Tamaqua church move delayed until pews are finished

The members of St. John XXIII in Tamaqua expected to be moving into their newly renovated church this weekend.

But delays in construction mean they will have to wait a little while longer before making the move from their current home on West Broad Street, the former St. Jerome’s.

The Rev. John Frink said on Thursday that there is still work to be done inside the parish’s new home, the former SS. Peter and Paul Church on Pine Street. The sanctuary has been transformed, but there is still work to be done on the church pews.

“We’re not going to be moving this weekend unfortunately, and there’s nothing that I can do about it. The pews are not done, and we can’t come in here until they’re done.”

While they hoped to begin holding services this Sunday night, Frink said the church needs all work to be complete, because it holds services seven days a week.

Frink said that while he’s disappointed that the move will be delayed, he understands delays are a normal part of any construction project.

The sanctuary of the former SS. Peter and Paul looks like a completely new building.

Frink said he wants it to combine aspects of the two churches, which were merged to create St. John XXIII, and create something entirely new.

“Everyone who has walked in has had the same reaction. They’ve just said ‘wow,’” Frink said.

The different icons from the church are displayed side by side to reflect the history of the two merged parishes. Relief sculptures from St. Jerome’s, depicting the stations of the cross, line the walls alongside the stained glass windows of SS. Peter and Paul.

A tile mosaic which once hung in St. Jerome’s was painstakingly removed and relocated to the building. Crews reported it weighed between 800-1000 lbs. It now hangs below the relief of Christ the Redeemer which was the centerpiece of the altar at SS. Peter and Paul.

The organ from St. Jerome’s has been relocated and serviced.

Parishioners will also recognize a statue of the Blessed Mother donated by the parish’s former pastor, the Rev. William Linkhorst.

The new church building will also feature some technology upgrades. Frink has overseen a new audio system for the church. Monitors on the altar will be used as part of the service.

“People learn differently. Some learn by hearing, some by seeing,” he said.

The church also has four video cameras, which will stream services live online for those who are unable to make it in person.

Since it was announced last year that the parish planned to consolidate under one roof at Sts. Peter and Paul, Frink has tried to emphasize unity in his messages to parishioners. He said having a church under one roof will help it grow for the future.

“I had a text from a guy today, who said, ‘I can’t wait to get back to the new normal.’ ”

It will take a little longer than expected, but the church hopes to be experiencing that new normal soon.