St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley’s social hall has always been a welcoming place for all who visited.

The late Rev. James Burdess, who served as the Summit Hill church’s pastor for over a decade, loved the room, his sister-in-law, Cheryl Burdess, said.

“It was his favorite room in the church,” she said.

On Saturday evening, following the 4 p.m. Mass, the social hall took on a new name as it was dedicated in honor of Burdess, who passed away one year ago today at the age of 59.

“Every priest has his own gift and things that he brings to a parish,” the Rev. Allen Hoffa, pastor, said after the dedication, adding that Burdess brought a “true sense of joy” to St. Joseph.

“He was such a kind soul and his joy permeated so many aspects of our parish and people’s lives,” Hoffa said. “There were many things he did as a priest sacramentally up in the church, but there were so many things he also did as just being the gentle shepherd to people here.”

Hoffa said that following Burdess’ passing, the parish council agreed that dedicating the social hall in his name was a fitting tribute to the priest who touched so many lives.

The hall has a plaque across the doors as people enter and new chairs were purchased through donations in Burdess’ name.

“This was the best thing they could have done for him,” Cheryl said, wiping away a tear. “He would have been so happy. He loved coming down here and talking to people.”

Burdess was ordained on June 4, 1988, and served in various churches throughout the Diocese of Allentown, including St. Nicholas Parish in Weatherly, before being named pastor of St. Joseph and the former St. Stanislaus parishes in Summit Hill.