History of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. 75Th Anniversary Celebration of St

History of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. 75th Anniversary Celebration of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Wilmington, DE. CAP at Orchard Lake.

God's Love Was And Is Among Us The above words appropriately describe the formation and the continued existence of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish. Founded seventy-five years ago, it has managed to withstand the turbulent changes of time. On all occasions it has been sustained and nourished by GOD'S LOVE. Today St. Stanislaus Kostka parish stands as a tribute to the early founding fathers who, overcoming many obstacles and with very meager resources, forged ahead and established a new parish to meet the spiritual needs of a growing Polish immigrant population. Not much is known about the early struggles and events that led to the formation of the parish. It seems that the primary concern then was the organization of the parish and the construction of a suitable church, rather than preserving for posterity the deliberations and the identity of the people involved with these activities. Historically it is known that there was a sizable wave of immigrants to the United States in the early years of this century. Among them was a large number of Poles who settled in Wilmington. Initially they were able to practice the Roman Catholic faith in their native language at St. Hedwig's Church which had been established in 1890. Soon, however, the Polish speaking population began to expand into the eastern section of Wilmington. Industrial growth in this part of the city, particularly in shipbuilding, metal foundries, and leather making attracted the new Polish immigrants. It was most difficult for these people to travel to St. Hedwigs for Sunday Mass and almost impossible for their children to attend St. Hedwig's School. Realizing their plight, Msgr. John S. Gulcz, the late pastor of St. Hedwig's Church, obtained the bishop's permission in 1912 to promote the organization of a new parish in the eastern section of Wilmington. A committee of new parishioners was formed and arrangements made for temporary church services to be held in the basement of St. Mary's Church at 6th and Pine Streets. The rental for the use of the church basement was $15.00 per month. For the Polish immigrants in Wilmington's east side it was the realization of a long and cherished dream. Through perseverance, sacrifice and hard work they were now established in the land of opportunity and they could worship. The first official document of the new parish was an entry in the parish financial ledger by the Rev. Szymon Nawrocki, temporary pastor. It was written in the Polish language and describes the early events leading to the formation of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish. A copy of the original entry is shown on the following page, with its English translation following. 1 "The parish was established on August 8, 1912 by the Rev. John Gulcz, pastor of St. Hedwig's parish in Wilmington, Delaware and on this day celebrated its first devotion. In early October, the Rev. John Supinski was named pastor and served for about 15 days. On October 23, of the same year, the Rev. Szymon Nawrocki was named temporary pastor and began the work of establishing official records for the parish. On November 8, 1912, he received written confirmation as pastor from Bishop John J. Monaghan. At first the parish was named "Holy Spirit" but even during Father Supinski's time, at the request of the parishioners, the name was changed to "St. Stanislaus Kostka". Under this title all parish records were started by the Rev. Szymon Nawrocki, past curate at St. Adalberts in Philadelphia, Pa. These notes are written for future reference by Rev. Szymon Nawrocki in his own handwriting." It has been said that mighty oaks from little acorns grow. The first collection recorded by the new parish amounted to $9.10 for the Sunday Mass on October 27, 1912. The collection for the eve- ning vespers on the same day was $9.59 for a total income of $18.69- This compares with a multi thousand dollar annual budget for St. Stanislaus Kostka parish today. The corporation papers for the new St. Stanislaus Kostka parish were drawn up on January 5, 1913 at a meeting presided by the Most Rev. John J. Monaghan, Bishop of Wilmington, and the Rev. Szymon Nawrocki, pastor. Representing the parishioners were K. Przybylski and A. Wierzchowski. Officially, the parish was incorporated in the State of Delaware on April 9, 1913. Attesting the historic event with their signatures were trustees Anthony Wierzchowski and John Jabłoński. Concurrent with the above events, plans were being made for the construction of the new church. The site selected for this purpose was a city block bounded by East 7th, 8th, Locust and Buttonwood Streets. There were thirteen homes on this block of land. Records indicate that on April 11, 1913 all thirteen properties were purchased for $13,968.42, including taxes and other service charges. The existing buildings on the corner of East 7th and Buttonwood Streets were demolished and the construction of the new church started. It should be noted that the original parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka were primarily working class immigrants. With no special skills, a language barrier and no money on arrival into this country, they were faced with the problem of purchasing a home, raising their families, educating their children and in addition funding the construction of a new church. This was indeed a formidable challenge for wage earners at the lowest end of the economic scale. There is no record of any grant or special benefactor or any large scale donation to Stanislaus Kostka during its fund raising drive. The parish was started on deep and abiding faith in God, sacrifice, perseverance and sheer determination. On November 23, 1913 the cornerstone for St. Stanislaus Kostka Church was in place and on March 22, 1914 the church was officially consecrated by Bishop Monaghan. The parish trustees at that time were John Jablonski and Adam Jankowski. Assisting the trustees with various parish activities were Maryan Koston, Ignacy Bartoszewski and Czeslaw Malinowski. According to parish records Veronica Prostka, born October 4, 1912 was the first child baptized at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish. The baptism took place on October 13, 1912. Also of interest is the first marriage recorded by St. Stanislaus Kostka. It took place on November 26, 1912 and united in Holy Matrimony Marian Piotrowski and Marianna Mazurkiewicz. The Rev. Szymon Nawrocki performed the ceremony. 2 The marriage of Władysław Przyborowski and Frances Arciszewska reportedly took place on Febru- ary 14, 1914 in the new church. However, the first recorded marriage after consecration of the new church was between Francis Kacperski and Stephania Stankiewicz on April 29, 1914. Likewise the first child baptized in the new St. Stanislaus Kostka Church was Władysława Olszewska on March 29, 1914. It is reported that Mr. Adamowski served as the first organist of the parish. St. Stanislaus Kostka school was organized in the fall of 1913 and was staffed by the Sisters of the Felician Order. Originally classes were held in private homes adjacent to the church. There were 143 children enrolled in the school in 1913. Enrollment steadily increased, reaching a high of 347 in 1928. The present school building and adjoining auditorium were constructed in 1921. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, once established, served not only as a house of worship but it also helped to preserve many of the Polish religious customs and traditions. Most are still practiced today. Thus at Easter time the priest may visit the home of a parishioner for the blessing of food or the food may be brought to the church for the blessing. The food items often include cheese, ham, bread, sausage and eggs. There is a special prayer for each item. During Lent, prior to Easter, special devotions called "Gorzkie Żale", which translated into English means "Bitter Sorrows", are held. Gorzkie Żale is a mournful meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ by means of a series of hymns which date back to the 13th or 14th century in Poland. At Christmas time it is the custom for each household to share the "Opłatek" or Holy Wafer with family members and friends prior to the "Wigilia" or Christmas Eve dinner. The custom is also practiced by the congregation following the Christmas Midnight Mass. Another major feast is Corpus Christi. Three altars are set up in the streets surrounding the church. A procession begins and ends at the main altar of the church, stopping at each altar along the route. At each stop there is a Gospel reading and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The feast of Corpus Christi is a national holiday in Poland, even though the country is controlled by a Com- munist government. At the Feast of the Purification (February 2) candles are blessed. At certain points during the Mass, the entire congregation holds lighted candles. Members of the congregation retain the blessed candles for use during any family or household crisis in the ensuing year. On the feast of the Assumption (August 15) parishioners bring flowers and other greens to be blessed during the Mass. It is a special tribute to the Blessed Mother and a plea for further blessings on all growing things in fields, orchards and gardens. It should also be pointed out that in the early years of its existence, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church served as a focal point in the everyday life of its members. Most families lived in close proximity to the church. People walked to church and the children just as readily walked to school. Easy accessibility to the church was helpful in maintaining a high level of involvement by the parishioners in both church and school activities. Parishioners eagerly awaited attending church services, particularly during the special Feast Days since the opportunity to meet together provided a social outlet for them as well. It created a closeness, a strong ethnic bond and an unique attachment to the church that is traditional among Polish people.

3 In the latter part of 1914, Rev. Szymon Nawrocki left, because of illness, and was replaced by the Rev. Anthony Oleksinski. At that time the parish committees were reorganized and Maryan Koston along with Alexander Sobocinski were named trustees. They served until 1917 and were then succeeded by John Jablonski and Stanley Dombrowski. Rev. Oleksinski served from 1914 until his death in 1930. He was a strong leader and was able to solidify the growing parish. Father Oleksinski established many of the Corpus Christi procession at St. Stanislaus Kostka. Polish religious customs and traditions associated with the celebration of the special Feast Days. During the 1924 Christmas season, fire seriously damaged the interior of the chruch, including a large part of the roof. Though a major setback, Father Oleksinski rallied the parishioners and for the next several months Mass was celebrated in the school auditorium. In the meantime the church was renovated and restored to its original condition. Succeeding Father Oleksinski was the Rev. Sylvester Hosinski who served for twenty-three years until his death in 1953. Father Hosinski continued the good work established by his predecessors. He was instrumental in building the present rectory in 1947 and improving the grounds surround¬ing the church. Father Hosinski inaugurated the Holy Name Society at St. Stanislaus Kostka. The initial meeting was held in the school auditorium on December 15, 1946. Quoting from the minutes of that first meeting "The organization was to be a branch of the Great Society of men bonded together all over the world. The Confraternity of the Holy Name of Jesus was established in the 13th century to turn thoughtless men away from their blasphemy and profanity". The following officers were elected at that meeting: President - Anthony Smiertka Vice President - Boley Alabrudzinski Secretary - Zygmunt Grodzicki Treasurer - Henry Markiewicz, Sr. Marshal Edward Wojnisz The organization was open to all men in the parish and was an instant success. They received communion as a group on a quarterly basis. However, meetings were held monthly except in July and August. The Holy Name Society was quite active and became an integral part of the parish. The men arranged numerous fund raising events, subsidized Christmas parties and other social and sport activities for the church school. A collection for Our Lady of Grace orphanage was taken at each monthly meeting. Periodically the Holy Name Society donated hundreds of dollars from its treasury to reduce the parish debt. The Society flourished throughout the 1950's and early 1960's, but its numbers declined with the population shift and commensurate with the diminishing enrol lment in the parish school. World War II precipitated a number of social changes throughout the country. One of these was a population movement into the suburbs. This resulted in a declining membership in city parishes, including St. Stanislaus Kostka, and a concurrent enrollment drop in the parish school. Msgr. Stanley Delikat, assistant pastor at St. Hedwigs, was appointed pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka in 1953. Through his efforts the parish membership was stabilized, at least temporarily. Msgr. Delikat managed, through a series of fund raising events, to wipe out the parish debt completely. A banquet in the church hall on November 11, 1956 commemorated the customary burning of the mortgage.

4 Upon the death of Msgr. John Gulcz in 1962, Msgr. Delikat was transferred to become pastor of St. Hedwigs and was succeeded by the Rev. Alex F. Gorski. Father Gorski brought with him a new spirit to St. Stanislaus Kostka. He was energetic and could instantly relate to the people. Through his efforts air-conditioning and a public address system were installed and the interior of the church fully renovated. During this time the Second Vatican Council had convened in Rome issuing many sweeping church reforms. One of these was the introduction and the use of Parish Councils to assist in the admin- istration of the parish. Through Father Gorski's leadership, St. Stanislaus Kostka was one of the first parishes in the Diocese to install the Parish Council. In 1968 Father Gorski was reassigned and succeeded at St. Stanislaus Kostka by the Rev. Francis Szperka. Father Szperka was young and full of hope. However, his tenure at St. Stanislaus Kostka was short, as he suffered an untimely death in 1969 at age 46. The parish deeply mourned the loss of its young and promising pastor. Father Edward Kaczorowski, who was Father Szperka's assistant, was appointed pastor of St. Stan- islaus Kostka in 1969. Father Kaczorowski had to face some serious problems; of utmost concern was the parish school. During the 1960's enrollment in St. Stanislaus Kostka school continued to decline while the costs rose dramatically. Since most families no longer lived near the school, it was necessary to use busing. Furthermore, due to a lack of teaching nuns, lay teachers had to be hired with correspond ing higher costs. An interim procedure was put into effect with the start of the school year in September 1970. St. Stanislaus Kostka school would be limited to children entering kindergarten through grade 4. Grades 5 through 8 were transferred to St. Hedwigs and transported there by the St. Stanislaus Kostka school bus. This proved to be an unworkable arrangement. The painful decision was finally made and the school closed in 1972. In June of 1979, Father Kaczorowski was reassigned and succeeded at St. Stanislaus Kostka by the Rev. Alex F. Gorski. Because Father Gorski had endeared himself in the hearts of the parishioners during his previous tenure, it was an easy transition. The current members of the parish are first, second and third generation descend ants of the original founders. Most reside in suburbia and a considerable distance from the church. There is no longer a need to use the Polish language for worship. All Masses, Novenas, etc. are in English. Polish hymns, because of their deep meaning and tradition are still used on special occasions. Although the number of parishioners is not increasing, the outlook for the future of St. Stanis- laus Kostka is one of hope and renewed vitality rather than despair. Father Gorski has been able to develop a "family" atmosphere in the parish. He instituted a Novena devotion to the Blessed Mother each Tuesday following the morning Mass. It offers an exceptional opportunity for the parish family to gather and pray the rosary together. This weekly service is well attended and attracts devotees other than St. Stanislaus Kostka parishioners. Free of mortgage or major debts, the parish enjoys freedom from financial demands. Diocesan assessments are being met on time and diocesan fund drive goals have been achieved or sur- passed. All buildings are adequately maintained. The interior of the church, seating 350 and air- 5 conditioned, is an inspiring sight that immediately instills a feeling of warmth. On this the 75th anniversary of the church, St. Stanislaus Kostka parish can point with pride to its past and present accomplishments. In addition to the vocations to the religious life listed below, the parish has produced a Mayor of the City of Wilmington, John E. Babiarz (I960 - 1968) and numerous professionals and business entrepreneurs serving the state and country. St. Stanislaus Kostka parish has been the leader in promoting and cooperating with Polish orga- nizations in Wilmington. AMPOL - Americans of Polish Descent Cultural Society - install their new officers annually at a Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka. The Captain Stanislaus Mlotkowski Memorial Brigade Society Color Guard is used in special ceremonies throughout the year. Also, a Mass is celebrated annually in October honoring the memory of General Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero. On special occasions and Feast Day celebrations, including Christmas and Easter, the St. Stanislaus Kostka Choir performs with distinction. It is under the capable leadership of Edmund Dombrowski, son of one of the early trustees of the parish, and accompanied on the organ by his wife Michae- line. The choir is composed not only of parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka but it invites singers from other groups. Their zeal and dedication symbolize the present spirit of St. Stanislaus Kostka. The Holy Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Kostka will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 1989. It was started in 1914 when the Rev. Szymon Nawrocki encouraged a few ladies of the parish to meet in private homes and organize the Society to serve the needs of the church. Although it began with modest means, the St. Stanislaus Kostka Holy Rosary Society reached a membership of over 320 in the 1930's. Even though most members were involved in raising families and homemaking responsibilities, they found time to provide numerous services to the parish. The Society maintained and decorated the church for special Feast Days, supported the parish school activities and engaged in numerous fund raising events for the benefit of the parish. They donated thousands of dollars to the church and were instrumental in providing the remaining funds needed to eliminate the parish debt in 1956. Over the years the Holy Rosary Society has diminished in size but not in its spirit. Today, with GOD'S LOVE, it is still an active and vibrant part of the parish family. Genevieve Gruszczyńska, a 65 year member of the Society, has served as its president since 1955 and continues to guide the destinies of the Society into the future. Parish activities in recent years have been streamlined. There are now three major fund raising events each year. These include the Bull Roast, Christmas Bazaar and the Mardi Gras Ball. Because of the size of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, a large proportion of its members are active participants in these projects. It should be pointed out that there are no available records showing names of all the people who were involved in parish activities in the past. Former parishioners recall some families, but to list them would only lead to an oversight of many others. Similarly, todays parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka consist of many outstanding leaders of the Polish community in Wilmington. Together with other parishioners they comprise a team of ded- icated workers who continue to maintain St. Stanislaus Kostka as a viable member of the diocese. Collectively they make up the directory of the parish. They can be appropriately identified by the 6 biblical phrase "By Their Fruits You Will Know Them." Todays Diamond Jubilee celebration is not aimed at mere brick and mortar. It is of profound im- portance that we recognize and appreciate the legacy we have inherited and the responsibility thrust upon us. We must never forget our forefathers who, with tremendous odds against them, built and sustained, in their time, St. Stanislaus Kostka parish. Their accomplishment is not only an inspiration for all future generations but a true manifestation of GOD'S LOVE. Let us pray that we may be able to pass on to our heirs a similar Living Memorial. Our Pastors Reverend Szymon Nawrocki 1913 -1914 Reverend Anthony Oleksinski 1914 -1930 Reverend Sylvester Hosinski 1930 -1953 Monsignor Stanley Delikat 1953 -1962 Reverend Alex Gorski 1962 -1968 Reverend Francis Szperka 1968 -1969 Reverend Edward Kaczorowski 1969 -1979 Reverend Alex Gorski 1979 - present