Branchville
New Jersey
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St. Thomas the Apostle Church
History:
Concerned for the Catholics in the NW corner of Sussex County and as "a missionary endeavor to spread the light of Gospel in this region," Bishop McLaughlin developed the Western Sussex Missions of Hainesville and Walpack - under the auspices of St. Joseph's Parish in Newton, NJ.
The former Hainesville District schoolhouse was acquired from John & Ruth Gilson. In 1830, John D. Everitt had given the Trustees of the 4th District that land to be used "to occupy the same for school or religious purposes." Thus, St. Thomas the Apostle Church was established and its 1st Mass was celebrated on July 6th, 1941. The Missions were later administered as a separate entity by the addition of St. Bartholemew in Lafayette, in 1942. At first, Mass was celebrated here every Sunday and Holy Day from Memorial Day to the first Sunday of October each year. A neighboring mission was added in Montague in 1943.
Founded in 1943, St. James was built on River Road. For many years St. James parish had responsibility for the mission at Hainesville, and once served the former mission in Walpack and Blue Mountain Lakes. When St. James was elevated to Parish status in 1945, St. Thomas the Apostle Church became designated a mission to that parish and Mass was celebrated year-round from then on. By 1973, with growth in the area, Father Ted Michota expanded the original two-room schoolhouse building, incorporated the altar designed by Father Tully from Our Lady of the Blue Mountain Church, which closed in 1970.
On Dec. 9, 1987, the Jubilee Year of the Diocese of Paterson, Bishop Frank J. Rodimer advanced the mission (territorially - largest in the diocese) to full Parish status. By 1988, with land donated by Mr. Reginald Clark, Father Gacquin initiated plans and fundraising for the new church. Through a diocesan grant, groundbreaking was done August 1999.
On January 1, 2007, the Rite of Dedication of the Monsignor James Gacquin Youth and Religious Education Center took place. Msgr. Gacquin in whose honor the Religious Education Center was named was the pastor of St. James the Greater and St. Thomas the Apostle from 1976 to 1996. Known for his love of God and his dedication to the people of God the Parish was delighted to honor him in this fashion.
Mrs. Joan Spoolstra was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle parish for many years. Joan was called to her enternal reward on May 4, 2004 by the Christ whom she loved so deeply. It is through her generosity that we have this beautiful building where current and future generations will come to be formed in the truths of Christ. Please remember to pray for Msgr. Gacquin and Joan.
Concerned for the Catholics in the NW corner of Sussex County and as "a missionary endeavor to spread the light of Gospel in this region," Bishop McLaughlin developed the Western Sussex Missions of Hainesville and Walpack - under the auspices of St. Joseph's Parish in Newton, NJ.
The former Hainesville District schoolhouse was acquired from John & Ruth Gilson. In 1830, John D. Everitt had given the Trustees of the 4th District that land to be used "to occupy the same for school or religious purposes." Thus, St. Thomas the Apostle Church was established and its 1st Mass was celebrated on July 6th, 1941. The Missions were later administered as a separate entity by the addition of St. Bartholemew in Lafayette, in 1942. At first, Mass was celebrated here every Sunday and Holy Day from Memorial Day to the first Sunday of October each year. A neighboring mission was added in Montague in 1943.
Founded in 1943, St. James was built on River Road. For many years St. James parish had responsibility for the mission at Hainesville, and once served the former mission in Walpack and Blue Mountain Lakes. When St. James was elevated to Parish status in 1945, St. Thomas the Apostle Church became designated a mission to that parish and Mass was celebrated year-round from then on. By 1973, with growth in the area, Father Ted Michota expanded the original two-room schoolhouse building, incorporated the altar designed by Father Tully from Our Lady of the Blue Mountain Church, which closed in 1970.
On Dec. 9, 1987, the Jubilee Year of the Diocese of Paterson, Bishop Frank J. Rodimer advanced the mission (territorially - largest in the diocese) to full Parish status. By 1988, with land donated by Mr. Reginald Clark, Father Gacquin initiated plans and fundraising for the new church. Through a diocesan grant, groundbreaking was done August 1999.
On January 1, 2007, the Rite of Dedication of the Monsignor James Gacquin Youth and Religious Education Center took place. Msgr. Gacquin in whose honor the Religious Education Center was named was the pastor of St. James the Greater and St. Thomas the Apostle from 1976 to 1996. Known for his love of God and his dedication to the people of God the Parish was delighted to honor him in this fashion.
Mrs. Joan Spoolstra was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle parish for many years. Joan was called to her enternal reward on May 4, 2004 by the Christ whom she loved so deeply. It is through her generosity that we have this beautiful building where current and future generations will come to be formed in the truths of Christ. Please remember to pray for Msgr. Gacquin and Joan.