Saint Ignatius Church was one of the several places of worship impacted by the Centralia mine fire. Located at the southern end of the town, it was inside the burn zone and was directly affected by the fire in the early 1980s.
St. Ignatius Church was one of the earliest Catholic churches in Centralia, Pennsylvania. It was built just three years after the town was incorporated.
The cornerstone for Saint Ignatius was laid by Bishop Shanahan on July 18, 1869. The church was constructed of beautiful native stone and other local materials. It was completed in under five months and was dedicated in November of the same year.
St. Ignatius was the first parish setup in the Mount Carmel Deanery. In 1870, a rectory was erected beside the finished church. By the 1890s, membership at the church had grown to over 3000 people!
Near the end of the 19th century, the church had also added a cemetery and convent. In 1896 a parochial school was constructed across from Saint Ignatius to accommodate students.
The original, two story school building continued to serve the Centralia community until 1954. During that year, it was replaced by a more modern structure.
Like other buildings in Centralia, Pennsylvania, St. Ignatius Church could not escape the mine fire that had begun in 1962. By 1981, the school had to be closed as parents feared carbon monoxide and other gases were sickening their children. The priest also left around this time and moved to Mt. Carmel out of concern for safety.
Even as the residents of Centralia left, Saint Ignatius continued to hold mass until the mid-1990s. At that time, there were too few parishioners to sustain it. The last service was on June 25, 1995. St. Ignatius Church remained standing until November of 1997 when it was finally razed.
Today the only reminder of St. Ignatius Church is the cemetery near where it once stood. Families and loved ones still visit, keeping it well-maintained. Though, the church and other buildings are now lost to history.
Thank you for the lovely article. My grandmother, Harriet Lyons is buried in the cemetery there. I was able to visit the church and cemetery in the late 1980’s with relatives who live in Lewisburg. I am from Atlanta, but my mother talked about Centralia often, since she was originally from Mount Carmel. I have lived a very different life from my relatives in Pa, so I am always fascinated by Pa history.
Can you tell me when the cemetery closed to new burials
Ms: Pericles ~ are you related to Helen Lyons a cousin of mine from the Centralia, Pa who lived in Atlanta in the 1960-70’s? My Grandmother was Ellen Rooney and was buried in St.Ig. Cemetery in the late ’40’s with husband Alexander Mcdonnell. My father changed the name to MacDonald early in 1900 when he moved the family to NJ/NY “when Irish need not apply”. Her sister was Esther Rooney who was married to James Flynn who passed in the 1918 Flu Epidemic.Any light you can share is appreciated.
Donald MacDonald
Can any one tell me where I can find St. Ignatius Church Records . My Family went there and I am interested in finding more information about the family , Jennings Family that lived on 712 Paxton St Centralia Pa. And assistance would be greatly appreciated / Thank You.
Michael Cavalla: The records would have been transferred to a nearby Parish when it was closed. From my searching, Columbia County is in the Diocese of Harrisburg. I would call the Diocesan office to inquire about where St. Ignatius’ records were transferred to.
My great grandfather Christopher Rooney was the superintendent of the mines in the middle to late 1800’s. Annie Purcell was his wife, and they had 13 children. Most of his sons worked the mines at times. The Rooneys has a long history in Centralia.
Hi, Has anyone had any success tracking down cemetery records from St Ignatius? I was told Our lady of Mount Carmel In the town of mount carmel next door had the records. My 3rd great grandfather Thomas mcganns’ sibings are laid to rest at st Ignatius and im trying to find out if my 4th great grandparents are there also. Havent had much success on ancestry, family search, or find a grave.
Interesting that St. Ignatius’ priest cursed the town (after being attacked by Molly Maguires), saying that the parish would be the only building left — the cemetery remains and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church is still there.
Could someone tell me if that little white church that stood proudly in that sea of green still stands today..
I’m wanting to take some photos of that church
It doesn’t.
if you are talking about the Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, then yes it is still there.
Burning question, no pun intended! Exactly when did the church and cemetery receive it’s name? Did it have another name prior to that whole situation underground occuring?
A quick search shows a Rev.Daniel Ignatius McDermott began holding Liturgy on April 12, 1869. I surmise Fr. McDermott decided on naming the new parish in honor of St. Ignatius. This article doesn’t confirm my suspicion. But it’s where I first saw St. Ignatius mentioned as the church name. http://www.byrnesville.com/saintignatiuschurchcentraliapa/
Mr MacDonald,
I’m sorry for not replying earlier. Yes, Helen Louise Lyons was my mom. She married Harold Ray in 1959 in Philadelphia, the they transferred to Charlotte, NC (where my brother and I were born in 1961 and 1963), then we moved to Atlanta in 1966 where we remained. My mom passed away in 2010. I do know that my Great grandmother was Katherine Rooney Britt, and my grandmother was Harriett Britt Lyons. She married my grandfather Edward Harwood Lyons probably in the 1920s, and were divorced in 1929. My mom subsequently grew up in Philadelphia and attended a Catholic boarding school there. Thank you for reaching out!
My grandpa was born and baptised in this church. His parents came from Ireland. If anyone can help me with information his parents Susannah Bradley and James Owens
Much appreciated thanks a lot.