Good Shepherd History

The history of Good Shepherd Parish can be closely connected to the early days of the Diocese of Scranton when St. John Neumann, as Bishop of Philadelphia visited Hawley, Pennsylvania in 1852 and Dedicated the newly built Church of St. Philomena, the forerunner of Queen of Peace Church.

In the early 1900's the Shanley brothers had for some years dreamed of, and discussed building a Church somewhere, sometime, and decided Blooming Grove could be the fulfillment of their dreams.

An Architect was hired to draw up plans of an exact replica of a country Church in England. Before construction began, Mr. W.C. Shanley died, but his wife, Mrs. Mary Shanley, decided to go forward with plans as a Memorial to her husband.

The Church was completed and consecrated by the Most Reverend William J. Hoban, Bishop of Scranton, in June of 1926. The Good Shepherd Church became a Mission Church of the St. Philomena Parish of Hawley.

Catholic families attended regular Masses at either Good Shepherd Church in Blooming Grove or Queen of Peace in Hawley. With the rapid increase of residents in the area, and the heavy influx of Catholics from New York, New Jersey, and nearby areas, it became necessary to celebrate Mass within Hemlock Farms.

It is hoped that the future history of this Parish, under the guidance of its Patron St. John Neumann and through the intercession of our Blessed Lady will be a long and glorious one.