St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church Northampton Pennsylvania

Immigrants coming to the United States of America at the end of the 19th century from Galicia, Austria which is present day Western Ukraine arrived in Massachusetts and Vermont and later made their way to Shenandoah Pennsylvania. They all had the same things on their minds. Purchasing a home, finding a job and to some the most important thing, a place to worship.

The people in Shenandoah pleaded for a Ukrainian priest and on October 24th 1884 their prayers were answered. Father John Wolansky arrived as the first Ukrainian Catholic priest in America. On November 21st 1886, St Michael's, the first Ukrainian Catholic Church was built.

Shenandoah was a coal mining town, with hard and dangerous work. With the uncertainty of going on strike, some of the people decided to look for work somewhere else. They heard there was good work in the Lehigh Valley. They arrived in a town called Newport, which in 1902 became present day Northampton. This area was located near the Lehigh River.

Pioneers were attracted to the Lehigh Valley area because it was noted for their cement production. The Atlas Cement company was the largest producer in the world. There were other employment opportunities in the developing garment and cigar factories.