The History of the Parish of Saint Joseph (page 5)

Washington, New Jersey

 

 

Rev. Joseph A. Murphy was born in Washington, NJ, on August 28, 1880.  He attended and graduated from Washington High School, entered St. Charles Seminary at Overbrook, PA, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1908, by the Most Reverend Bishop Prendergast, D.D.  He read his first Mass at St. Monica’s Church, Philadelphia, PA, and said his first Solemn High Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Washington, NJ.  Father Murphy, one of the outstanding priests in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, is now Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, 19th and Tioga Streets, Philadelphia, PA.

 

            The Rev. Edward Joseph Barry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. L. Barry, was born on Beethoven Avenue, Washington, NJ.  Beginning his studies at the Washington public school, Father Barry was successively graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School, St. Charles College, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and completed his further instruction at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmittsburg, Maryland.  He was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trenton, on March 28, 1936, by the Most Reverend Moses E. Kiley, Bishop of Trenton.  The family moved to Summit, NJ, and it was there at St. Theresa’s Church that Father Barry celebrated his first Solemn High Mass.  Several friends from Washington were ushers at the services and many other Washington residents attended the Mass.  Father Barry is now stationed at Westville, NJ.

 

            Sister M. Edmunda, the former Esther Barry of 25 E. Warren Street, the daughter of Patrick and Ellen Barry, entered the Sisters of Mercy Congregation over twenty-seven years ago.  Sister is a teacher and at the present time in stationed at St. Philip and St. James Convent at Phillipsburg, NJ.

 

            Sister M. Agnes Jose, the former Katherine Fasch of Washington, NJ, entered the convent over thirty-five years ago and is now stationed at St. Michael’s Convent, in Jersey City, NJ.  She is a Sister of Charity.

 

            Sister M. Alphonsus, the former Laura Marladt, lived on Broad Street for a number of years.  She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph and taught for many years in the Parochial schools of the Philadelphia diocese.  Sister is now stationed at St. Joseph’s Villa, Chelsea, Philadelphia, PA.

 

            Sister Maria Jose, the former Blanche Tresch, daughter of Joseph and Johanna Tresch of Broadway, NJ, entered the convent over thirty-five years ago and is now stationed at St. Michael’s Convent, in Jersey City, NJ.  She is a Sister of Charity.

 

            Sister Joan, the former Joan Tresch, daughter of Joseph and Johanna Tresch of Broadway, NJ, entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Newark on July 31, 1947.  Sister is a graduate of the local grammar and high school and was a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin.

 

            Mother Maria Novatus, was born in Washington, NJ, March 3rd, 1898, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James W. Curnan.  Entered Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary June, 1925, now stationed at Immaculate Conception at Tremont, PA, where she is Mother Superior in charge of the Sisters teaching at Immaculate Conception School.

 

            The history of St. Joseph’s parish is one of growth in spiritual things, due to the abundance of God’s good grace and blessings.  Ever since its foundation, the parish has been enriched and spiritually invigorated by the work of its various church organizations… The Altar and Rosary Society – The Holy Name Society – the St. Vicent de Paul Society – the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin – the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine – the Society for the Propagation of the Faith – the Choir – and more recently, since the coming of the Sisters, the Parent-Teacher Association.

 

            This is the anniversary fest of the accomplishments of good faithful priests and parishioners down through those seventy-five years.  It is the anniversary feast of joyful commendation for the generous lay persons who, from the time that James Allen, himself, taught catechism in his own home in 1871, have year after year devoted their time and energy to teaching the children, preparing them year after year for First Confession, Communion and Confirmation.  It is the anniversary feast of fullest praise and thanks to the many good parishioners, some of whom are now crowned with an eternal reward by Almighty God Himself, who have given of their life energy and possessions to make St. Joseph’s parish what it is today.  To them is due all praise and credit.  It is their day – a jubilee day of effort and success.  May Almighty God in all His Glory look with kindness and love on priests and parishioners who have no gone to their eternal reward and may He give to those of us who have lived to see this day, a greater strength to work for Him, a greater love to live for Him and a greater desire to die in His friendship.

 

Thanks be to God!

 

(The information for this part of the website has been transcribed from the 75th Anniversary “Diamond Jubilee- Saint Joseph’s Church” booklet.  The information was collected to make up our Church history from the years 1872 to 1947.)