In 1849 the town of Eckley, PA was incorporated and soon grew to be a sizeable coal town, with a large (and, at first, predominantly Irish) immigrant population working in the mines. The first Catholic Mass was celebrated by Saint John Neumann on October 25th, 1856 in the Eckley hotel. At that time, as Bishop of Philadelphia, he set in motion the erection of a Catholic Church in Eckley.

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The inauguration of a "new" parish in Freeland is rooted in history beginning in 1860 Eckley. The history of all our churches of Freeland is directly related to a wave of Irish, Polish, Slovak and Italian immigration in the 19th century. Individual or ethnic parishes formed to serve the community needs until the 21st century. Establishing Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish serving the Freeland community of 2008 honors the memory of the original Immaculate Conception Church of Eckley and all our ancestors across the years.

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By 1871 a second Church (St. Ann's) was constructed at Woodside, Freeland - (later moved to Centre Street).

Though at first, Immaculate Conception in Eckley was the territorial parish, and the Freeland Church a mission, by 1874 Fr. Fallihee moved his residence to Freeland. Eventually the Church in Freeland (St. Ann's Church) became the territorial parish and Immaculate Conception became a mission Church of Saint Ann.

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Youth group members enjoy an afternoon of snow tubing at Jack Frost Ski Resort.

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Youth Group members hosted a Christmas party for the Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Faith Formation classes of the parish. Music and dancing were featured, in addition to a visit from Santa, a crafts project, stories, games, and refreshments. A good time was had by all!

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The 2nd grade Faith Formation students of the parish are enjoying a movie and some refreshments. The Youth Group hosted this pajama party in January 2009.

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From Fr. John's farewell messgae to the parish...

Freeland has become "my home" and you are my family! You helped me to rediscover the
awesomeness of my priestly calling, and the beauty of my Augustinian vocation. I take my leave
of this wonderful town and people, ONLY because I know that God is calling me elsewhere, and
it is in obedience to Him that I find my hope and my peace. I also know this: I will miss you
deeply, and I take you all with me in my heart and in my prayers. I am comforted by the words
of St. Augustine: "God looks more to unity of heart than unity of place."

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On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, Father Richard Zavacki began a new annual tradition in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in honor of Our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. Fr. Richard lead the Altar/Rosary Society and other parishioners reciting the Rosary and Litany Prayers. After the Crowning of the Statue of the Blessed Mother, everyone entered the church for a Homily and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

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