Scranton - St. Paul

St. Paul Parish in Scranton was established in 1921. From the first handful of members, St. Paul has continued to grow to approximately 50 families from the Scranton area. Today, St. Paul shares its pastor, Father Steven McLoud, with the parish of St. Columbkille/St. Patrick Oratory in Churdan. Under his guidance, the members of St. Paul play an active and key role in their surrounding community.

Before St. Paul's establishment in 1921, the Catholics of Scranton were visited by Father Bragil from Des Moines about twice a year beginning around 1864. After 1866, a series of priests, including Father Delaney and Father Concannon, ministered to the area's Catholic population.

Father Barry was the first resident pastor in Jefferson and served all of western Greene county, including St. Paul. From 1875 to 1921, Father McGrath, Father Mulvihill, Father O'Farrell, Father Quirk and Father Kenney all provided spiritual guidance to the parish.

After 1921, Father Coleman was instrumental in the organization of the building of the first official church. Father Mason, who succeeded Father Coleman in 1926, completed the first brick rectory.

Father Mattes became pastor during the depression in 1932. In 1938, Father Mattes made many improvements to the church including a bell tower and new sacristy. Father Perion assumed the pastorate in 1940, and a renovation of the church was completed. The renovation included heating plants in the church and rectory.

Father Kocker coordinated plans to erect a new church building in 1960. This building was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1961.

Father Greteman came to St. Paul in November of 1968. Several things were added to the church over the years. A new bronze tabernacle, statues and stained-glass windows were added and the parish grounds were beautifully landscaped. In 1962, Father Greteman was named the Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor.

In 1974, Msgr. Koester was appointed pastor of St. Paul followed by Father Guenther in 1989, Father Degen in 1993 and Father Teideman in 1994.

St. Paul was clustered with St. Columbkille/St. Patrick Oratory, St. Brigid Grand Junction and St. Joseph Jefferson in 1995. Father Linnan was the pastor at that time.

In 1996, the rectory was sold since it was no longer needed.