The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary announced it will formally withdrew from the Tamaqua community on June 26 of next year, ending a relationship with St. Jerome Parish and School that has thrived under the IHM spiritual guidance for the past 83 years.

Dwindling resources and limited available staff were cited as the reasons for the decision.

The order, a pontifical religious institute, established its presence in Tamaqua in 1921 during the pastorate of the legendary Father Henry W. Baker, under whose guidance the school was built.

The sisters have staffed the school since its dedication on May 30, 1921, residing in the Mansard Victorian convent, a contributing resource of the Tamaqua National Historic District.