Larger text
Smaller text
Uniontown’s St. Anthony Friary to close
Daily Photo Galleries
Fayette Photo Galleries
By Mary Pickels
Published: Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2013
An era will end in Fayette County this spring, as Uniontown's nearly 60-year-old St. Anthony Friary will close on June 13.
The announcement during Sunday and Monday morning Masses at the 115 Oakland Ave. site was met with some disappointment, said the Rev. John Joseph Gonchar.
“It's hard for some to believe and accept. It's a toughie, as with anything else,” Gonchar said.
He attributed the closing to a shrinking number of friars.
“And the age factor. We are not getting any younger. I would say the major reason is a lack of personnel,” Gonchar said.
Gonchar said he and Brother Bill Spond have been assigned to the friary for about four years.
Brother Damien Murkley died in December and was not replaced.
“He worked in helping with the poor in his own way, providing clothes and food,” Gonchar said.
A release from the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province in Cincinnati was issued by the Rev. Jeffrey Scheeler, provincial minister.
“Since 1956, it has been our privilege to serve the people of Uniontown and the Diocese of Greensburg. But aging and fewer numbers have led us to make the difficult decision to close St. Anthony Friary, home to our local community of Franciscan Friars.
“The friars living there will move on to new assignments after June 13, the Feast of St. Anthony, following a special Mass of gratitude. We invite friends to join us at the friary that day for a reception following the 10 a.m. Mass.”
The property likely will be put on the market, he said.
Gonchar said he will be moving on to Holy Family Friary in Pittsburgh. Spond has yet to be reassigned.
Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.
Most Popular Fayette
- Historic Mon ferryboat might be making last trip between Fayette, Washington
- Constable discovers marijuana plants on porch of Uniontown residence
- Stretch of Route 43 in North Union dedicated to veterans
- Connellsville’s Memorial Day features wreath toss, recitation of Gettysburg Address
- Former Latrobe man gets hearing to decide on double-murder
- East Park’s overlook castle restored, ready for visitors
- Connellsville Industrial Enterprises dissolving, showering nonprofits with donations
- Charleroi-based firm lands day reporting center contract
- Newest Dunbar Community Festival ornament is now available
- Connellsville set for 9th annual Geranium Festival
- Dunbar, Vanderbilt plan Monday services
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
