Delhi celebrates one century of Catholic presence

They support a parish in the Dominican Republic, help out at an Oneonta soup kitchen and teach 110 children in religious education, among other ministries, and their pastor hopes for continued participation.

"The core of active people is becoming bigger in the parish, but we're always looking for more people to get involved," said Rev. Joseph Manerowski.

Beginnings

Construction for a church was underway by August 1899. A golden cross was mounted on top of the tall, single spire of St. Peter's Church in March 1900 to mark completion of the exterior.

Interior work was finished that June, and the church was consecrated on the last Sunday of that month; among those who officiated were Bishop Thomas M.A. Burke and Father Hughes.

Coming into own

Rev. Raymond Downey of Walton was the 13th and last pastor of St. Peter's under the mission agreement, and the church achieved its status as an independent parish through his efforts. The congregation renovated a house at 8 Franklin St. for use by future resident pastors as a rectory.

St. Peter's became a parish on Sept. 1, 1948, with Rev. Edwin Dugan was its first resident pastor. One year later, parishioners celebrated the 50th anniversary of their church, with Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons attending a Golden Jubilee Mass.

Changes

During Father Minehan's tenure, Rev. Patrick Lynch came as assistant, services increased, and college students helped with such projects as constructing a confessional. Father Minehan put in a new, brass tabernacle replacing one that was believed to have been there since the church was built.

He was succeeded by Rev. Michael Hughes, who only served for a year-and-a-half. Rev. Edward Ryan served as St. Peter's pastor from 1964 -- the same year a convent was built in Walton for the Dominican Sisters who traveled to parishes in Delaware County and conducted classes -- until his retirement in 1996.

Dangerous moments

Palm Sunday 1980 could have been another disastrous day, but three college students helped prevent a tragedy. When they stopped at the church to pray around 5 p.m., they smelled smoke. The Delhi Fire Department responded quickly enough to put out the fire.

A light fixture in the choir loft had overheated and started a fire that could have spread up the steeple. Damage was limited to the organ and choir loft.

'Like family'

During his four years as pastor, he has renovated the sanctuary to expose two stained glass windows and made room for a Blessed Sacrament Chapel. He also added pews to the sides.

"I like the feel of Mass here because it brings you closer to folks: You have people on three sides," he said.

The renovations were completed just in time for Bishop Howard J. Hubbard to celebrate the centennial Mass last October and dedicate the chapel. There are plans to construct a balcony in church that will add 40 seats, and St. Peter's someday could have a parish center with classrooms and meeting space, Father Manerowski noted.

Ecumenism

Parishioners look beyond county and country boundaries to help others; they assist with the Table of the Lord soup kitchen in Oneonta and have been supporting a parish in the Dominican Republic for two years.

Father Manerowski also gets around, ministering to students at SUNY/Delhi and driving 70 miles round-trip to bring Communion to the homebound.

Faces of Church

"We have a big mixture of people: young families, a lot of senior citizens and some in between," Father Manerowski said. He also sees new faces from time to time, and not just Delhi's seasonal residents from New Jersey and Long Island.

"We get a lot of 'returnees,'" he said. "There's a lot of evangelization to do in Delaware County with people who have been estranged from the Church for whatever reason. It's exciting to make the Gospel come alive."

(Centennial events at St. Peter's have included a remembrance service last November for the founding families, past parishioners and priests of St. Peter's; and a Valentine's Day renewal of marriage vows for couples. A Mass is being celebrated June 29 to commemorate the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. The parish is also planning a pig roast in August.)

(06-29-00) [[In-content Ad]]