Nesquehoning was a bustling hub of visitors last weekend during the first Nesquehoning Historical Society Church Tour.

The seven churches of the borough, as well as the site of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which was torn down following the church consolidation in 2008, opened their doors to tours and to tell the rich history that lay within the walls of the congregations.Bill Gardiner, historical society member, said that the event was "the greatest idea," citing that people from Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Whitehall and beyond came to see the beauty that the churches possess.He said all the priests, pastors, ministers and volunteers of the churches did a wonderful job sharing their stories.Helen Applegate, historical society member, added that she thinks for the first year that attendance was decent, and as the years go by and people get more familiar with the event, hopes it will grow and flourish.Churches that participated were First Baptist Church, 157 W. Railroad St.; Meeds Memorial United Methodist Church, 126 W. Catawissa St.; St. Francis of Assisi, 140 W. Mill St.; St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 9 W. Railroad St.; St. Mary's Byzantine Church, 141 W. High St.; The Shrine to St. Therese of Lisieux, 15 E. Garibaldi Ave., New Columbus section of Nesquehoning; and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2 E. Catawissa St.Lois Kuba, one of the organizers of the event, said that every church was beautiful."It was a pleasure to organize the tour with the historical society and churches," she said.The feelings of joy for the tours was echoed by the participants as well.Jane Borbe of Neffs, who has helped organize Palmerton church tours in the past, said she thought the day was very informative and the churches were beautiful.Joanne Kalny of Whitehall agreed."I loved hearing the history of the churches and seeing the sense of pride of the people in the parishes," she said.The Nesquehoning Historical Society plans to organize future tours like this one next year.For more information on the society, to become a member or for ways to help, email

nesquehoninghistoricalsociety@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ NesquehoningHistoricalSociety.For more photos, visit

www.tnonline.com/gallery/nesquehoning-church-tour