St. Margaret closes its doors
May 28, 1993
As the alter candles were extinguished for the last time, crying became audible throughout St. Margaret Church.
St. Margaret’s final Mass was held at 3:30 p.m. May 23. Former Pastors, the Revs. Ray Vollmer, Frank Siler and Al Kuezig, helped officiate the Mass with administrator, the Rev. Edward R. Schleicher.
Schleicher has been reassigned as administrator at Holy Rosary in Washington County.
The 311 W. Clayton St. church has been recommended to close as part of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Parish Reorganization and Revitalization Project. All parishioners of St. Margaret will become members of the newly established territorial parish of St. Vincent de Paul.
The new parish, which will include SS. Philip & James, St. Michael, Holy Cross and St. Lucy, will be formed effective 4 p.m. tomorrow. Current parishes within new parish boundaries were suppressed today. New priest assignments were effective Monday.
To commemorate the church’s history, fine china belonging to the parish was distributed to members of the church during a dinner program. A picture of the church with its opening and closing dates were depicted on the china pieces.
Schleicher, administrator of St. Margaret, St. Michael and Holy Cross, said in final church program, “Our time together has been challenging, inspirational, and above all a learning experience. Most of the time was an affirmation that people with faith can work together to build a community.”
“Faith in God and self are ingredients that take us beyond walls. You have built bridges, extended yourselves, and have experienced new awareness. You have demonstrated a true dignity and openness. The new parish can be successful with the continued graciousness.”
Source
“Go in Peace.” New Castle News, 28 May 1993, pp. 7–8.