Northumberland-Lancaster County PA Archives Biographies.....Breckel, George J. 1870 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@gmail.com August 6, 2005, 4:40 pm Author: Biographical Publishing Co. REV. GEORGE J. BRECKEL,* who is faithfully discharging the duties of pastor of St. Joseph's Church of Milton, Northumberland County, Pa., and of St. Michael's Church at Sunbury, is a man in whom every member of his parish unhesitatingly reposes confidence, and one whom everybody esteems. He is a son of Francis and Mary Annie (Klute) Breckel, and was born in Lancaster, Pa., September 8, 1870. Francis Breckel, the father of our subject, was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, September 1, 1824, and after receiving a good education learned the trade of a baker. He soon after came to America and located in Philadelphia, and subsequently in Lancaster, Pa., where he followed his trade, after some time entering business on his own account. He contracted what is known as baker's consumption and was obliged to give up his bakery, but he purchased a small piece of land in the suburbs, on which he erected a home, and there lived until his death, March 9, 1875. Politically he was a Democrat. He was united in marriage with Mary Annie Klute, who was born in the town of Olendorf, Armsberg, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, December 25, 1825. She was left an orphan at an early age and came to this country, making her home at Lancaster, where she married Mr. Breckel. Their union resulted in the following issue: Rev. Francis L.; Tressia, who died at the age df twenty-one; Mary, who died at the age of nine years; Margaret and Elizabeth, twins, who died in infancy; Sophia, wife of D. Gochenour of Lancaster; John, deceased; and George J., the subject of this biographical record. Rev. George J. Breckel obtained his preliminary training in the parochial school at St. Joseph's, Lancaster, and was prepared for the ministry at St. Vincent's, entering in 1885, and taking a complete classical, philosophical and theological course of study. On July 16, 1896, he was ordained to the priesthood by ;Rt. Rev. Thomas McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg, at the Cathedral, a nephew of the Bishop being ordained at the same time. He was shortly after called to his first charge, as pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Milton and of St. Michael's at Sunbury, and has continued as such up to the present time. Among the earliest settlers of Milton were many Catholics, and the first religious services held in the valley of the West Branch were held by them immediately after the close of the Revolutionary War. They were held in an old log hut which was erected for that purpose on the farm of Martin Kieffer, and it is recorded that some of the old Catholics of Turbot township were buried there as far back as 1787. A missionary priest occasionally visited the settlement to celebrate mass, instruct and baptize the children, and preach the word of God to the little congregation, thus keeping alive the spark of Catholic faith in the hearts of those pioneer families. About four acres of land for parochial and burial purposes were deeded to Rev. Francis Neale of Georgetown, D. C, by John and Margaret Kieffer May 13, 1805, adjoining the place of worship, which was destroyed by fire May 14, 1880. On March i, 1882, Father Ganss, who was then pastor, bought the property previously known as the old Academy Hill, lying south and east of the old parochial residence built by his predecessor, and upon the exact site of the academy he erected the present church at a total expense of $10,000. He subsequently laid out the grounds in lawns and terraces, and the property is now one of the handsomest in Milton. The building is in thorough harmony with the best and most approved ideas of Gothic architecture. It is conspicuously located on one of the historic spots in Milton, around which cluster many of the tenderest ties and most sacred memories of pioneer days. St. Michael's Church at Sunbury, a mission connected with St. Joseph's parish, had its beginning in the autumn of 1863, as a result of the efforts of Rev. J. J. Koch, who had previously conducted services at the home of a Mr. McNamara, which stood on the site of the Pennsylvania depot, and in the home of John Leavy, on Fourth street. At the latter place he conducted services once every month until 1866, when he was called to Shamokin. During this time he collected subscriptions amounting to $300, which formed the nucleus of the fund subsequently used in purchasing the property on which the church now stands. Rev. Arthur McGinnis of Danville acted as pastor during the following two years, but since that time the pastors of Milton have had charge. About this time Maj. Malone made a grand effort toward securing a permanent place of worship, and as a result of his endeavors and those of his able assistant, Rev. Michael McBricle of Harrisburg, enough money was obtained to purchase the old Methodist Church on Arch street in 1872, the purchase price amounting to $3,500. It was at once fitted up for Catholic worship and was dedicated by Bishop Shanahan, and services have since been held there weekly. Rev. Daniel Maher succeeded Father Ganss as pastor of St. Joseph's, and he in turn was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Hayes, who was relieved by the present pastor. Father Breckel is a learned, zealous and energetic priest, and although he has been connected with the parish but a few years, he has the entire confidence of all who have been so fortunate as to know him. He is especially popular among the younger members of the congregation and is at all times devoted to their interests and ready to encourage and foster every laudable enterprise that will advance them. In season and out of season he has been assiduous in his labors for the elevation of his flock, and all ages and conditions have been the objects of his pastoral care. Whilst there he has made improvements in many ways, and his good work, perseverance and excellent business methods have made him a host of admirers, not only among his parishioners but the people in general who appreciate the learned priest for his strict integrity. In the cause of temperance he has taken an advanced position and his work in this line has been most gratifying to him in its happy success. Additional Comments: * The information contained in this biography was supplied by the subject of this sketch. A type-set copy of the biography was sent to the subject to be proof-read, but the subject did not edit and return the copy, so this biography may contain typographical errors. Extracted from: Book of Biographies of the Seventeenth Congressional District Published by Biographical Publishing Company of Chicago, Ill. and Buffalo, NY (1899) This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/pafiles/ File size: 7.1 Kb