2012

A full congregation turned out for Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012—the first Mass celebrated in the church in four years following the parish’s 2008 consolidation. This liturgy marked an important moment in the church’s enduring sacred use, as Mary Queen of Peace continued to remain a place of prayer, remembrance, and Catholic devotion for former parishioners and the wider community. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Mary Queen of Peace: Solemnity of the Assumption, 2012

A full congregation turned out for Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012—the first Mass celebrated in the church in four years following the parish’s 2008 consolidation. This liturgy marked an important moment in the church’s enduring sacred use, as Mary Queen of Peace continued to remain a place of prayer, remembrance, and Catholic devotion for former parishioners and the wider community. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Mary Queen of Peace: Solemnity of the Assumption, 2012

A full congregation turned out for Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012—the first Mass celebrated in the church in four years following the parish’s 2008 consolidation. This liturgy marked an important moment in the church’s enduring sacred use, as Mary Queen of Peace continued to remain a place of prayer, remembrance, and Catholic devotion for former parishioners and the wider community. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Mary Queen of Peace: Solemnity of the Assumption, 2012

A full congregation turned out for Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012—the first Mass celebrated in the church in four years following the parish’s 2008 consolidation. This liturgy marked an important moment in the church’s enduring sacred use, as Mary Queen of Peace continued to remain a place of prayer, remembrance, and Catholic devotion for former parishioners and the wider community. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Mary Queen of Peace Exterior, August 16, 2012

Exterior view of Mary Queen of Peace on August 16, 2012, one day after the Mass honoring the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel

Mary Queen of Peace and Rectory Exterior, August 16, 2012

Exterior view of Mary Queen of Peace and its adjoining rectory on August 16, 2012, one day after the Mass honoring the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This photograph captures both the church and rectory as part of the historic Mary Queen of Peace property at 728 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Mary Queen of Peace: Solemnity of the Assumption, 2012

The altar after Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Mary Queen of Peace, August 15, 2012—the first Mass celebrated in the church in four years following the parish’s 2008 consolidation. This liturgy marked an important moment in the church’s enduring sacred use, as Mary Queen of Peace continued to remain a place of prayer, remembrance, and Catholic devotion for former parishioners and the wider community. Photo provided by Michael Rajchel.

Altar of Newly Purchased Mary Queen of Peace Prepared for Deep Cleaning, September 2025

The altar at Mary Queen of Peace stands ready for deep cleaning as parishioners begin the careful work of restoring the church for prayer and devotional use after its purchase from the Diocese on September 3, 2025. Photo provided by Mr. Robert Antonini.

Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, Left of the Altar

Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in 2026, installed in a decorative niche on the left side of the altar inside the Chapel of Mary Queen of Peace, Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

Bobby Reyes restoring trim work, October 11, 2025

Andrew Zachar Family Bell Gift in 2026, Cast in 1929

The bell installed at Mary Queen of Peace was cast by the St. Louis Bell Foundry. Donated by Andrew Zachar and his family, the 800-pound bell was solemnly blessed the week prior to the dedication of the new church on August 25, 1929, by Father Shay, assisted by Rev. Joseph Toye and Rev. John Foed, with Rev. Joseph Rhodes serving as Master of Ceremonies. Photo taken by Rob Doyle in 2026.