Parish reaches summit in celebrating 50 years

In fact, it was a visit by then-Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons during the summer of 1948 that led to the founding of the small, rural parish in Schoharie County.

This year, St. Anna's celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will be on hand for a special Mass at 10 a.m. on August 2 to mark the occasion.

Named for sister

One day during the summer of 1948, Bishop Gibbons traveled through town with his sister, Anna, and agreed that Summit needed its own church. The parish was named St. Anna's in honor of his sister.

Rev. Bernard Lannon was appointed its first pastor on June 26, 1948, and ground was broken on Oct. 29, 1948. Father Lannon commuted to the parish from Cobleskill for one year, during which time he celebrated Mass in the Summit Grange Gall.

Bishop Gibbons blessed the new church in June 1949, and Father Lannon celebrated a High Mass of Dedication. Two days later, Elinor Smith and Eugene Hoffert were married during the first wedding in the new church.

Milestones

Other firsts in the parish include: Michael Hellijas, first altar server; Ella and Frank Strittich, first music ministers; and Frank Killenberger, first usher.

Father Lannon, who left St. Anna's in 1953, was replaced by Rev. Joseph Morahan, who served until 1957. Rev. Francis Drzewiecki became St. Anna's third pastor and was succeeded by Rev. John O'Connor in 1960. In 1963, Rev. Thomas Di Pace began his pastorate at St. Anna's and remained until 1966, the year Rev. Charles Baniak arrived.

Growing years

In addition, a shrine to the Blessed Mother was dedicated to the memory of Amy Stelzer, one of the original parishioners, in 1982. An organ was purchased for the church, and new carpeting, confessional drapes and furniture for the sanctuary were put in place.

Memorial trees and Stations of the Cross were added, and the house next to the rectory was torn down to make room for additional parking spots.

Years of change

Rev. William Ryan was appointed regional priest in charge of liturgy at St. Anna's; he also performed liturgical duties at the State University at Cobleskill and Summit Correctional Facility. He remained until 1988, when Rev. Richard Shaw took over as administrator.

The church underwent major renovation in 1988, as the altar was moved to the back of the building, and the pews were turned around. There also was seating where the sanctuary had been.

Not everyone was happy with the changes, however, and the layout of the church was returned to its original state as much as possible. The $90,000 renovation project also included some changes that remain, such as an 800-square-foot gathering room, a reconciliation room and additional space for religious education.

Touch of art

Father Golding has showed his artistic flair during his tenure by restoring the altar and painting the trim around the interior of the church; his love of iconography also is evident, with icons of St. Anna and the crucifixion of Jesus on the back wall.

When he's not tending to business at St. Anna's, Father Golding spends time with the inmates at the nearby Summit Correctional Facility.

First-name basis

It's such a small parish that Father Golding is on a first-name basis with many parishioners -- and then some. "Here, I know everybody. I know their kids. I know the names of their dogs," he said.

As young families continue moving into Schoharie County and worshipping at St. Anna's, Ms. Lape pointed out, it will be important for them to get involved in parish ministry and the day-to-day operation of the church. Her own family is doing just that: her son is parish council president, and her daughter-in-law leads the music group and is involved with Renew 2000.

With a growing population, especially among young people, and visitors who attend Mass at the parish each summer, Ms. Lape is hopeful that the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Anna's will be one of many milestones that the church will reach.

"People who come really love this old, country church," she said. "They really feel right at home here."

(07-23-98) [[In-content Ad]]