OUR HISTORY

In the early 1850's, Holy Mass was celebrated in private homes in Tunkhannock with as few as 15 people.  As attendance grew, a more permanent place of worship was needed.  In September of 1884, a church building was acquired from the Baptist church and dedicated as a mission of Saint Bonaventure's parish in Auburn.  Nativity became a mission of Saint Patrick's Church in Nicholson in 1888. In 1931, Nativity received its first resident pastor.  Mass was also offered in Falls, Lake Winola, and Lake Carey.  

Later that year, the residence of Attorney Joseph Piatt was purchased to serve as the parish rectory.  The residence was erected in 1884 by Lydia Marcy Stark.    Rev. Joseph J. Nallin was appointed as  Nativity's pastor in 1948.  Under his leadership, an enhanced spiritual and physical presence was achieved.  During his pastorate, the present Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church was erected in 1955.  To better serve permanent and summer residents, Saint Mary of the Lake Church in Lake Winola was constructed in 1956, and Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Lake Carey was built in 1959.  

In 1968, Nativity Hall was constructed with classrooms and all facilities needed to function as a Catholic school.   The name of the hall was later changed to Father Nallin Hall.  In 1986,  Saint Mary of the Lake became a separate parish.     Today, the Catholic Faith is ever present at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, with over 1200 members and families comprising  the congregation, and with many vibrant ministries and organizations serving the faithful and those in need.    

In July of 2022, Saint Joachim's Church in Meshoppen became part of the Nativity BVM Parish.  With a keen appreciation of the past, we look confidently toward the future, as we work to carry out our parish mission:  "To know, love, and serve the Lord and one another, in imitation of Mary."