Most Holy Trinity

Parish History — Two Centuries in Huntingdon

Most Holy Trinity traces its origins to the late 1780s, when Huntingdon's small Catholic community met around log chapels, private homes, and even a tavern. The parish was formally founded in 1826 under the Diocese of Philadelphia, and the brick Gothic-style church was built beginning in September 1828 under the care of Rev. John O'Reilly, funded largely by Irish canal workers. Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick blessed the completed church on July 4, 1830. In 1978 Bishop James Hogan celebrated a Mass marking the 150th anniversary of the 1828 building, recognized as the oldest Roman Catholic church in use in the Altoona–Johnstown Diocese. The parish began celebrating its bicentennial in 2026.

• Parish formally established: 1826
• Brick church construction: September 1828 (Rev. John O'Reilly)
• Church blessed: July 4, 1830 (Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick)
• Steeple built: 1893 (Rev. Patrick J. Hawe)
• Parish social hall built: 1956 (Father John Crowley)
• Church expanded with rear wing: 1962 (Father Francis Ackerson)
• Mother Seton Sisters of Charity arrive: September 1967
• Rectory at 1000 Warm Springs Avenue purchased: 1990
• Current church / office complex dedicated: March 26, 1995 (Bishop Joseph Adamec)
• Bicentennial celebrations begin: 2026

Architecture & Historic Landmark

The 1828 brick church was built in the Gothic style — 62 × 35 feet with a 25-foot ceiling, a front gallery supported by four columns, and 57 pews. A steeple, begun in 1893, added a 13 × 13-foot, 100-foot-tall tower with vestibule and stained-glass windows. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is marked by a Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission marker at 524 Mifflin Street.

• Style: Gothic
• Original dimensions: 62 × 35 ft; 25-ft ceiling; 57 pews
• Steeple (1893): 100 ft tall, 22-inch brick walls
• Status: on the National Register of Historic Places

Clergy & Parish Staff

The parish is served by Rev. Mark R. Reid as Pastor, Rev. Antony Sudherson, HGN, as Parochial Vicar (shared with neighboring parishes and residing in Dudley), and Deacon Donald T. Gibboney. The lay staff includes the Director of Religious Education, Financial Assistant, and Administrative Assistant. Pastoral and Financial Councils, the Holy Cross Cemetery Committee, and a Liturgical Committee support parish life.

• Rev. Mark R. Reid — Pastor
• Rev. Antony Sudherson, HGN — Parochial Vicar (effective Nov. 4, 2025)
• Deacon Donald T. Gibboney
• Anita Roseborough — Director of Religious Education
• Doreen Mills — Financial Assistant
• Susan Wentzel — Administrative Assistant
• Justin Gutshall — Finance Council Chairperson
• Chad Little — Pastoral Council Facilitator
• Colleen Neville — Holy Cross Cemetery Chairperson

Sacraments

Information on every sacrament is published on the parish's Sacraments & Liturgies page. Preparation programs are required for Baptism and for the sacraments of initiation, with a two-year process for First Eucharist and Reconciliation (Grades 1–2) and a three-year process for Confirmation (Grades 9–11). Marriages are scheduled at least ten months out, and Anointing of the Sick is offered before hospital admission or in any emergency by calling Fr. Mark.

• Baptism — by appointment with preparation
• First Eucharist / Reconciliation — 2-year process (Grades 1–2)
• Confirmation — 3-year process (Grades 9–11)
• Marriage — call at least 10 months ahead
• Anointing of the Sick — call Fr. Mark at 643-0160
• Homebound Communion — Sundays and first Thursday/Friday of the month

Faith Formation & Religious Education

Most Holy Trinity runs an ongoing Religious Education program for parish children, including the two-year First Eucharist/Reconciliation preparation in Grades 1 and 2 and the three-year Confirmation process in Grades 9 through 11, both involving parents. Adult Education is also listed as a parish ministry for those wanting to grow in the faith or explore the Catholic Church.

• First Eucharist / Reconciliation — Grades 1–2 with parents
• Confirmation — Grades 9–11 with parents and young adults
• Adult Education — for inquirers and Catholics wishing to learn more
• RCIA inquiries: Mr. Jason Morse (814-506-9165) or Deacon Don (814-251-2599)

Parish Ministries & Organizations

Beyond the sacraments, Most Holy Trinity sustains a wide range of lay ministries, organizations, and committees. Pastoral and Financial Councils advise the pastor; the Liturgical Committee and Holy Cross Cemetery Committee handle the work of worship and burial grounds. Lay apostolates include a Music Ministry, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Bible Discussion, Care Committee, Queen of Peace, Family Hospice (part of UPMC), and three affiliated Catholic organizations.

• Pastoral Council
• Parish Financial Council
• Holy Cross Cemetery Committee
• Liturgical Committee
• Music Ministry
• Prayer Shawl Ministry
• Adult Education
• Bible Discussion
• Care Committee
• Queen of Peace
• Family Hospice (part of UPMC)
• Catholic Daughters of America
• Cursillo
• Knights of Columbus
• Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Holy Cross Cemetery

Holy Cross Cemetery is a Catholic cemetery operated and maintained by the parish for those entitled to Christian burial under Roman Catholic Church guidelines. It is governed by the Pastor in accordance with the Cemetery's Rules and Regulations, the Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, and Diocesan Directives issued by the Bishop of Altoona–Johnstown. The Memorial/Monument Approval Application, Cemetery Policy, and Burial Privilege Charges are available through the Parish office.

• Operator: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church
• Governed by: Pastor + Cemetery Rules + Canon Law + Diocesan Directives
• Chairperson: Colleen Neville
• Application, Policy, and Charges available at the Parish office

Stained-Glass Windows

The parish has published a page devoted to the symbolism of its stained-glass windows, including the 1893 stained glass added to the front of the church along with the steeple. (Detailed content of each window is published on the parish's 'Symbolism of Our Stained Glass Windows' page.)

Visiting & Contact

The parish office is at 524 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652, phone (814) 643-0160, fax (814) 643-0160, email [email protected]. Office hours listed in parish bulletins include Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (Tuesday and Thursday closed). The parish maintains a Facebook page where bulletins and announcements are posted.

• Address: 524 Mifflin St., Huntingdon, PA 16652
• Phone: (814) 643-0160
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mhtcc.org
• Office hours (per bulletin): Mon & Wed 9 AM–4 PM; Fri 9 AM–4 PM (Tue/Thu closed)

Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown

Most Holy Trinity belongs to the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown. The current bishop is Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak. In 2025 Bishop Bartchak announced the appointment of Rev. Antony Sudherson, HGN, as Parochial Vicar shared with Most Holy Trinity, Saint Catherine of Siena in Mount Union, Saint Mary in Shade Gap, and Immaculate Conception in Dudley, residing at the rectory in Dudley.

• Diocese: Altoona–Johnstown
• Bishop: Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak
• Appointments bulletin: proclaim.dioceseaj.org