 | A history of Caroline county, Virginia |  |
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
In the year 1908 a number of Slovaks removed from the
States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Caroline county, Va.,
and settled around the villages of Guinea, Woodford and Milford.
These first families proved to be the vanguard of a considerable
colony. Being an energetic and industrious people and naturally
inclined to agricultural pursuits they soon brought the abandoned
and supposedly worn-out farms on which they settled to a high
state of cultivation; thus adding materially to the economic life
of the county.
When the colony was of sufficient strength a meeting was held
for the purpose of devising ways and means of securing the
establishment of a church of their faith (Roman Catholic) near
Woodford, the central point of the settlement. A petition was
presented to Rt. Rev. D. J. O'Connell, Bishop of Richmond,
which petition met with an encouraging response.
The Rev. J. M. Perrig, resident pastor of St. Mary's church,
Fredericksburg, was secured to visit the colony semi-monthly
and so faithfully did he discharge the duties of his office that in
the year 1913, a beautiful chapel was erected near Woodford
and dedicated in honor of the "Annunication of Mary the Mother
of our Saviour." Present at the consecration were Bishop
O'Connell, and many of the clergy and laity from Richmond and
Fredericksburg.
Shortly after the consecration of the chapel Rev. Mr. Perrig
died, beloved and respected by all who knew him, and was succeeded
in the Caroline county parish by Rev. William Jan, of Richmond,
and later by Rev. Thomas B. Martin, the successor of Rev. Mr.
Perrig at St. Mary's church, Fredericksburg.
In 1918, Rev. John F. Kociela was appointed resident pastor
of the Chapel of the Annunication and soon after entering upon
his duties, a rectory was erected for him opposite the chapel,
which he now occupies. Being a gentleman of genial manner and
unfailing courtesy he has the respect of all who know him and
under his administration the church prospers.
On July 6, 1924, the Rt. Rev. D. J. O'Connell consecrated
Sts. Cyril and Metlodious Catholic church at Welch, Caroline
county, and also confirmed a class of thirty-five children and
adults. The Rev. Mr. Kociela, pastor, assisted with the ceremonies
and celebrated the mass.
| A history of Caroline county, Virginia | |