REDBANK, Pa. (RVO) – Last week, New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley had the pleasure of hosting Maximus Marlowe, a senior student studying three majors at Liberty University. Marlowe’s visit wasn’t just a leisure a trip, but it was an important research endeavor aimed at uncovering the rich history of St. Mary’s Redbank Church and its sacred cemetery.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

As a young scholar passionate about history, finance and project management, Maximus Marlowe embarked on this journey as part of his academic pursuits. Armed with knowledge and an unquenchable thirst for discovery he delved into the origins of St. Mary’s with the goal of preserving its legacy for future generations.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

Marlowe’s carefully planned itinerary allowed time for research while fully immersing himself in the local culture. From receiving a welcome at TechReady Professionals to experiencing hospitality at the Inn located in New Bethlehem Town Center, every moment was thoughtfully arranged. His days were filled with exploring the Redbank Valley Historical Society, conducting an examination of every gravestone in St. Mary’s cemetery, and capturing photographs of historical landmarks.

Going deeper into his investigation, Marlowe meticulously gathered records from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh to uncover details, about St. Mary’s Redbank Church.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

The archives of the diocese provided insights, into church attendance matters and records of important ceremonies. Marlowe, who has extensively researched churches emphasized the significance of sources like conference journals and diocesan records in uncovering historical information. He expressed an interest in revisiting the archives to gather data and create detailed biographies of the priests who served at St. Mary’s.

“Through my experience in researching churches, sometimes the most valuable information is found in secondary sources such as journals of conferences and diocese records,” shared Marlowe, expressing a keen interest in returning to the archives for more historical data and creating comprehensive biographies of the priests who served at St. Mary’s.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

Marlowe’s commitment extended beyond his research as he gratefully acknowledged the support he received from Dr. Samuel Smith, a Professor and Chair in the History Department at Liberty University. He also expressed his appreciation for Debra Huffman, President of the Redbank Valley Historical Society and Gennie Gerow, President of the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce for their assistance and access to resources.

Marlowe sincerely thanked members of the Redbank Valley community for their hospitality during his visit. Chief of Police Robert Malnofsky, Police Officer Jordan Waclav and Police Secretary Debra Schrecengost were recognized for ensuring his safety. He also expressed gratitude towards Mary Ellen Wilson, Jim Shuster and Rev. John Phillips for enriching his experience with their attitude.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

Special acknowledgments were given to State Representative Donna Oberlander, Lisa Kerle (President of New Bethlehem Borough Council) and Colin Sheffer (Past Borough Councilman) for their support, towards Marlowe’s history project and shared vision to preserve the heritage of the area.

Rev. Kimberly Karashin, who serves as the Canon to the Ordinary at the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh received praise for her assistance, in navigating through the diocese archives.

Marlowe expressed his appreciation for Sandy Mateer, the Proprietor of the Inn at New Bethlehem Town Center as the staff at Village Pizza & Subs Joes Pizza & Italian Restaurant and Canyon Coffee for their exceptional service and delightful meals.

Maximus Marlowe of Liberty University – St. Mary’s Redbank Church – Redbank PA

Additionally, Marlowe extended his gratitude to the members of Brothers in Christ at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast for their fellowship during his stay.

As Marlowe bid farewell to New Bethlehem, his deep passion, for revitalizing St. Mary’s Redbank Church and preserving its history deeply resonated with the community. They eagerly await the outcomes of his research promising to reveal the treasures of their St. Mary’s.

For any inquiries regarding Marlowe’s research and history project please feel free to contact Rev. Dr. Gordon Barrows at 814.275.6714 or send an email to [email protected].

Barrows interested patrons to visit the church’s website StMarysRedbankChurch.org and Facebook page FB.com/StMarysRedbankChurch for the latest worship service times and special events.