History of St. Stanislaus Kostka . St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Centennial Commemorative 1874-1974, Bay City, MI, p. 23-50. CAP at Orchard Lake.

Our Forefathers Look to Michigan Even though the first Polish immigrants had set foot on American soil in 1762, the marked increase in Polish immigration to Michigan and the Bay City area occurred in the 1860's and the early 1870's. Newly arriving Poles came from a country which at the time of the great emigration, was a par- titioned nation under the rule of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, their homeland was mainly rural; opportunities for education were limited. "Getting ahead" in that world was virtually impossible. The United States presented the "golden opportunity" in a land of freedom. Much of Polish history, a history that at one point brought Poland to the most prominent position in Europe in the 16th century, had shaped and formed the nature and characteristics of the native Pole and that of the Polish- American of Michigan. The history of the Poles in Michigan and their children, then, became history of contrasts: of stern hardship and great gaiety, of plowing and working and praying and playing, of festivities, religious service, characterized by an unceasing devotion to a rich cultural heritage, a thousand-year- old tradition and a treasury of customs. Schooled in the basic arts of earning a living on the land and in the forest, the Polish immigrants needed only the unbounded opportunities of Michigan for their talents and ambitions. One could forge his own future here; one could see the rewards of his labor. The building of homes, the starting of schools and churches; the care of the sick and interest in the national and local affairs were challenges which could not be ignored. Church work and community services were literally infused into their veins. The pioneer Poles found work as unskilled laborers on the highways, at the American Car and Foundry Company, at the Michigan Central Depot, and at the various stove works in Detroit. Skilled Polish labor was attracted to Detroit when the automobile industry began to develop. Many of these workers: mechanics, millwrights, die makers, toolmakers, draftsmen and engineers had their early training in Poland. The pioneer Polish women were employed chiefly in hotels and restaurants, as domestic servants and in housekeeping positions. The daughters of these women had a more selective choice of occu- pations. Many of them went at first into cigar factories; some found work in operating sewing ma- chines and punch presses in automobile plants and other factories. Many found employment working

1 in stores as wrappers and saleswomen, in offices as typists, filing clerks, and stenographers, and some as teachers in the public schools and as in the Catholic schools established by the Poles. Since their first arrival in 1762, Polish immigrants and their descendants have added considerably to the half-million members of Michigan's total Catholic population. Rev. Joseph Swastek, noted historian at the Orchard Lake Schools, further adds, that, "Today, an estimated 300,000 Michigan Catholics of Polish ancestry reside in the state's seven . "Since 1852, when Rev. Julian Maciejewski started as a missionary, more than 500 priests of Polish ancestry have served in Michigan. Out of their ranks have come eight bishops, ten seminary rec- tors, more than several religious provincials and founders of educational institutions, and over a dozen writers and scholars. Presently about 200 priests of Polish origin serve as , seminary professors, diocesan , , counselors, and participants in special ministries. Poles Arrive in Bay City With memories and love of homeland, industrious habits, and a promising future, the Polish immi- grant began to place his roots in his new country. The Poles in Bay City represented a cross section of immigrants and their children came directly from Poland or from places like Shamokin, Pennsylvania, or Canada where they had briefly settled when work in Michigan was scarce. They began to settle in Bay City about 1870; the first known Polish colonist was Louis Danielewski who left Zyrkowo, Poland, at 18. Initially, he went to England where he mastered the art of tailoring and then moved on to New York with plans to eventually travel around the world. It was here, while seeking employment, that he met Captain F. H. Blackman, owner of a Bay City tailor shop. A Friend to Bay City's Polish Pioneers Nostalgia and a desire to be with other Poles motivated Danielewski to urge Poles from Detroit, Chicago, and New York to settle in Bay City. Among those who arrived here about 1870 were Vin- cent Glaza, Joseph Madajski, Stanislaus Smialek, John Muszyński, Stephen Bukowski, Joseph Welter, Joseph Talaska, John Wilkowski, Vincent Gwizdała, Albert Ryczek, James Gwizdała, John Talaska, Frank Kozłowski, Frank Talaska, John Dalecki, Frank Glaza, John Krawczak, Andrew Gierszewski, Andrew Ryczek, Casimir Boczek, Joseph Rydlewicz, Stephen Glaza, Andrew Kostus, Peter Nowicki, John Libera, Paul Goik, John Styn, Simon Nowakowski, John Nowakowski and Andrew Piesik. In 1872 Simon Nowakowski's wife, Andrew Betcher and young John Rychert also arrived. Other people who followed the next year were: Luke Gwizdała, Jan Kula, Paul Gwizdała, Vincent Kazyak, Paul Musial, John Glaza, John Witbrodt, Michael Sikorski, Joseph Witbrodt, James Kazyak, Charles Wrobel, Felix Tafelski, John Bajerski, Albert Pawlanty, Stephen Stefański, Anthony Przybylinski, John Breski, Lawrence Dardas, Cajetan Mroczkowski, Paul Musial, Felix Bukowski, James Musial, Albert Bajak, Joseph Bukowski, Joseph Lewandowski, John Kica, John Piecki, August Twork, August Lysek, August Drzezdian, Michael Baran, Joseph Styn, Louis Skory, Albert Kabat, Anthony Skory, Martin Kabat, Joseph Goik, Frank Lochinski, and several others. Frank Wasielewski, wishing to escape Prussian military service also came to America where he worked for about six months in New York. Since he was also from Zyrkowo, he wrote Danielewski who encouraged to come to Bay City, and to join the other newcomers. 2 Under the leadership of Danielewski during the years 1870-1874 about 100 families came to this area. They sponsored one another. Here in Bay City and in the Vicinity, there was enough employment, extensive forests and mills, hard but honest labor and re- ligious and national freedom besides. Pleased with these opportunities, our people organized and established themselves into one group. This kept them together and as a consequence provided a need for regular meetings which they held in Danielewski's Tailor Shop or wherever "the doors opened to them". In the very beginning there was no permanently assigned priest or Polish affiliated church, so the new arrivals attended St. James Church on 12th and Monroe where Father Xavier Szulak, S.J. con- ducted religious services for them. A loosely structured flock of approximately 100 Polish families became happier, but at the same time they began to grow more concerned about their future. A Parish Begins They continued to hold meetings on Water St. at Louis Danielewski's residence to discuss how to go about founding a parish and the usual societies. They decided, first of all, to establish the St. Stanislaus Kostka Society and elected Louis Danielewski its president. The following served as board members: Joseph Welter, Albert Pawlanty, Anthony Przybylinski, Vincent Kazyak and Felix Tafelski, secretary. This society served as a nucleus for the present St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish. In 1874 at the February 8 meeting, L. Danielewski proposed building their own . Until now they attended the services at St. James Church. The souls of the Poles longed for a priest to provide ministry for them in their native tongue. Hopeful of building their own church they began to work even though they were poor and needed help. But because they were honest and industrious, their friends in Bay City were sympathetic to their cause and helpful in the Poles' endeavors. Committees were organized, jobs assigned and work started. Danielewski, being very fluent in the English language, approached several wealthy citizens. Fitzhugh donated the land; Bradley, gave $500 in cash and $500 worth of timber; others made smaller donations and everybody was delighted that the Poles were settling here. The committees were arranging entertainment, picnics, bazaars and dinners. Money was coming in; the church was about to be built and the Polish hearts were filled with joy. In July the architect, L.A. Pratt, finished the plans. The contract was given to Neil Mahoney. Con- struction began and in a short time a small church, nevertheless, sufficiently large enough at that time, was completed on the corner of 22nd and Grant Streets. When Sunday, December 13, 1874 arrived, young men working in the lumbering camps left their axes and saws behind. Everyone was on his way to the dedication of the new St. Stanislaus Church by Most Rev. Casper Borgess, Bishop of Detroit. The Poles' initial achievements were noteworthy; for the history of Bay City printed in 1874 gave the following account: "For the last three years a good number of Polish immigrants were settling in Bay City and the sur- rounding territory. There were already about 200 families here. The settlement of these immigrants was principally due to the efforts of Louis Danielewski, who was a manager of F. H. Blackman and Co. store. Mr. Danielewski was so concerned about his fellow countrymen that he was their counselor 3 and guardian. Because they spoke only Polish and did not understand English, there arose a need of building a separate church to fill their religious needs. So they organized themselves into a Society in February 1874. Danielewski remained the president; every member pledged himself to pay a monthly fee toward the building fund. But once they made such a decision, they did not wait long. That same summer they began to build. The outstanding citizens of Bay City anxiously assisted. Wm. D. Fitzhugh donated eight lots of land for the construction at the corner of Grant and 22nd. Neil Mahoney got the contract in July. L.A. Pratt, worked on the plans. The building was finished and consecrated by His Excellency Bishop Casper H. Borgess of Detroit, Sunday, December 13, 1874. The building cost about $4000. Mr. Danielewski assumed the entire responsibility for its construction." While Danielewski had still been active in the formation of the new St. Stanislaus parish, he and the parish committee went to the Bishop to request a , but it was an unrewarding meeting because there were no available clergymen. The Bishop promised to sent a priest at the earliest opportunity. Ludwig Danielewski: 1845-1903 Danielewski's energies and ability were not simply limited to the organization of St. Stanislaus Church or to the invaluable assistance he rendered to first generation Poles in the Bay area. He sought further involvement in the civic affairs of Bay City and Bay County, displaying allegiance to and love for the country he had adopted and made a home for himself and for so many of his compatriots. In 1895, he became a candidate for City Treasurer and was elected and reelected for another term. Before his second term expired, he was nominated for County Clerk on the Republican ticket and was elected and reelected in the next election of 1900. In 1902, he received the nomination for the third term. He was defeated in this election. He again opened his tailor shop, after the expiration of his term of office, in 1903. However, he did not continue in business very long. One day he was suddenly taken ill while in the shop, and he died shortly afterwards on April 24, 1903 at the age of 58 in his home on Fourth Avenue. He was buried from St. Stanislaus Church on April 28, 1903. It was not the one he helped to build, but the present twin spired edifice, the largest in the city. The pastor, Father Edward Kozłowski, with whom he formed a close friendship, conducted the funeral service. First Pastor — Rev. C. Rochowski Before St. Stanislaus was able to boast a resident priest, priests came periodically from Detroit to conduct services. Among them were Rev. Xavier Szulak, S.J. and Rev. Joseph Dąbrowski. Chancery records indicate that on March 29, 1875, Rev. Casimir Rochowski became the first pastor of St. Stanislaus in Bay City. The parish as yet did not have a rectory; so Father Rochowski rented a home on 12th Street. Now that the parish had a resident pastor, they began to build a rectory. The first entry in the parish baptismal register bears the signature of Fr. Casimir Rochowski. The first child baptized on May 7, 1875 was Mary Nowakowski, daughter of Simon and Frances Ruzga. The godparents listed are Joseph Madajski and Felix Bukowski. The young parish was still experiencing difficulties. On February 5, 1876, Father Rochowski suddenly left without returning and took along with himself some of the parish records.

4 From February 5, 1876 to November 13, 1876, there was no resident priest in the parish and again attendant problems arose. Once more the parishioners pleaded for a pastor. On November 13, 1876 the Bishop sent Rev. Augustine Sklarzyk who immediately set to work and finished building the rectory. He also rented Rychert's store on 19th and Farragut Sts., the present site of the Kloha-Delta Agency, and opened the first parish school with twenty students. The first teachers were the parish organist, Walter Pociecha, and a Mr. Smoczyński. According to THE BAY CITY TIMES the first couple of Polish ancestry to have married in Bay City were Paul Goik and Julianna Haas who were married at St. James Church on June 3,1871. The first entry in the St. Stanislaus Parish marriage register bears the name of Fr. Casimir Rochows- ki. He witnessed the marriage of Francis Nagorny and Barbara Nevetz, July 12, 1875, with Joseph Wittbrodt and Barbara Piesik serving as witnesses. Felican Sisters Arrive — 1876 In 1876 three Felician Sisters came to the "wilderness of Michigan" to staff the new school which had been constructed at the corner of 21st and Grant Streets, the present site of the parish convent. According to St. Stanislaus Convent records, three Sisters came to Bay City in 1876 — Mother M. Cajetan, one of the original five who came from Poland two years earlier, and Sister M. Joseph and Sister M. Hyacinth who were among the first American candidates to enter the Felician Community in Polonia, Wisconsin. Sister Jeremiah, writing in the EDUCATIONAL WORK OF THE FELICIAN SISTERS OF THE DETROIT PROVINCE (1874-1948) interviewed Sister Mary Joseph, who at the time was the last surviving member of that small group that had come to Michigan. Sister Joseph recalled how the Sisters were greeted in Bay City — the greeting bespoke respect and reverence on the part of the people. Sister writes, "The tired Sisters were met at the station with a band and escorted to their convent with all the fanfare of a parade. Fr. Sklarzyk himself led the parade and the people greeted the Sisters on their knees." Throughout the years, that same love, respect and admiration of the peo- ple of St. Stanislaus for the Felician Sisters have continued. Evidence of the good work done by the Sisters is apparent from the fact that Bishop Casper Borgess of Detroit was able to confirm a class of 111 children on October 28, 1877 just a year after their arrival. The spirit of the fast-paced pioneers of St. Stanislaus influenced the newly arrived Sisters who were now a part of the parish. During Fr. Sklarzyks' pastorate the Detroit was divided and Bay City became a part of the new Grand Rapids Diocese in 1882 under the leadership of the Most Rev. Henry J. Richter. Fr. Sklarzyk continued working and developing St. Stanislaus Parish until 1885 when he retired from his ministry in this area. Before his departure, the original small church building was remodeled. An addition to the back of the church most doubled the length of the original building. A side wing was constructed with a second steeple and another entrance. This building was moved in 1890 to the site of the present rectory garage when the present church was built. It was moved again in 1892 to the corner of 21st and Farragut where it was used as an auditorium and school. Sometime in 1895 or 1896 it was completely destroyed by fire. After Fr. Sklarzyk's retirement, the parish was served by Rev. Xavier Szulak, S.J. who was named administrator August 24, 1885 until March 20, 1886. On Mar. 27, 1887, Bishop Richter assigned a new pastor to St. Stanislaus Parish, Rev. Marion Matkowski. The development and extensive growth 5 of the 700 family parish began during Father Matkowski's administration. Fraternal — Insurance Associations appeared on the scene at St. Stanislaus. Związek and Zjednoczenie were introduced to the Bay City area with Valentine Przybyszewski, one of the founders of the former benevolent group. John Jachimowicz, another parishioner, was president of the Chicago Zjednoczenie. In 1889 delegates for the National Convention of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America met at St. Stanislaus. John Jozwiak had for many years served as national vice-president of the organization. Present Church is Built and Dedicated. At a parish meeting in 1889, it was unanimously agreed to build an appropriate Gothic style, brick church to accommodate 1400 people. Every family pledged $50 for that cause. The cornerstone was blessed June 24, 1890. the church committee at that time consisted of: Ignatius Buzalski, John Jachimowicz, Anthony Kutela, Joseph Madajski and Joseph Rynalski. To this group was later added: Jacob Dardas, August Eliasz, Albert Kabat, Valentine Przybyszewski and Joseph Zieliński. On July 17, 1892 with crowds of parishioners and friends participating, the new St. Stanislaus Kostka Church was blessed by Bishop Richter of Grand Rapids. This church represented a most beautiful monument to the generosity of the Polish immigrants at that time. THE BAY CITY TIMES PRESS on July 14, 1892 described the structure as follows: "The new church edifice is the finest in the city and one of the finest in the state. It is of brick, with stone foundation and in pure Gothic style of architecture. It is 156 feet in length, 109 feet across and 69 feet in the narrowest part. It is surmounted on each corner in front with two large towers, each 175 feet high. There is a gallery in each of the transepts and vestibule. The sanctuary has a depth of 42 feet. The interior of the edifice is simply grand." The church was designed by Pratt and Koeppe and completed at a cost of $60,000. Dedication of the present parish church brought about a celebration by Poles in Bay City probably unequalled to this day. THE BAY CITY TIMES PRESS gave this vivid account of the festivities on July 1892: "The dedication of the new church of the St. Stanislaus Kostka took place yesterday in the presence of a dense mass of humanity. It is estimated by different persons that between 6,000-8,000 were present, and it is safe to state that the attendance has never been equaled at any similar ceremony in the city. There were over 2,000 in the church during the entire service, which occupied, almost three hours, and a still greater throng outside, but the prearranged plans for handling the great crowd were carried out so perfectly that not the slightest mishap occurred to mar the success of the occasion. "The Polish people were proud of their celebration, and they had just cause to be. The day was a memorable one in the history of the congregation. At an early hour of the morning the parishioners began to assemble in the vicinity of the church, and as the time for holding the principal services drew near, Catholics from the different parishes throughout the city, and peoples of other denominations as well, came pouring along in a steady stream, adding their quota to the vast throng. "Most of the business blocks and many private residences for blocks were decorated with the National and Polish colors, and red, white and blue bunting, and both towers of the church were decorated with the stars and stripes and Polish flags. Four arches of evergreen and tricolor bunting had been erected across Van Buren at 17th, 18th, 19th and 22nd streets respectively, and another on the corner of 21st and Grant streets." "The great street parade, which started from the church at 8 o'clock, was in charge of George Kabat, marshal of the day, with Joseph Gorzynski, Lawrence Dardas and Joseph Jablonski as deputies. There were about 2,000 men in line. Half a dozen bands filled the air with music."

6 During Father Matkowski's pastorate the size of the parish reached approximately 800 families. The need for a larger school was keenly felt with the number of students rapidly increasing each year. Fr. Matkowski found it necessary, therefore, to expand the school by moving the old church and joining it with the existing three classrooms on Farragut and 21st Streets. Fr. Matkowski is also associated with the great Bay City Fire of 1892. He is generally credited with bringing to a halt the great South End fire which began just eight days after the dedication of the new parish church. On July 25, 1892, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon a fire broke out in the Miller and Turner Lumber Mill on Harrison Street. A heavy gale was blowing at the time, and in three hours the cyclone of flames swept on its destructive path through the Sixth Ward. The section from Harrison to Jenison and from Fremont to 33rd Streets became an inferno. There was no sign of the conflagration abating. Fire departments from West Bay City, Flint and Saginaw rushed with aid. People living near this terrible scene carried out their possessions and sought safety from the flames. About 6 o'clock, according to some eyewitnesses, Father Matkowski, displaying remarkable coolness and bravery, approached the burning dwellings. He read prayer from the ritual, sprinkled the area with holy water and threw some blessed salt into the path of the flames. The onlookers noticed a considerable change in the velocity of the wind. As the sun sank in the west, the wind gradually died away and by 8 o'clock the fire was under control. The rest of the southeastern section of the city, now the area covered by St. Stanislaus parish escaped the same fate. Because of an internal parish problem Father Matkowski left St. Stanislaus in late summer 1896. He was sent to Grand Rapids where he built the new church of St. Isidore. His last priestly act in the church of St. Stanislaus which he had served faithfully for almost ten years was the baptism of Joseph Wiznerowicz on August 9, 1896. Rev. Anthony Bogacki, pastor of St. Casimir Church, Posen, Michigan, became the new pastor of St. Stanislaus on October 1, 1896. His tenure as pastor was brief since the parish was a divided one resulting from dissension and misunderstanding. Because he was unable to find a workable solution to the existing problem and because each of the two major factions in the parish seemed unreconcilable Bishop Richter placed the church under canonical and ordered it closed. Similar situations had occurred in Detroit and Pennsylvania where the Polish National Church capitalized on the discord to get a foothold in the Polish communities. The Poles of Bay City were approached by Bishop Kozlowski, Polish National Bishop from Chicago, (not to be confused with our own Fr. Kozlowski who became fifth pastor) who offered the services of the Polish National Church to the Bay City Poles. To the credit of the strongfaithed Bay City com- munity their response was that they chose to remain loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. They wanted no part of a church not in complete union with Rome. Instead they attended Mass at St. James, St. Joseph, St. Boniface, and even at St. Mary's on the west side. On June 18,1898 Bishop Richter reopened St. Stanislaus, naming Rev. Joseph A. Lewandowski, Administrator and Rev. Anthony Bieniawski, assistant. The difficult situation in the parish was far from settled; however, Fr. Lewandowski managed to serve the spiritual needs of the parishioners.

7 It remained for his successor to eventually bind up the wounds of discontent and division and to reunite the parishioners of St. Stanislaus into a parish family in the spirit of the founding pastor and the pioneers. Future Bishop Becomes Fifth Pastor On January 6, 1900, Rev. Edward Kozlowski became fifth pastor of St. Stanislaus and Rev. Victor Wisniewski was appointed his assistant. Fr. Kozlowski, an outstanding priest, came to the parish with a reputation for administrative and leadership qualities and was also well known for his speaking ability. He was born in Tarnow, Galicia, November 21, 1860 and received his education in Poland and Vienna. As a college student he came to Chicago in November, 1883, seeking the advice of Rev. Vincent Parzynski with regard to his priestly vocation. Father Parzynski promised to send him to Rome for theological studies if he would join the Ressurectionist Fathers. "I have no calling to a religious community," replied Fr. Kozlowski. "I want to be a diocesan priest and if I cannot be one in the Chicago diocese, I will seek acceptance elsewhere." Subsequently, Bishop Richter accepted him as a student for the Grand Rapids Diocese, and he was ordained in St. Andrew Cathedral on June 29,1887. Bishop Richter appointed Fr. Kozlowski to the pastorate of St. Brigid Church in Midland, Michigan, where he also worked weekends among the Irish, Germans, French and Poles in the missions of Averill, Sanford, Coleman, Clare, Gladwin, and Beaver. Following a dissension at Holy Rosary Church, Saginaw, Father Kozlowski was assigned to conduct monthly services until he was succeeded by Rev. Grochowski, the parish's permanently assigned pastor. After he completed this assignment, the Bishop sent Father Kozlowski to alleviate existing parish problems in St. Joseph, Manistee. While he was there, he improved parish buildings and built a parish school. All nationalities appreciated Fr. Kozlowski's true missionary zeal but most appreciative were the Poles scattered over the Bay District where he was later to establish parishes and schools in Fish- er-ville and Beaver. When Father Kozlowski left Manistee and became pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish in 1900, there were eleven classrooms and 800 students. The school was again becoming inadequate. In his first sermon as pastor, Fr. Kozlowski exclaimed, "Give me a new school and St. Stanislaus Parish will grow." With this ardent thought Father Kozlowski formed a building committee; however, plans did not materialize quickly. Final decision for the location of the new school was reached when the committee agreed to pur- chase the property of Mr. W. Przybyszewski. Plans were immediately drawn up and construction for the new school was in progress. The Most Rev. Paul P. Rhode of Chicago, first United States bishop of Polish descent, laid the cornerstone of the new school on October 16, 1910. Father Kozlowski's service was indelibly printed on the minds and in the hearts of his parishioners. As a priest, keeper of the House of God and builder, he took over a parish that had experienced financial problems and internal dissension.

8 During his ten years at St. Stanislaus, Father Kozlowski added significantly to the completion of the church structure, furnishing it with a distinctive bell system and a majestic pipe organ, both of which rank among the finest in the state. He installed electricity and gas in some of the parish buildings as well as other innovative and practical features. An almost endless list of other parish additions is among his accomplishments as he incorporated the latest technology in the continued physical growth of the parish plant. Andrew Lewandowski, speaking about this era told Fr. Jozwiak in June 1971, that his father's team of horses was one of those used to hoist the bells into the towers. It must have been a remarkable feat of engineering considering the absence of modern equipment and the massive weight of the bells totaling 12,540 pounds. The four bells were blessed April 25, 1909 before being installed. The largest of the bells is named for Stanislaus Kostka. Its weight is 6,562 pounds. The second largest bell, Mary Ann, 3,324 pounds was donated by the Ladies' Rosary Society. The third largest bell, Edward Joseph John, 1,839 pounds, was the gift of Fr. Kozlowski and his two assistants, Fr. John Gatzke and Fr. Joseph Kaminski. The smallest of the bells, Elizabeth, 815 pounds, was the gift of the St. Elizabeth Society. All the bells which are operational today and are used regularly were cast by Meneely and Co. Watervliet, N.Y. The parish flourished as St. Stanislaus enjoyed a remarkable growth. Its spiritual life was intensified as Fr. Kozlowski and his assistants sought to implement the of Pius X, "Quam Singulari," en- couraging frequent and even daily reception of Holy Communion. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament was deepened through the introduction of regularly scheduled holy hours and Eucharistic services. The area which St. Stanislaus encompassed was not limited to Bay City but extended over the Bay County area as evidenced by the fact that between 1900 and 1908, five parishes were established, some of which were direct offshoots of St. Stanislaus Parish. Father Kozlowski was instrumental in the organization and establishment of Bay City's St. Hyacinth and St. Hedwig Parishes in addition to St. Valentine Church, Beaver; St. Mary Church, Nine Mile and St. Anthony Church, Fisherville. Ever mindful of the needs of his parishioners, Fr. Kozlowski's vision extended to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the parish's children. With plans for the new school and construction well under way at the beginning of his pastorate, Father Kozlowski, nevertheless, was aware of the fact that a building alone does not make a good school. He was regarded as one of the most progressive educators of his day and saw to it that the curriculum would not be inferior to any other parochial or public school in the state. The first eighth-grade students to receive their diplomas from St. Stanislaus School in 1909 were: Vincent Balcer (later Fr. Balcer) Louis Delestowicz, john Kabat, Casimir Kajdan, Joseph Reszka, Ignatius Tomczak, Albin Zielinski, Salome Andrzejewski, Catherine Glaza, Helen Kiersznowski, Clara Lukowski, Frances Skowronski (the late S.M. Fidencia) and Maryann Smilewski (the late S.M. Annunciata). While the new school was still under construction, Father Kozlowski was designated to G. Messmer, D.D., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 1913 and consecrated on January 14, 1914. Congratulating him on his new position, Bishop Richter called him "the model of the diocese and a pillar of strength." The entire parish turned out to honor Bishop Edward Kozlowski when he re- turned to St. Stanislaus Church for a Pontifical High Mass in January of 1914. One of his first acts after becoming bishop was to install Fr. Ladislaus P. Krakowski on Sunday, January 25, 1914 as his 9 successor to the pastorate of St. Stanislaus Parish. The same evening, parishioners at a banquet bade farewell to their greatly esteemed and most beloved former pastor, Bishop Kozlowski. As a parting gift, he presented the parish with a $3,000 to help defray the cost of the new grade school which was then under construction. When he was appointed to Milwaukee Father Kozlowski left a unified parish that had weathered "zaburzenia" difficulties. Moreover, the parish had experienced a period of significant growth. His real ability, however, lay in the fact that the faith of the Bay City Poles was deeper and stronger than when he had arrived in 1900. The duration of Bishop Kozlowski's tenure was brief, for shortly after his departure from St. Stani- slaus and his elevation to the rank of bishop, he died in Milwaukee on Aug. 7, 1915, at the age of 55 and 26 years in the priesthood. Nearly one hundred people from Bay City attended the funeral in Milwaukee on Aug. 11, 1915. Fr. Krakowski: Pastor — 1913-1943 Father Ladislaus Krakowski, his successor, and Fathers L.S. Kwasi groch and L.A. Kuzyusz were among the delegation of parishioners at the funeral. John F. Jozwiak, head of the national Polish Catholic societies union and a close friend of the Bishop, had gone to Milwaukee the week before and was with Bishop Kozłowski when he died. As sixth pastor, Father Ladislaus Krakowski served St. Stanislaus Parish for 29 years and 11 months, longer than any other pastor had. Father Krakowski took over pastoral responsibilities on January 25, 1914, to succeed a friend through the years, Bishop Edward Kozlowski. Born in Tarnow, Poland, May 30, 1876, Fr. Krakowski came to the United Statesattheageofeight. His family took residence in Chicago where he attended St. Stanislaus grade school. He graduated from St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1901 and was ordained June 29, 1901 at Grand Rapids by Bishop Richter. Fr. Krakowski sang his first Mass at St. Stanislaus Church here the next day. His first pastoral assignments were in Posen, Metz, Traverse City and area missions and at St. Adal- bert, Grand Rapids where he served as pastor for 11 years before coming to St. Stanislaus. Fr. Krakowski proved to be a well-known successor to the Bishop. His personal contacts with the lat- ter, his deep spirituality and administrative ability ideally fitted him as head of St. Stanislaus Church. With the onset of World War I, the parish was faced with the emotional instability and general uncertainty prevalent during the war years. There were also financial difficulties. Fr. Krakowski remained undaunted, however, and in a few years was able to clear the parish debt and begin the improvements that were needed within the ever growing parish. During his administration he completed construction of the grade school, erected a new rectory in 1921 and a new Sisters' home and chapel in 1927. In his first year here he rebuilt the church steeples and in 1925 and 1939 completely redecorated and refurnished the interior of the church. In 1940 he brought about construction of the parish gymnasium and social rooms through an addition to the grade school. Because of his efforts the first St. Stanislaus High School was organized in 1929. Classes were set up in the old wooden home which had been the Sisters' convent on Grant St. be- tween the rectory and new convent. Thirty students enrolled for the ninth grade. In 1932 the high

10 school, though accredited by the University of Michigan, was discontinued due to lack of funds and accommodations in favor of a better elementary school. There had been four graduating classes with a total of 37 graduates. Fr. Krakowski gained wide prominence for his patriotic activities in World War I. He was one of the city's "Four Minute Men" and a member of the Michigan board of speakers. He encouraged his school to take an active part in the civic enterprises such as the Junior Red Cross and the patriotic parades. His patriotic activities and concern for our men in service were not limited to the "home front." He maintained direct contact with our servicemen displaying fatherly concern, Christlike love and a deep sensitivity to their sufferings and loneliness by periodically sending letters that contained parish news from home and encouragement, as well as unspoken pride for the patriotism and courage of his spiritual sons. The fol-lowing letter is one of many that reached St. Stanislaus men on the battlefronts during World War I. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Rev. L. P. Krakowski, Pastor Bay City, Mich. June 18, 1918 My Dear Soldier Boy: — Bay City, your good old home town sends you greetings and assurance that when we bade you fare- well with moistened eyes, but a brave heart, we were proud of you — and today we glory in your presence at the front. We realize your sacrifice, we feel your inconveniences, we know the hardships you undergo, the hazards you take, the life you are offering for the greatest cause that man ever shed blood! And for these reasons we love you, remember you, pray for you, that Cod might preserve you and safely return you in victory, honor and glory! We have your star on our service flag of St. Stanislaus; there are over 225 of these on our service flag now. We have a tablet of honor in our church, and your name is there — we will pray for your welfarevic- tory and safe return. You may feel assured, that the folks at home are in this war with all their hearts and souls — doing all possible to assist you in annihilating the kaiser and his gang of baby killers and ravagers. Billions are flowing in to the coffers of Uncle Sam. The German sympathizers are rapidly converting and damning the kaiser- Germany and the cause it stands for is the most hated thing on earth. Our country is united as never before. So cheer up boys — we're with you — your fathers and mothers — your sisters and brothers — and the priests are with you — get the kaiser — the murderer of civilization! German U Boats visited our Atlantic coast and torpedoed about 10 smaller vessels. Their intention was to intimidate us, but their cowardly visit was a boomerang — it had the opposite effect — it stimulated enlistments wonderfully. They also attacked the "Leviathan" with 10,000 but failed. We are not concerned about ourselves, but you. I wonder how the Polish army in France is getting along? Oh I wish they were given the chance to show their determination to win this war. In Bay City things are gradually changing. The boys are steadily leaving — the girls are taking their places. Almost every factory is working on government war jobs. Ignatius Budzinski enlisted and will be off soon. So we will be without an organist again. The first class selects are now exhausted. We had a new registration June 5th, of all those who completed 21 years this year. Our boys are flowing like a stream, to France and England — so hold tight. Valentine Lepczyk died yesterday. Anastasia Bukowski married last Wednesday. 11 In the Red Cross parade our school carried off the honors. June 14 was Flag Day, another parade — in which we took the prize again. Otherwise everything is as usual — we do not feel the war — except through war activities — now and then we get a cripple from the war, who travels from place to place and tells of your heroic deeds over there, and the German atrocities. These narratives steel our hearts and strengthen our determination to do our utmost to help you boys to win this war. Now my dear boy, just one more word to you from your priest at home. Be brave, be willing, be true, be faithful, be kind, especially to children and women, be mindful of yourself and especially of your soul. Be ready to die — like a brave soldier of Uncle Sam, and a true soldier of Christ. Remember your prayers, don't forget the Sacraments. I, Your Father and Mother bless you and pray for you — all of Bay City, honors you — God protect you and return you safely to your dear old Bay City. Regards and best wishes from all. Your loving pastor L.P. Krakowski The Blessed Virgin Mary Shrine in the Rectory yard commemorates St. Stanislaus sons who gave their lives in the service of our country. Fr. Krakowski dedicated the shrine May 30, 1923. Throughout the United States, Fr. Krakowski was recognized as a man of outstanding attainments and proven leadership. He travelled extensively and was frequently invited to speak to large or- ganizations and gatherings. He was twice honored by the government of Poland for his activity in helping the Polish cause during World War I, through sponsored activities and the purchase of Polish War bonds by parishioners. Under the direction of Bishop Rhode he organized the Polish-American, "Zjednoczenie Kapłanów," into one group of which he was director for several years. His association and personal contacts ranged from correspondence with persons like Paderewski to his family of parishioners who never left his personal solicitude and prayerful concern even when he was away from home. During the 1925 Holy Year, Fr. Krakowski traveled to Rome to request Papal blessing for his parish. At the same time he went to Poland to extend greetings from the Poles in America to the country of their forefathers. Returning from another European pilgrimage, he sent a letter to his parishioners while on board the S. S. Homeric, dated Nov. 11, 1928. The following excerpts reflect his love for the people of St. Stanislaus. Nov. 11, 1928 On Board S.S. Homeric My Dear Parishioners — I bring you greetings from Poland and the Polish Republic where I visited the Shrine of Our Lady at Jasna Gora and Wilno ... As I visited the tombs of our Kings at Krakow and the shrines of our national patrons, I was edified by the piety and the faith of the Polish people ... As I stood in the palace of the kings in Warsaw, the residence of the Polish President, I was deeply proud of my Polish heritage Poland is free today and I pray it will always be a great nation. I pray that each of you will always be proud of your Polish heritage . . . You are in my prayers and thoughts — May God bless you — Rev. Ladislaus Krakowski, 12 It was about this time that two distinctive historical events highlighted Father Krakowski's term as pastor. The first of these was the seventy-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Śliwiński, on Oct. 23, 1927 the first and only parish couple to have observed a diamond wedding anniversary. The event was marked by a renewal of marriage vows at St. Stanislaus Church where fifty-eight members of the family attended the church celebration. At the time of their jubilee, Mr. Śliwiński was 97 years old and his wife was 96. Originally from Poland, they came to Bay City in the late 1870's at which time Mr. Śliwiński became sexton at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Four years later, Mrs. Josephine Śliwiński died one week before her hundredth birthday, terminating seventy-nine years of married life. Mr. Śliwiński died three years later at the age of 103. Fr. Krakowski had officiated at the funerals of both spouses who were buried in St. Stanislaus cemetery. A Parish First Shortly after, another "first" marked the parish history. The first English sermon was preached in St. Stanislaus Church by Father Bronislaus Roguszka on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932. Bay City's Polish paper, SZTANDER POLSKI cited this as an historical first for the parish and that the church was crowded with parishioners who came to hear the first English sermon in their church. Father Krakowski was deeply interested in and patronized the then existing 26 parish societies; he was ever conscious of the spiritual progress of his people which he sought to develop by seasonal and weekly devotions. Fr. Krakowski's long pastoral assignment came to an end when he was admitted to Bay City Mercy Hospital on April 30, 1943. His death on July 15,1943, at the age of 67, marked the passing of a well-loved, powerfully-eloquent and highly-honored priest who had served Christ faithfully for 42 years. The Most Rev. William F. Murphy, D.D., first bishop of the then recently created Saginaw Diocese, offered the Pontifical Requiem Mass on Monday, July 19,1943. In his funeral sermon, Rev. Andrew Narloch, pastor of St. Rita, Saginaw, said, "Father Krakowski has been a faithful warrior for Christ during all the years of his priesthood." About 125 priests and hundreds of parishioners were present to pay final tribute to their friend and pastor. The pastor who guided the parish through a most interesting era which may be called by some today as the golden years was laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. When death claimed the sixth pastor of St. Stanislaus, who had died to Christ in baptism, and now was called to the promised glory of His Resurrection, the parish suffered a profound loss. The Church in Bay City lost a strong leader who brought glory to the parish and the community where he had given practically thirty years of his life. His great love for St. Stanislaus — the parish he served and its people he loved so well is recalled frequently today by those who still remember him. That his people held him in high esteem and continue to do so is evident. One need only mention his name or speak of his accomplishments, and the response is always one of profound respect. This reaction coming even thirty years after his death, from people who remember him, speaks eloquently of this great man of God. Msgr. Joseph A. Lewandowski became pastor here Sept. 7, 1943. He did not come as a stranger since he had served as administrator during the difficult years in 1898 and 1899. He was the sev- 13 enth priest to assume pastoral responsibility of leading the People of God at St. Stanislaus. It was during his pastorate that the parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and dedicated a new high school. Fr. Joseph Lewandowski was born in Bremen, Indiana, October 25, 1873. He was the first U.S. born pastor to serve the parish. His seminary training was begun at St. Jerome's, Kitchener, Ontario and completed at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. Bishop Henry J. Richter ordained him to the priest- hood at St. Andrew Cathedral, Grand Rapids, June 29, 1896. During the months of the interdict, he served as assistant at St. James where he could take care of the spiritual needs of St. Stanislaus parishioners. Later he was transferred to St. Mary's, and continued to minister to the needs of Bay City's Polish speaking community. After assignments at Posen, Ludington, and St. Hyacinth's (our daughter parish) he was given pastoral charge of St. Stanislaus — a parish quite familiar to him. A parish high school had been spoken of frequently in the past. Father Krakowski even left a bequest in his will to hasten the day when this longtime dream might become a reality. The distinction of presiding over its opening seemed a fitting climax to the more than 56 years of priestly service rendered the Church by Msgr. Lewandowski. It must have been a happy day for him, March 5, 1951 when he turned the first spadeful of earth to begin construction of the high school building. In the fall of the same year, Bishop Stephen S. Woznicki, the new bishop of the Saginaw Diocese laid the cornerstone. By the following Sept. 8, 1952, the building was ready to receive an enrollment of well over 300 students. The forties were years of continual development for the parish although World War 11 overshadowed the daily lives of everyone. The service flag proudly displayed in church recorded 1,016 parish sons and daughters in the military service. Gold stars numbered 25 to memorialize those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and independence. In tribute to all those from the parish who answered the call to duty, the St. Stanislaus Men's Athletic Club presented the grade school with a flag pole which was dedicated by Fr. Lewandowski on Aug. 27,1944. Nineteen hundred forty-five saw the end of the war on both the European and Pacific fronts. Our service men and women gradually began returning to their homes and families they had left. Wartime shortages, gasoline rationing, blackouts, scrap drives of all kinds, and defense work were about to become past history and the relief that every American experienced with peace on the horizon was likewise felt by the people of Bay City. A valuable addition to the parish complex was the acquisition of the Athletic Field in 1951 by the Athletic Club. The field is situated outside the city limits east of the old Murray Body Plant. Today it is fully developed for baseball, softball and football and ranks among one of the finest athletic facilities in this area. More recently a fieldhouse was built providing kitchen, club and meeting rooms and locker facilities. Diamond Jubilee Celebration A point of interest is that Msgr. Lewandowski, during whose pastorate the high school was opened remained at the pastoral helm to see the initial freshmen class receive their 12th grade diplomas in June 1953. The parish's diamond jubilee celebration was also observed. He resigned as pastor June 24, 1953 at the age of 80, and took up residence at St. Francis Home for the Aged in Saginaw where he served as resident until Feb. 17, 1956. He then retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he lived with his sister, Mary, until his death Nov. 15, 1966 at the age of 93. At the 14 time of his death he was the senior priest of the diocese who had served the people of God in both the dioceses of Grand Rapids and Saginaw for seventy years. When the Very Reverend Clement M. Niedzwiecki, eighth pastor of St. Stanislaus, took over as spiritual director of the Saginaw Diocese's largest parish on June 24, 1953, he came to Bay City with an established reputation as a capable administrator. Born on November 23, 1898 in Grand Rapids where he attended St. Isidore School and St. Joseph Seminary, Fr. Niedzwiecki received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the University of Mon¬t- real in 1925 and was ordained by Bishop Edward D. Kelly on Feb. 2, 1925, after returning to Grand Rapids. Following additional study he later received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. His first assignment was at St. Anne in Cadillac for six months, after which he became a profes¬sor at St. Joseph Seminary, Grand Rapids until June 29, 1932, when he was named pastor of St. Norbert in Munger. He served there for fifteen years before taking over as pastor of Holy Rosary in Saginaw. During his priestly career, Fr Niedzwiecki held a number of diocesan posts: diocesan , synodal examiner, promoter of justice and defender of the bond in the matrimonial tribunal. The era during which Father Niedzwiecki administered St. Stanislaus was far different from that of any previous pastor's. The historical scene was marked by the end of the Korean conflict and the beginning of the Vietnam War. Technology was advancing by leaps and bounds from atomic powered submarines to jet air trans- portation, hydrogen explosions and nuclear testing. Medical research was on the upswing as experts searched for cures and improved treatment in their fights against cancer, influenza and heart diseases. Political entanglements, Communist satellite involvements, nuclear testing bans, the iron cur¬tain, suborbital flights and racial desegregation were making headlines. Nationally, there was the assas- sination of President John F. Kennedy, Nov. 22, 1963 and Paul Vl's visit to New York City and his personal appeal for peace at the United Nations on October 4,1965. The Sixties: Vatical II, Renewal Within the Church the climate of change began to be felt. Pope John XXIII's begun on Oct. 11, 1962, inaugurated a renewal among Catholics within the Church. Father Nied- zwiecki together with his assistants instructed his people and helped them to adapt to the liturgical renewal decreed by the Church. With Pope John's death on June 6, 1963, our parish family continued to follow the Council's directives under Pope Paul VI, who concluded the Council proceedings on December 8, 1965 after 168 sessions. On the diocesan level, St. Paul's Seminary was opened on September 12, 1960 and Father Nie- dzwiecki was named to the Seminary Board. Earlier he had been appointed to the Board of Diocesan and given the title of Very Reverend. It was in this setting that Father Niedzwiecki endeavored to have St. Stanislaus parish keep pace with contemporary society and the needs of the church. He labored to develop a financially sound parish plant by meeting the unpaid $270,000 balance of the high school debt with the final payment on March 17, 1958. At the same time he updated the

15 high school and did some renovation work on the grade school as well. The same year on Sept. 20, Father Niedzwiecki and Mayor James Tanner used a giant pair of scis- sors to cut a ribbon stretching 100 yards across the gridiron, officially opening the athletic complex which the Athletic Club provided for the parish. With a record enrollment of 380 students in 1954, St. Stanislaus High School became the first Class B. institution in Bay City's history. Having started out as a class D institution in 1949 it moved into Classes C and B becoming one of 190 state schools affiliated with the Michigan High School Athletic Association in this division. But the high school's excellence and Father Niedzwiecki's interest in it were not focused only on its athletic achievements. For on December 6, 1957 it was announced by Father Niedzwiecki and Sister Mary Prudence, Principal, that St. Stanislaus High School had received a four-year accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The accreditation period from July 1, 1957 through June 30, 1961 was the longest extended by the bureau at that time. It was given after a study of the school's educational program by Dr. Fred G. Stevenson, of the Bureau of School Services at the University of Michigan. He cited the flexible courses of study and variety of offerings providing for differences in ability as well as interests, the school plant, and the "excellent attitude of pupils and skill and competence of the teachers." North Central accreditation was a source of pride and a credit to the parish, its pastor, the teaching staff and student body. As a regional accreditation it was voluntarily applied for, thus surpassing minimal standards set for schools seeking only state approval. Father Niedzwiecki had another goal for St. Stanislaus High School and began a fund for a high school gymnasium. Reminiscent of the literary prototype in St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians where Paul did the planting, Apollos the watering and God the growing, Father Niedzwiecki did not live to spend the gymnasium fund which was eventually utilized by his successor for other parish improvements. Because of failing health Father Niedzwiecki resigned as pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish on January 19, 1966 and retired to Grand Rapids until June 1969 at which time he took up residence with the Alexian Brothers in Tennessee. Following surgery and a brief stay at Memorial Hospital Chatanooga, Tennessee, he died there on June 2, 1973. The Mass of the Resurrection was offered on June 6, 1973 in St. Isidore Church, Grand Rapids with Bishop Francis Reh as the principal concelebrant. Father Niedzwiecki was buried from his home parish, St. Isidore, which coincidentally was built by Father Marion Matkowski who had preceded Father Niedzwieck's pastorate at St. Stanislaus more than fifty years earlier. A delegation of Bay City priestsand friends attended the funeral services. Father Niedzwiecki was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery, Grand Rapids. "You Expect More . . ." Rev. Kenneth J. Povish became St. Stanislaus Parish's ninth pastor on Thursday, June 16,1966 remaining only until 1970 when he was installed as the fifth bishop of the diocese of Crookston, Minnesota on September 29,1970.

16 Born April 19, 1924 in Alpena, Michigan, Father Povish attended parochial and public schools there. His seminary training was completed at St. Joseph Seminary, Grand Rapids; Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit; and the Catholic University of America where he received his Master of Arts degree in education. As a seminarian, he was one of the original workers in the Mexican apostolate organized by Father James A. Hickey in 1947, presently Bishop of Cleveland. He was assigned to catechetical and social work among the migrants in the Reese St. Elizabeth area for three summers. Following his ordination to the priesthood June 3,1950, by Bishop Stephen Woznicki of Saginaw, Father Povish served with Msgr. C.T. Skowroński twice, both at St. Ignatius Parish, Rogers City and again at St. Hyacinth Parish, Bay City. From 1953 to 1956, Father Povish was interim director of Catholic Family Service of Bay City. At this time he began writing the answers for the Question Box feature in the CATHOLIC WEEKLY, a responsibility he maintained for more than 16 years. He was named pastor of St. Mary, Port Sanilac in September 1956and became pastor of St. Norbert Parish, Munger June 5,1957, at which time he was appointed Diocesan Director of the Confrater- nity of Christian Doctrine with responsibility for religious instruction of Catholic students in public schools. His efforts were devoted mostly to training lay catechists. Father Povish remained in Munger until June 1960 when he assumed full-time duties at St. Paul Seminary, Saginaw where he was appointed professor of and English and of College Students, later becoming vice- of the seminary, a position he held for four years. Since being installed as ninth pastor of St. Stanislaus parish, Bay City in 1966 he was appointed di- ocesan consultor for a three-year term, and in July of 1967 he was elected to the newly organized Priests Senate to represent the Bay . When Father Povish began his ministry at St. Stanislaus in 1966, the parishioners were observing the Polish Catholic Millenium - the historic 1000th anniversary of Poland's Baptism in 966. Though separated by frontiers and oceans, the Poles of Bay City and St. Stanislaus parish joined together in celebrating the occasion at Bay City Central Auditorium. The efforts toward unity which Pope John XXIII had so earnestly worked for were beginning to take root at this time. In 1966 Pope Paul and Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, signed a declaration pledging Catholic-Anglican efforts toward unity. The Church established committees to work with other religious bodies with the same goal. Christians and Jews also intensified efforts for better understanding. In the Bay City Area the first Ecumenical Prayer Service was held at Visitation Church, Jan. 22,1967. These were years of experimentation and travel. The Pope traveled to India, Africa, America and Asia. The President traveled to Moscow and Peking. Planet earth traveled to the moon where Neil Armstrong made his giant leap for mankind on July 20,1969. The directives of Vatican II were continually being implemented with the laity takingan increasingly more active role in the church as Father Povish with his associates introduced the SCHOOL BOARD in September 1966 which would function as a board of parish education concerned with ALL the educational work in the parish: elementary, high school, public school classes and adult education.

17 Adult Inquiry Classes were organized to meet the needs of adults interested in an explanation of Catholic teaching. The Church Committee continued to function as the major decision making body for parish affairs but its action became more representative of total parish involvement as parishioners began to elect members of the Church Committee to their positions. Along with Father Povish the Committee saw that former plans to build the high school gymnasium were not feasible at this time. Spiraling costs, general maintenance and necessary parish plant repairs as well as increased parish and school staffs needed to serve an active parish during infla- tionary times dictated this course of action. Consequently, the gym building fund and the $100,000 loan repaid by the diocese were used for repairs and improvements in the convent, rectory and grade school. At this time St. Stanislaus Cemetery Board was reactivated with representation from St. Stanislaus, St. Hedwig and St. Hyacinth's parishes. On April, 1967 James A. Hickey was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Saginaw, a post he held until after the death of Bishop Stephen Woznicki, December 10, 1968 and the installation of Bishop Francis Reh who became third Bishop of Saginaw on February 26, 1969. On Sunday, January 7, 1968 Father Povish was elevated to the rank of monsignor during investiture ceremonies presided at by Bishop Woznicki in St. Stanislaus Church. During 1967 an inter parochial merger study committee composed of members of St. James, St. Joseph and St. Stanislaus school boards considered the feasibility of consolidating the three exist- ing high schools for the purpose of providing quality secondary education for Bay City's East Side high school students. A formal merger study was made by the Bureau of School Services of the University of Michigan with the bureau's rationale and recommendations distributed to parishioners at all three churches for their study and vote. On January 21,1968 the parishes voted to merge the three schools. The students from all schools cast ballots for the name of the newly consolidated high school they would be attending the following fall. Their choice became All with St. Stanislaus, the South Campus and St. James, the North. St. Stanislaus High School held its last graduation on Wednesday, June 5, 1968, when 76 seniors received their diplomas at a 7:00 p.m. concelebrated Mass. The commencement address was given by Fr. Richard Seifferly, the first graduate from that high school building to have been ordained. The following September, 929 students enrolled in the new All Saints High School. Msgr. Povish Named to Crookston See Two summers later Monsignor Povish and Father Zygmund Gaj spent three and a half weeks in Poland. Shortly after their return Monsignor Povish was appointed by Pope Paul VI, on July 28, 1970 as the fifth bishop of Crookston, Minnesota. A North Central chartered flight left Tri-City Airport with one hundred , friends and a delegation of St. Stanislaus parishioners to attend the epis- copal ordination and installation of Msgr. Povish at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston on September 29.

18 The principal was Archbishop Luigi Raimondi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, who was joined by thirty and bishops as co- at the Mass; among them were Bishop Francis Reh of Saginaw and Bishop James A. Hickey, Rector of the North American College. On November 15, St. Stanislaus welcomed Bishop Povish back home for a concelebrated Mass marking the patronal feast of St. Stanislaus. Among his associates, seminary students and parishioners, Bishop Povish is known for his loyalty to his hometown of Alpena, his preference for Ford cars, his addiction to American history, his strong dislike of certain foods and his monotonous aphorism: "Priests work like dogs . . . never fear when Povish is near ... I promised my mother . . . You expect more from St. Stan's." Bishop Povish chose as his episcopal motto, "To Accomplish His Work." He is well remembered by the members of our parish family for his work accomplished among us. After Bishop Povish's assignment to the See at Crookston at the end of July, 1970, the parish family of St. Stanislaus was anxiously awaiting the announcement of its tenth pastor. The parish bulle- tin indicated that an appointment through the diocesan personnel board could take as long as a month. Literally, the appointment was "up in the air" and the announcement of Reverend Richard Jozwiak as tenth pastor of St. Stanislaus was actually made "in the air" by Bishop Reh aboard the North Central chartered flight enroute to Bishop Povish's installation on September 29, 1970 as he announced Father Jozwiak's appointment over the plane's public address system. The young pastor who came to serve St. Stanislaus on October 25, 1970 was born in Saginaw on December 9, 1931, having attended St. Rita and St. Joseph Schools there, St. Mary's College, Or- chard Lake and the North American College, Rome. He was ordained in Rome on December 20, 1959, returning to the Saginaw Diocese in the summer of 1960 when he was assigned associate pastor at St. Hyacinth until his assignment as pastor of St. Agnes, Pinconning in May 1965. While at St. Agnes, Father Jozwiak served as Assistant Director of Vocations to Msgr. Hickey, from 1966-67 and then Director of Vocations for the Diocese from 1967-1968. Concurrently with his pastorate, he was organizer and Director of the CCD released time program in Pinconning. On October 14, 1969 he was appointed to serve a three-year term as a diocesan consultor. Later Father Jozwiak was elected to complete Bishop Povish's unexpired term of office on the Priests' Senate as Bay Deanery Representative. Subsequently, he was re-elected for another three-year term which he is presently serving. He is also Spiritual Director of the Bay Deanery League of Catholic Women, Spiritual Director of the Bishop Gallagher Circle of the Daughters of Isabella, and Spiritual Director of the St. Stephen Council (Knights of Columbus) Auxiliary. Tenth Pastor: Parish Centennial When Father Jozwiak took over his duties as pastor of St. Stanislaus, he came to a parish firmly rooted in the deep faith of its forefathers and strengthened by succeeding generations of parish- ioners who envisioned their unity as a parish family, proud of their heritage and intent on growing in their efforts for the honor and glory of God. Father Jozwiak's arrival was marked by a welcome that outlined the still further growth that the parish anticipated. The first Sunday bulletin after his arrival said in part "We welcome you to St. Stanislaus Parish and know you will find your calling as Pastor to be a most rewarding one. We expect a great deal from you, Father, but on the other hand we hope to live up to what you expect

19 from us. Together, with the help of God, we will strive to build a community of believers. We the Church, We the People of God, Welcome You, Father Jozwiak." Just as the almost one-hundred year old parish had experienced changes over the years so had the social and political climate. Headlines blared out the abortion and right-to-life issues; parochial, anti-war demonstrations and draft evasion were debated; gross national product figures leaped; inflation doubled and tripled; unemployment rose and political scandals devastated the country's morale. Nevertheless, St. Stanislaus Parishioners remained firm in their faith and continued to work with Fr. Jozwiak and his associates as the People of God: "We are His People," a theme chosen, loved and emulated as they approached the end of their first one hundred years as one of Bay City's oldest parishes. During Father Jozwiak's pastorate he endeavored to meet the challenge he expressed in his first bulletin, "I pray that I will be able to measure up to your high standards and again I ask your help and cooperation and above all, your prayers because as you know: 'You Expect More at St. Stan's and You Get It!'" Shortly, in 1971 two new dioceses were created in Michigan. The Diocese of Gaylord was headed by Bishop Edmund Szoka and the Diocese of Kalamazoo governed by Bishop Donovan. At this time St. Stanislaus numbered more than six thousand parishioners and was implementing Bishop Reh's directives for the establishment of parish councils. The already active church committee and school board elected by the parish became the nucleus of St. Stanislaus' Parish Council with the addition of the Service Commission and Liturgical Commission to follow. Nineteen hundred seventy-three marked the fifth century of Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish scientist and astronomer, about whom Pope Paul VI stated "that Copernicus was a religious man who joined faith with science in a marvelous and fruitful relationship." History repeated itself as the cooperation, dedication and sacrifice of the families of St. Stanislaus Parish which established the church a hundred years ago once again came to the fore as the pa- rish under the leadership of Fr. Jozwiak and his associates endeavored to deepen its growth as a parish family. No stranger to renovation work, experience he had gained at St. Agnes, Fr. Jozwiak with the aid of parish societies and their fund raising activities, continued "Operation Rectory Renovation" in 1971 and the parish volunteer program for the grade school in 1972, "Operation Brighten Up Classrooms." The parishioners continued to work together with their pastor and associates not only in their prayer life but also in policy and decision making as they embarked upon the major projects that lay ahead as they approached the 1974 centennial year. Beginning with the July 23,1972 Parish Bulletin which announced the unveiling of the architect's rendering of the proposed renovation, the entire parish was kept informed of the activities and progress of the Church Committee and the Centennial Steering Committee. Renovation plans called for complete carpeting of the church, new pews, vesting area near the Grant St. entrance, new lighting and sanctuary appointments at an estimated cost that nearly exceeded five times the construction of the original building. Some architectural improvements were necessary to insure continued safe use of the eight- year old edifice; for example, construction work and pier rebricking on the towers that house 20 the massive four peal bells distinctive of St. Stanislaus. Likewise the main had to be reinforced with steel beams and appropriate repairs made in addition to the work of redecoration. For this reason, the altar was positioned several feet forward with the uppermost cross directly below the center of the sanctuary ceiling flanked by the seven stained glass windows. In a SAGINAW NEWS article, Saturday, July 29, 1972, Rex M. Reittenbach, architect for the 100th anniversary remodeling of St. Stanislaus, said that "In the Catholic Church the whole aim is to design a space where one can celebrate a liturgy very easily." This concept and renovation plans included remodeling to conform to the liturgical directions outlined by Vatican II. There were varied impres- sions and emotions as the architectural changes and innovations began to take place. By means of communication through the Parish bulletin and ongoing instruction regarding the renovations, that, in some instances, represented a departure from centuryold traditions, Father Jozwiak and his Committee effected a successful transition. Initial renovation was done on the north and south balconies, the choir balcony and the towers; during which time in its one-hundred year history, St. Stanislaus Church was closed after its last Mass on July 1, 1973, as the parishioners moved across Grant Street to the grade school gym and music room for daily and Sunday Masses while the rebuilding process continued. During the interim, funerals and weddings were conducted at St. Hyacinth and St. Hedwig Churches. While the church was closed the parish was informed of renovation progress via the Parish bulletin; from details about second coats of paint, storage cabinets and sub floor prepartion to explanations concerning significant liturgical and devotionally related renovations. The new wood carved statues of the Holy Family, for instance, would serve to remind parishioners of their membership in God's family through Baptism. The renovated baptismal font would be lo- cated at the foot of this shrine. At the Sacred Heart Shrine, the Bible, God's written Word, is enthroned, reminding one of the Word made Flesh and the presence of God's Word and its sacredness in the liturgy and in our lives. A shrine which honors St. Stanislaus Kostka, is erected under the north balcony. A wood carved base relief of the parish patron is placed on the green marble risers and treads from the former communion rail. A similarly constructed shrine honoring Our Lady of Częstochowa is under the south balcony standing as a memorial to the Faith of our pioneers and our own Polish heritage. Upon entering the church one's attention immediately centers on the Risen Christ enshrined as a part of the renovated main altar. The sanctuary area was extended to the first pillars of the aisle vaults which brought the altar closer to the worshipping congregation. The side aisle pews were turned to face the altar of sacrifice for fuller liturgical participation. The focal point of the renovated sanctuary is the Altar of Sacrifice. A solid black walnut altar table weighing nearly 1000 lbs. rests on a marble base. The bronze tabernacle of Repose is free standing and of contemporary design resting on a black walnut and marble pedestal. The church doors were opened on Friday, Feb. 8, 1974 when Bishop Reh re-dedicated the "new church" and concelebrated the Centennial Mass of Thanksgiving with Father Richard Jozwiak, pas- 21 tor, associates and priests sons of the parish as well as pastors of St. Stanislaus daughter parishes. Bishop Reh's homily both reflected the gratification of the parish family and gave tribute to St. Stanislaus' People of God. "Like the people of Solomon's day who built their Temple to house the Ark of the Covenent, you have given your best. You could not have done better," he said, "This should be shown as a model of what can be done with an older church in bringing it in harmony with the mind of the church today." Bishop Reh congratulated all who had accepted the directives of Vatican II in the renova- tion of the structure. He said he saw in St. Stanislaus an old parish which is new in the dedication of its people, paying tribute to the "strong faith of the 200 families" who founded St. Stanislaus a century ago. Later Father Jozwiak was to receive a letter from Cardinal James Knox of the Sacred Congregation of Divine Worship commending him and the parish for the restoration of the church making it "worthy of the renewed liturgy." Following the Feb. 8 re-dedication by Saginaw's third bishop, St. Stanislaus Parish Family attended their first Sunday liturgy in the remodeled church. All Masses were concelebrated with the pastor as principal celebrant and homilist and Fathers Chester Tomaszewski and Robert J. De-Land conce- lebrating. Impressed with the renovated church as a visible expression of their efforts and those of their forefathers, the parishioners were reminded in Father Jozwiak's homily that 1974 was truly the Lord's year of favor for St. Stanislaus. It represented not only a time of rejoicing and a time of remembering; but more importantly, it presented a time of thanking for the past and a time for renewing the dedication that brought them to this moment in history and would sustain them in the years to come: that dedication so frequently expressed in the words "Na Chwale Boska", for the honor and glory of God. The centennial year had begun prayerfully; plans for additional parish celebrations were under way and the year was filled with activities that these pages attempt to express in retrospect. Printed pages, however, may fail to record the spirit, capture the emotions or relive the experiences of 1874 to 1974; they can only attempt to recall what has happened and serve to inspire our parish family to continued growth and love in the family of God. "Na Chwale Boska."

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