Members of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Coplay, bid farewell to their pastor, Monsignor John J. Martin, June 15.

Dozens of parishioners crowded the church social hall, 4 S. Fifth St., after the 10:30 a.m. Mass to celebrate Martin’s retirement.

The attendees were treated to the sounds of Emil Schanta, who is reportedly one of the monsignor’s favorite entertainers.

St. Peter parishioner Mike Sobchak read a heartwarming tribute to Martin. It contained congratulations on his retirement as well as a thank you for all he did for the parish and also conveyed a sense of sadness regarding his departure from the parish.

Well-wishers hugged, shook hands and offered best wishes for a long, happy retirement to a person who has undoubtedly comforted thousands of people during his long career.

On Sept. 22, 1946, Martin was the first born to a Schuylkill County family that would eventually include seven children. He spent his formative years steeped in Catholic education.

Martin studied at Marian Catholic High School and at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree.

Martin was ordained a priest March 18, 1972, by Bishop Joseph McShea, Diocese of Allentown.

He became a monsignor Dec. 12, 1981, when he was given the title Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope John Paul II.

Martin was named pastor of St. Steven’s Parish in Allentown in June 1992. He became pastor of St. Peter’s June 14, 2011.

He retired after a 49-year career of education, service to others and humility in the priesthood.