Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Hightstown
The early Catholic History of Hightstown and its immediate vicinity is a loyal one. The first Mass to be celebrated in Hightstown and of which there is any knowledge, was in 1852 at the residence of John Sutcliffe, himself a protestant, but whose family was Catholic. The Mass was celebrated at Mr. Sutcliffe’s only once, and it was not until three or four years later that the people of Hightstown and the surrounding area had an opportunity to hear Mass without traveling long distances. In decades to follow, pastors continued to visit, celebrating Mass at different residences and locations.
The real history of the parish began in 1885. Steps were taken for the erection of the first community church. Three lots on Franklin St. were purchased for $450 as a suitable site. Work began in 1886 and soon Fr. Smith, the vicar general, laid the cornerstone. The only furniture was an inexpensive little altar and a half dozen rough benches and it remained in this manner until 1888. The church faltered and was closed for a time due to financial difficulties but a new and happy chapter began in 1892 when the Franciscan Fathers came to look after the then deserted parish. For two years they labored to gather the scattered flock and implanted in the hearts of those long ago parishioners the love and zeal for their holy faith.
The financial panic which swept over the entire country in 1893 had not spared the tiny hamlet and the struggle to continue was relieved in 1898 when Rev. Charles O.M.C. made St. Anthony’s his parish home and in the four years hence the little parish made the most astonishing progress both spiritually and financially. Services became plentiful and regular with solemn and impressive ceremonies such as never before had been seen by the Catholics of the borough. The church was made attractive, with a handsome altar, carpets, and organ. The lethargy of the past had been replaced by zeal and fervor. The last Franciscan to serve as rector of St. Anthony’s was Reverend Stefan Korthas in 1904.
In 1918 Rev. Edward Whalen came to St. Anthony’s from Oxford N.J. He helped with physical changes to the old church and was also responsible for acquiring the beautiful circular stained-glass altar window that today graces the gathering space of our brand new church building. For fifty years the old church was updated and renovated but by 1968, 1,200 registered families made the current church a real necessity. Rev. William J. Haughney was there at the inception to meet this urgent need; a new house of worship. On August 11, 1968 groundbreaking 
ceremonies were held and the new church, with all its additions, was on the way to becoming a reality. Work continued and the church and catechetical center were dedicated on March 8, 1970 by The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton, George W. Ahr.
A series of devoted pastors have left their mark on St. Anthony’s. Our current pastor, Rev. Fr. Patrick McDonnell has been 
administering to St. Anthony’s spiritual and physical needs since the year 2000. Under his leadership there have been many necessary improvements to the parish buildings and grounds. A 4500 sq. ft annex has been added to Rev. Haugney’s house of worship, as well as a new heating & cooling system. St. Anthony’s pews were refurbished, a new baptistry and renovated sanctuary were completed, and an improved sound and light system, as well as an upgraded organ and piano have brought new honor and glory to this long standing catholic community’s loyalty and commitment.
Pastors of Saint Anthony of Padua
2019 Reverend Oscar Sumanga
2001 Reverend Patrick J. McDonnell
1986 Reverend Patrick Castles
1980 Reverend Francis E. Santitoro
1978 Reverend John H. MacDonald
1975 Reverend Russell E. Loughman
1966 Reverend William J. Haughney
1941 Reverend Louis Cogan
1934 Reverend William Quinn
1930 Reverend Francis J. Sullivan
1929 Reverend Aloysius McCue
1918 Reverend Edward Whalen
1908 Reverend Conway
1906 Reverend McCloskey
1904 Reverend Stefan Korthas, O.M.C.
1898 Reverend Charles Oppenhiem, O.M.C.
1897 Reverend Anthony, O.M.C.
1897 Reverend William, O.M.C.
1895 Reverend Otho, O.M.C.
1894 Reverend Aloys M. Fish, O.M.C.
1894 Reverend Berard, O.M.C.
1893 Reverend Edward, O.M.C.
1892 Reverend Angelus, O.M.C.
1888 Reverend M. O’Donnell
1885 Reverend B. W. Carey
Priests who served Hightstown
before the establishment of the Parish
1880 Reverend Carey (Perrineville)
1870’s Reverend Danielou (Allentown)
1870’s Reverend Kivelitz (Allentown)
1870’s Reverend O’Donnell (Allentown)
1870’s Reverend Borghese (Allentown)
1856 Reverend Beggio (Bordentown)
1852 Reverend Schollari (Princeton)