When the 19th century immigrants flocked to Bethlehem to work, first in the iron works, then later as steelworkers, they brought their families along. These families arrived with steamer trunks, suitcases and their religious beliefs as well. Since many did not speak English, the Windish, Germans, Italians, Hungarians, and those from other ethnic backgrounds clustered together in segregated neighborhoods to be around folks who spoke the same language as they did.

Soon churches and a few synagogues sprang up in those ethnic neighborhoods.

To connect today’s generation to the stories and places of those who came before, the Steelworkers’ Archives launched the “Steeples and Steel” bus tours several years ago. According to Susan Vitez from the Archives, one church or cemetery is entered during each bus tour. Afterward, a Bethlehem Steel plant site is explored. The tour package also includes a tasty meal of goulash, bread and kiffles.

The morning tour Aug. 18 found Don Elliott from the South Bethlehem Historical Society narrating the “Steeples” part with a visit to Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church at 312 E. Fourth St. Former steelworker John Weiss and Steelworkers’ Archives President Joe Mayer handled the morning “Steel” tour, including a stop at where gun barrels for battleships were manufactured. Steelworkers’ Archives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Bethlehem Steel and its links to the surrounding community.

There are four more “Steeples and Steel” tours scheduled for 2018. A 9:30 a.m. and a 1 p.m. tour is planned for Sept. 15 and again Nov. 3. For information, visit steelworkersarchives.com.