History of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church:
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 Suttcliffe, 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 taveling 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 The lethargy of the past had been replaced by zeal and fervor.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 O'Donnell is celebrating his 7th year administering to St. Anthony's spiritual and physical needs. 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.