My Genealogy Hound

FATHER PHILIP McENROE has been pastor since 1877 of the Church of the Holy Infancy, which congregation was started and organized by his brother Michael. The church edifice is very large and exceedingly beautiful, being built in Gothic style, and with fine paintings and decorations. It was commenced in 1882 and completed four years later. The cost of the building was $70,000, which was fully paid at the time it was dedicated, through the earnest efforts and zeal of the pastor.

A native of Ireland, Father McEnroe was born December 20, 1839, in County Cavan. His father, who bore the Christian name of Philip, was born in the same county, coming from one of the oldest families in Ireland, and being a descendant of Owae Roe, a great king of about the sixteenth century. Our subject was reared on his father’s farm, and received his primary education in the National schools. His mother was Mary Farley before her marriage, her birth having also occurred in County Cavan. Of her eleven children but two survive. Charles was pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Mauch Chunk, and died in 1859, when about thirty-three years of age. Michael is now pastor of the Church of the Holy Family at Manayunk, Philadelphia.

The classical education of our subject was obtained in Cavan Seminary, where he completed the course. In 1862 he left his native land, coming to the United States, and in Philadelphia became enrolled as a student in St. Charles Seminary, taking up the philosophical and theological branches, and finishing his studies in 1867. His ordination was celebrated January 2, 1867, in the Cathedral of Philadelphia, by Bishop Wood, after which he was assigned to the Philadelphia Diocese. For a short time he was assistant pastor at West Chester, and then for three months was assistant priest at Easton. For the succeeding year he served in a similar capacity in St. Patrick’s Church at Pottsville, and later was sent to Port Carbon. At Schuylkill Haven he was made the first pastor of St. Ambrose’s Church, which he cleared of debt, and under his influence a substantial parsonage was erected. Three years later he went to St. Clair as pastor of St. Mary’s Church.

The year 1877 witnessed the installation of Father McEnroe as pastor-in-charge of the Church of the Holy Infancy at South Bethlehem, where he succeeded his brother Michael, who had started and organized the congregation in 1861, and two years later built the church. He was pastor of the Allentown Missions until 1877. The congregation over which Father McEnroe officiates is the largest in this locality, and they are devoted to their pastor, who is very popular with everyone. The beautiful edifice is considered one of the handsomest churches in the valley, and no cost was spared which would enhance its beauty. The paintings, which are greatly admired, were executed by Costigne, a master in his line. In connection with the church a fine parochial school has been opened for the benefit of the children of the parish, and it is well conducted. Father McEnroe is active in all the various branches of church work, and is greatly interested in the cause of temperance. The Temperance Sodality Society, one of the active church organizations, has a membership of four hundred and fifty girls. The Reverend Father directs the Emerald Society of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and his work as a minister has been marked by great success and enthusiasm.