My Genealogy Hound

REV. JOHN A. SEIMETZ. The Church of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, situated in Catasauqua, was fortunate in securing as its pastor Father Seimetz, for through his devoted and efficient supervision every department of its work has been greatly promoted in extent and usefulness. He accepted the pastorate in 1889, two years after his ordination to the holy priesthood, and during the years that have since elapsed he has gained the esteem and confidence of his parishioners and the respect of the general public.

Father Seimetz was born in Beading, Pa., November 13, 1862, and is a son of Mathias and Mary (Ludwig) Seimetz, natives of the city of Treves, Germany. The former, who was born in 1813, emigrated to America after his marriage and settled in Beading. He is now living in that city and has attained, the age of eighty-one years (1894). His wife, who is also living, is seventy-eight years old. Their only son and youngest child is the subject of this sketch, who was reared to manhood in his native place and received a good education in St. Paul’s parochial school. In 1875 he went to the Benedictine College at Latrobe, Westmoreland County. Later he completed the classical course of St. Vincent College, and in 1881 became a student in St. Charles Seminary at Overbrook, near Philadelphia.

In May, 1887, Father Seimetz was ordained by Archbishop Ryan and became assistant priest in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Sixth and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia. After spending fourteen months in that position he was transferred to the church of St. Alphonsus, in the same city, where he was engaged for the eight ensuing months. He was then sent to Pottsville, where he was assistant in St. John’s Church for a short time. April 29, 1889, he was put in charge of the congregation at Catasauqua.

This parish was organized in 1847, and in 1878 the present large brick edifice was erected. In 1890 the parsonage adjoining the church was completed. On the opposite side of the street stand the schoolhouses and the dwelling of the sisters. The congregation includes one hundred and fifteen families and is in a most flourishing condition. The many expensive improvements which have been placed upon the property indicate the praiseworthy spirit among the people, and earnest and persistent efforts on the part of the pastor. There are one hundred and fifteen pupils in the school, which is in charge of three sisters of the Order of St. Francis. Connected with the parish are the Beneficial Society of St. Nicholas, Atlar Society, Rosary Society, Sodality of the Blessed Virgin and St. John’s Society for young men. Politically Father Seimetz is a Democrat.