History of St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish. Diamond Jubilee St. Mary's Parish, McKeesport, PA 1893-1968, p. 12-50. CAP at Orchard Lake.

At the junction of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers in Allegheny county, in the western part of the State of Pennsylvania, lies one of America's greatest industrial centers the city of McKeesport. When David McKee crossed the Allegheny Mountains from Philadelphia in 1755, he settled at the spot where the two rivers met, known as the Village of Queen Aliquippa, and thus became the first white resident. His son John succeeded him as owner of the land and an operator of a ferry, and it was he, who founded McKee's Port in 1795 or 173 years ago. The original settlers were Scotch and the first church in the locality was Presbyterian, established in 1819. People of other nationalities and creeds were soon filtering into the little town. They held their church services either in private homes or in open groves. From 1755 for nearly 88 years there were no Catholics there. However, about 1843, McKeesport children were brought to old St. Phi- lomena's Church in Pittsburgh by their German parents to be baptized. At that time Redemptorist Fathers came to McKeesport to administer to the spiritual needs of the inhabitants, once a month. The village of McKeesport had about 500 inhabitants of different creeds. Holy Mass was offered in the home of a family named Reilly, who lived just about where the present altar of St. Peter's now stands. In 1846 or 122 years ago, two cattle jobbers in the town purchased a piece of ground and had it deeded to Bishop O'Connor, the first Bishop of Pittsburgh. There, in the same location where the present church of St. Peter's now stands, a little brick edifice 30 x 50 feet with a small belfry was completed. It was dedicated under the patronage of the first Apostle, St. Peter by Bishop Michael O'Connor on Easter Monday, 1846. In that little church, sermons were delivered in both the English and German languages. Two years later, the Bishop appointed a first resident pastor, named Father Nicholas Haeres, a German. This first priest lived in a sacristy of the little brick church for several years before he built a small frame dwelling nearby. His pastoral duties included the ministering to, not only his little flock of German Catholics in the vicinity, but also to several missions along the Monongahela River, such as St. Michael in Elizabeth and at Thompson Run in West Mifflin, across the river. While attending a diocesan retreat July 18, 1862, Father Haeres, the first resident McKeesport priest died, and his remains now repose in St. Mary's German Cemetery on Grandview Avenue. The same year that Father Haeres died in 1862-the Baltimore and Ohio RR was opened through McKeesport. There came a great influx of people, mostly Irish, and the congregation of St. Peter's increased considerably. However, for eight years there was no permanent pastor appointed at St. 1 Peter's Church. In 1870, Father Nolan came to McKeesport and found a parish of less than 100 fami- lies, even though it comprised the areas of Duquesne, Boston, Coal Valley, Camden and Dravosburg. Father Nolan foresaw the need for a larger church, and so in 1872, when the National Tube Works was set up in the city, the population took its second large increase. The original brick church was torn down, and in 1873 Bishop Domenec laid the cornerstone of the present St. Peter's Church, but because of the financial panic at that time, the church was not completed until the fall of 1875. In 1866, about 175 families left St. Peter's Church to establish a St. Mary's German parish on Olive Street, the first pastor being Father Holzafel. Thus, St. Mary's German parish is the second oldest in McKeesport. From the little mission that was St. Peter's in its earliest days with but a handful of the faithful-the Catholic faith began to spread tremendously with the arrival of immigrants of various nationalities. The numerous industrial plants, particularly the steel companies, attracted both skilled and unskilled labor. Among the many nationality groups who were attracted by the promise and fulfillment of work, as well as a haven from persecution-both religious and political-in their native land, were the Poles. The Poles who migrated in such large numbers found it expedient and desirable to unite among themselves, forming societies and organizations, as well as founding parishes. The societies fulfilled their material needs in poverty and illness; the parishes satisfied their spiritual desires to worship God in their native tongue-the Polish language. Such a union of material and spiritual desires also took place among the Poles who settled in McKeesport as far back as 1893. Among the first priests who attended to the spiritual needs of the Poles in McKeesport were Rev. W. Miskiewicz, pastor of St. Adalbert's Church in Pittsburgh, and the Rev. Francis Pikulski. These priests conducted religious services for the Poles in St. Mary's German Church on Olive Street. The year 1893 was notable in the lives of the Poles in McKeesport, for in that year, they organized the Saint Adalbert Society and established a parish under the patronage of Our Lady of Częstochowa. Rev. John Maczynski became the administrator of the new parish. Historically, nothing is known about the priest, nor where he came from. His name is not listed in the archives of the Pittsburgh Diocese. There is no official appointment on record, nor is there any evidence of administering the sacraments in any register for the year 1893. It has been said traditionally, that he came to Mc- Keesport casually and volunteered his services to the Polish speaking people here. A hall was leased on Union Avenue and Ninth Street for religious services. His conduct and behavior soon aroused the suspicions of the pioneers of the young parish, and they in turn asked Father Nolan of St. Peter's Church to contact the Bishop of Pittsburgh for a clarification of the priest's status. Due to differences of opinion and lack of official documents, the Rev. John Maczynski left the parish on May 13, 1894. After a few months without leadership, the Rev. Andrew Lojek, a man of great energy and zeal, became a pastor in October 1894. He began to unite the Poles and to gather funds for a church. The first plot of ground was bought for $2,700.00. It consisted of three lots on Bank & 12th Streets. Because of a hilly condition, after better judgment, these were exchanged for five lots on Versailles Avenue and Soles Street with an additional sum of $4,300. With this exchange, the plot of ground for the new church cost $7,000. In 1895 the construction of a new church was begun on the purchased plot of ground. 2 The church was a two story frame building. The first story was constructed for classrooms, and the church itself was on the second floor. The building was 80 feet long and 16 feet wide. The struc- ture cost $3,500. It was dedicated on July 11, 1895 by a delegate of the bishop, Rev. J. Tobin, the chancellor of the Pittsburgh Diocese. The church was beautiful indeed for that period. Altars were installed for the sum of $1,240. In addition to the altars, there were a pulpit, Stations of the Cross, beautiful pictures and statues. A magnificent picture of Our Lady of Częstochowa, imported from Poland, was donated to the parish by the pastor, Father Andrew Lojek. This picture is an object of veneration to this very day in the shrine of our present church. Ln April 1897, Father Andrew Lojek was transferred to St. Ladislaus Church, Natrona, Pennsylvania, and he was succeeded by Father John Górzyński. His first task was the remodelling and enlarging of the church. In the rear of the church building, he added a convent for the Felician Sisters who began to staff the school about 1899. During his pastorate, an imposing brick rectory was built for the sum of $4,000. The building served as a residence for the parish priests for a period of 64 years until it was razed in 1961. The site now serves as a playground for our school children and a parking lot. Father John Górzyński served the parish well for nine years. In the early part of October 1906, the Most Reverend Bishop Regis Canevin transferred Father Górzyński to the pastorate of St. Adalbert Church on the South Side of Pittsburgh. In the latter part of October 1906, Father Anthony Tarkowski, who had built an imposing church of the Sacred Heart in Braddock, Pa., was appointed pastor of St. Mary of Częstochowa Church in McKeesport. After a number of years, seeing the necessity of a new and larger church, Father Tar- kowski bought a site for a future church on the other side of Soles Street for $14,000. A home on the purchased site was converted into an additional classroom until it was razed for the construction of a new convent and school. In 1916, John T. Comes, a noted Pittsburgh architect, was engaged to design a new parish church for St. Mary's congregation. The sketch promised a lovely structure, but the project was never realized because of World War I and prohibitive costs. However, excavation for the church began in 1917, but because of the rocky condition of the site and increasing costs, and upon the advice of the chancery officials, it was deemed necessary to install a flat roof over the basement and convert it into a church for the time being until post war conditions became normal. The upper portion of the church would be completed later, as it became apparent that the church basement costs amounted to $45,000. The first Holy Mass was offered by Father Tarkowski in the new church-basement on August 25, 1918. During this difficult period, Father Tarkowski was assisted by Father Titus Dereszkiewicz and for a few months by Father B. Dutkiewicz. In 1919 the first officially appointed assistant came to St. Mary's in the person of Father Anthony Gonet, who remained at this post until the latter part of 1921. During 1920, the McKeesport area experienced a natural gas boom, and many of our parishioners lost their hard earned savings by fraud and ill advised investments. As a result, an ill feeling and a spirit of dejection pervaded the entire community, and for the time being, progress and plans for the future of parish development were retarded. The church basement continued as a place of worship for 36 years. In 1922 Father Anthony Twardy, a newly ordained priest, came to St. Mary's as assistant. He became a faithful co-worker with Father Tarkowski, performing his duties well until 1926 when he became

3 pastor of St. Leocadia Church in Wilmerding. In 1924, the congregation bought an eight acre farm to be used for the parish cemetery. It was located in a part of North Versailles Township and White Oak along Foster Road. The site was blessed by Monsignor John Gorzynski, former pastor, in the presence of a large assembly of people. A home was built for the cemetery caretaker. The complete cost amounted to $17,000. Mr. Luke Savage, a city engineer, surveyed the ground and portioned off certain sections for 12 grave, 8 grave, 4 grave lots and single space graves, with a circle of land in the middle of the cemetery for the burial of priests. A large crucifix was erected in the center. Father Ladislaus Rokosz came to assist at St. Mary's in 1926 and remained for nearly two years. He was pr¬moted to the pastorate of St. Louis Church in Lucerne Mines, Pa. He was followed by Rev. E. Szelong, who strove strenuously to help Father Tarkowski in the administration of the parish during the difficult days of the Great Depression. Those were trying times indeed, with thousands of wage earners out of work for months, with no financial aid whatever, with unpaid bills mounting each week, foreclosure of mortgaged homes. With stout hearts and strong faith the priests of the parish weathered it all. Despite the economic collapse and work stoppage of that time, the pastor, Father Tarkowski, and his energetic aide, Father Szelong, forged ahead with the cooperation of church committee with plans for a new school and convent. Anthony Pyzdrowski, a well-known Pittsburgh architect and construction engineer, was engaged to draw up plans for the new structure. Since most men were idle, they volunteered to work on the project, and thus, with brawn and sweat, they contributed their share to the completion of the building. Financially, they were unable to meet their obligation. Father Szelong became their paymaster and superintendent on the job. Money was scarce, even for borrowing, so the construction lagged for a few months. After many trials and tribulations, finally the day of joy and triumph dawned on the struggling con- gregation, when it was announced that the School-Convent building would be solemnly dedicated Sunday, March 3, 1935. Church dignitaries and public officials from all parts of McKeesport came to help dedicate the new $150,000 building on the corner of Versailles Avenue and Soles Street. The Most Reverend Hugh C. Boyle, Bishop of the diocese of Pittsburgh performed the dedicatory rites, while the Rev. John Pudlo, chaplain of the Felician Sisters at Coraopolis delivered the dedication sermon. A procession from the parish house to the new building with the children, members of Polish societies, lodges and organizations, and visiting priests participating, preceded the dedication. Singing during the church services was presented by the school children under the direction of Miss Theodosia Tanski, the organist. Band music was provided by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, aerie no. 285, under the direction of F. T. Johnson. More than 1000 persons packed the lower church to hear the dedicatory sermon. After congratu- lating the pastor and his assistant, Rev. John Pudlo said, "You have done something for God and for your country in building this edifice." Speaking from a beautifully decorated altar, he urged the parish to continue to work together for future success. At the solemn Vesper services following the sermon, the Rev. Adalbert Garstka was celebrant assisted by the Rev. M. Drelak and the Rev. A. Twardy, a former assistant.

4 Present in the sanctuary for the event were Monsignor John Gorzynski, Rev. John Czaplinski, Rev. Frank Retka, Rev. Joseph Sonnefeld, Rev. Peter Rossi and Rev. S. Anuszkieivicz. In the evening, the banquet was attended by 350 people. Speakers were: Rev. Anthony Tarkowski who delivered the introduction, and Rev. Edward Szelong who pronounced the invocation. The main address ivas delivered by Rev. Paul Campbell, superintendent of the Catholic Schools in the Pittsburgh diocese. Remarks were made by Monsignor John Gorzynski, former pastor of 30 years ago, and by Rev. A. Twardy, former curate here. The public officials attending were: Mayor George Lysle, Judge Frank Piekarski, Judge Lois Mary McBride, Congressman James Quinn, Judge Thomas Marshall, Judge Samuel McKim, Dr. J. B. Richey, Superintendent of the public schools, State Senator George Rankin, Representative John McElroy and Ben Rosenberg, city councilman. Doctor F. A. Jaworski served as toastmaster. Rev. Paul E. Campbell spoke on "Catholic Education as a cooperative project." Mayor Lysle spoke saying that the building was a credit not only to the congregation, but to the entire city. Judge Piekarski urged those present to make good use of their leisure time. "Machinery is taking the burden off our backs," he said, "and we need to think of what we are to do with our surplus time." He also pointed out that the school only kelps to build character and that the parents themselves are most important in this respect. Church and Building Committees of that time were com¬posed of the following: Rev. A. Tarkowski, Rev. E. Szelong, A. J. Mandella, S. A. Sierocki, W. Sieradzki, J. Panek, M. Krantz, S. Mrowiński, S. Szygenda, F. Szygenda, J. Spychała, J. Horowicz, and W. Myczka. Upon the completion of the school building in 1935, there were 409 children enrolled. The school was staffed by Sister Superior M. Maximilia, Sr. M. Hyacinth, Sr. M. Annella, Sr. M. Perpetua, Sr. M. Valeria, Sr. M. Amadea, Sr. M. Assumpta, Sr. M. Laurenta, Sr. M. Norberta. Shortly after the school-convent was dedicated Father Edward Szelong was transferred to the pas- torate of the Madonna of Częstochowa Church in Neic Castle, Pa. Since he had been so dedicated to the construction of the school and convent, the people regretted his departure. He is gratefully remembered among the people of this congregation. A newly ordained priest, Rev. Anthony Pol- itowski, succeeded Father Szelong. Because of his youthful energy and zeal, he devoted most of his time to the young of the parish, not only to sports, but he organized a Dramatic Club. These presentations on the stage delighted and entertained many who supported his efforts. The Holy Name society of that day was active, due to the sustained interest of this young curate. After 32 years of dedicated service to his people, Father Tarkowski was promoted to the pastorate of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church in New Kensington, in July of 1938. The announcement of his transfer had a paralyzing effect on his people. After much thought and reflection, he begged Bishop Boyle, his superior, to cancel the transfer. Explaining his attitude, Father Tarkowski said, "I had the blues all last week after I received the official notice from Bishop Boyle. I couldn't see how I could leave here, so I asked Bishop Boyle to allow me to stay." The bishop was most kind and consented to consider his plea. In checking his records, Father Tarkowski revealed that he had officiated at nearly 900 marriages and thousands of baptisms. "I married the young couples, baptized their children, and now I'm marrying these same children," he related. "They've come 5 to me with their troubles, and I've congratulated them on their successes. No one ever had more pleasant associations, and I don't see how I could have broken with them." Shortly after this, Father Tarkowski's health began to fail. He no longer took active interest in parish affairs, but relied mostly on his faithful assistant, Father Politowski, though he remained faithful to his duties to the very last. The outbreak of World War II saddened him, particularly the suffering and crushing of Poland, the native land of his forebears and that of his congregation. It was a most depressing time in history, and before many months had elapsed, our own dear country was forced into an infernal combat. The many young men and women who left to serve their country created a horrible vacuum not only in the parish life, but also in our city of McK- eesport. It must have been an excruciating experience for Father Tarkowski to see the youth of his congregation depart for unknown lands and then to learn that some of them were called to make the supreme sacrifice. May God grant them eternal rest. After being bedridden for many months, Father Tarkow¬ski gave up his priestly soul to his Creator on March 1, 1943, having served the congregation uninterruptedly for 37 years. His passing was mourned not only by his people, whom he served faithfully, but by the residents of McKeesport in general who loved and respected him. His remains were taken to the parish cemetery and buried beneath the cemetery cross in the clergy circle. His memory is revered among the elder members of the congregation to this very day. May God rest his priestly soul. A week before Father Tarkowski passed on to his eternal reward, his aide Father Politowski was transferred to the pas- torate of St. Albert's Church in Palmer, Pennsylvania. His successor, Father Iwaniski, reported just in time to direct the funeral arrangements for the deceased pastor. For four months, the parish was administered by Rev. Walter Iwaniski, and on July 15, 1943, Rev. Anthony Gonet, a former assistant, was duly appointed to succeed the late Rev. A. Tarkowski. During his pastorate, the interior walls of the school and convent were painted at the cost of $4,700. In 1947, a plot of ground consisting of 11 lots across the street from the church basement-school building was purchased for the sum of $ 17,000. On this site, the future church and rectory were to be built. During this time plans for raising funds were formalized, and preliminary sketches for a modern and larger church were made. By means of donations and social affairs-dances, raffles, picnics the fund grew until by the end of1948 the church treasury contained $75,000, in cash and bonds, set aside for the erection of a new church. However, the recent World War II restricted construction of new building. Building materials were in short supply, and their cost was prohibitive, due to inflation. So, the construction of the new church had to wait for a more propitious time. Father Anthony Gonet died suddenly November 6, 1948. After the funeral services, he was buried in the parish cemetery near the remains of his predecessor, Father Anthony Tarkowski. The parish was without a pastor for only a few days, and on November 15, 1948, His Excellency Bishop Hugh C. Boyle appointed Rev. Stanley F. Idzik as the new pastor of St. Mary's Church. The young and energetic clergyman formally embraced his pastorate on November 26, 1948. The parishioners welcomed him at a banquet in the school hall which was taxed to capacity. Nearly all the priests

6 from the neighboring parishes in McKeesport ex¬tended their greetings and welcomed him here. A program of improvements was initiated in 1949. The interior walls of the church-basement had to be repainted. The classrooms, the school hall, and the convent were cleaned, and repairs were made where necessary. In autumn of 1949, a general meeting of the congregation was held to discuss the important need of a new church building. It was unanimously decided to engage a reputable architect, with the permission of the Most Rev. Bishop of Pittsburgh, to prepare plans for a new church and rectory. After many consultations, the pastor and the church committee finally agreed to employ the architectural firm of Stickle and Associates of Cleveland, Ohio. Months later the sketch and plans were presented to the congregation which approved and resolved that the pastor and the church committee are empowered to proceed with the construction of the new edifice and parsonage. While plans and specifications were being prepared, the program of improvements continued throughout 1950. The old rectory was rehabilitated, fenced in, landscaping initiated, and the parish picnic grounds in White Oak, known as Pulaski grove, were greatly improved. At this stage of parish history, a continuous round of activities began, whose purpose was to raise needed funds. Picnics, dances, raffles, bingos, and generous contributions began to inflate the parish treasury. It grew so successfully, that when the time came to seek permission from the Most Rev. Bishop to begin construction, the Building Fund had reached the amazing total of $200,000. In November, 1951 permission was received officially from the Most Rev. Bishop to begin construction on the new church which would cost approximately $316,500. Due to the high cost of the es¬timated construction of the church building, it was wisely decided to postpone the building of the rectory to some future date. On March 5, 1952, a contract for the construc¬tion of the new church was formally signed with the Navarro Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ground breaking ceremonies took place in the midst of a swirling snow storm on Sunday, March 16, 1952, in the presence of an intensely interested congregation. After blessing the site, the pastor, Rev. S. F. Idzik, thrust the spade into the frozen earth. He was assisted by Rev. Stephen Schneider, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Port Vue, and by Rev. Francis Nazimek, assistant at St. Mary's. Rev. Andrew Suran, pastor of St. Michael Church in Braddock acted as master of ceremonies. In turn, the members of the Church Committee and the Felician Sisters who staffed the school at that time also participated in breaking the solidly frozen ground. In spite of the inclement weather happiness prevailed, because at long last, the dreams of a long awaited church were beginning to materialize. Due to the many strikes in 1952, both in the steel industry and in the stone quarries of Tennessee, much of the work was delayed for more than four months. Because of these conditions, the cer- emonies for the laying of the cornerstone had to be postponed until October 19, 1952. A rosary led by Rev. Francis Nazimek, and a sermon delivered by Rev. Andrew Suran, pastor of St. Michael's Church in Braddock preceded the solemn blessing of the cornerstone of the new St. Mary's Church on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 1952. The devotions took place in the church-basement and the congregation crossed Versailles Avenue to the new structure, where the Dean of the McKeesport district, Very Rev. Michael A. McGarey, pastor Aloysius Church in Wilmerding and the delegate of the Rev. Bishop, began the cornerstone blessing. He was assisted by Rev. A. Twardy, pastor of St. Leocadia in Wilmerding and the Rev. Edward Szelong, pastor of St. Geneviev Church 7 in Canonsburg. The winter of 1952-1953 was a mild one, and so construction went ahead at a good pace. In June 1953, the pastor, Rev. S. F. Idzik, commemorated his silver anniversary in the priesthood by offering a solemn High Mass in the church-basement. The new church building was finished by October of 1953, but due to the fact that stained glass windows could not be installed, and the Stations of the Cross were not completed, and the sidewalks were not laid, it was deemed wise to wait with the dedication of the edifice until the spring of 1954. Furthermore, since 1954 was proclaimed Mar- ian Year, and St. Mary's Church was designated as one of the Marian shrines, it seemed proper to dedicate the building to the glory of God and in honor of the Blessed Lady in the month of May, Mary's month during the Marian Year. The Most Rev. Bishop Dearden commended this project and agreed to officiate at the Solemn Blessing and Dedication on Sunday, May 2, 1954. Whilst the church structure was being built, Rev. Francis Nazimek was transferred in June 1953 to Assumption Church in Pittsburgh. During the planning and the initial stages of the church construction he had aided various church organizations and the pastor in securing funds for the project. He had been faithful in his assignment, helpful to everyone, loved by the youth and gratefully remembered by the flock in McKeesport. He was succeeded by Rev. Boleslaus J. Pietrzynski who came here from Braddock and during the three years here, he lent his support and witnessed the completion of the church and renovation of the social hall. The spring of 1954 was dreary and rainy, yet the preparations for the dedication of the church went on, and when Sunday, May 2, 1954 dawned, all was in readiness. A cloudless sky and a warm, balmy day brought hundreds of parishioners, their friends and guests to the dedication ceremony. The Most Rev. Bishop John F. Dearden of Pittsburgh was led in procession from the rectory to the church site. He blessed the outer and inner walls of the church and altar, and a Pontifical Mass took place at 10:30. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev: Norbert Gaughan, assistant pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg. He spoke of a church as a house for the Lord, a pledge of faith in God, and the future of the community in which the Lord is the first citizen. To people of the Catholic faith, Father Gaughan said, the church is an open door to heaven, a spiritual center of the town's life and a spiritual dynamo for the hidden life of the individual. Arches bow reverently, and the lines of the church draw to a center, Jesus Christ, hidden eucharistically in the Blessed Sacrament. Here, he stated, lies the real, the only meaning of life. A combined choir of 60 voices from the local church, St. Adalbert's in Pittsburgh and St. George's in Pittsburgh, and St. Joseph's in Duquesne sang the Mass. Al Murer directed the music and Beryl Marksteiner was the organist. In the afternoon at 4:00, a solemn procession with the Blessed Sac- rament took place from the old church across the street to the new structure. Father S. F. Idzik was the celebrant assisted by Rev. Anthony Twardy of Wilmerding and Rev. Edward Szelong of Canons- burg. The sermon in the afternoon ceremonies was preached by Rev. Giles Krysmalski of Moon Run. During the summer and fall of 1954, sidewalks and landscaping improved the area around the church grounds with volunteer help from parishioners under the direction of Albert Krasman. In the latter half of 1955, work was launched to reconvert the vacated church-basement into a parish social hall. Water, sewer and gas lines had to be installed a kitchen furnished, terazzo and maplewood floors laid, improved lighting, so that the hall could be used for all purposes. Along with this program, a 8 renovation of the convent was begun, providing single rooms for the Sisters. A modern kitchen, a devotional chapel with stained glass windows and new furniture. The outer walls of the school and convent were painted so as to forestall further deterioration. Finally, the social hall was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1956, when the event was commemorated with a gala banquet, at which the hall was filled to capacity. Ever since the hall has been used by parishioners for wedding receptions, showers, banquets, parties, and meetings. During this period, the generosity of the parishioners was so extraordinary, that during the construction of the church structure, and the renovation of the school and convent building, not one cent was borrowed from any bank or agency. While all this activity centered about the parish buildings, the parish cemetery, a hallowed spot of our beloved ones, was not neglected. A new cyclone fence was erected, the roads asphalted, old shrubbery removed, a new section developed, a granite crucifix placed in the clergy circle, and water lines installed. Additional improvements are planned for the near future. The cemetery has been kept in good order by the caretaker, M. E. Kruczek, who lives on the property. Rev. B. J. Pietrzynski was transferred to St. Ladislaus Church in Natrona, and was succeeded by Rev. John Bober who came here from St. Josaphat's Parish in Pittsburgh. He became active in the affairs of the Holy Name Society and participated in children’s' programs in the school. Prior to the construction of the new church, the generous Peter and Vera Marksteiner and John and Barbara Sopko families donated a $5,000 Hammond electric organ to the parish. Because of limited resources at the time, it was transferred for use in the new church edifice, and after four years, the instrument was replaced by a $25,000 Moeller pipe organ, a perpetual memorial to the generosity of the Marksteiner and the Sopko families. This magnificent memorial gift was solemnly blessed on Sunday, January 19, 1958, by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor James A. Davin, Dean of the district. The sermon for the occasion was delivered by the Rev. Ferdinand Sojka, who spoke of the beauty of church music, its application in God's worship, and he commended the munifi- cence of the above named donors. A concert of organ music was presented by Paul Koch, organist of St. Paul's Cathedral. The church was filled to capacity by district organists, choirmasters, and music lovers. In addition to the pipe organ, the generosity of the Marksteiner and Sopko families is memorialized in the gifts of the Rose window, above the organ, the bronze tabernacle on the main altar, the massive bronze candlesticks, the baptismal font, Stations of the Cross in enamel, vestment case in the sacristy and liturgical vestments. For a number of years Beryl Marksteiner, a daughter, presided at the organ. She was followed by Barbara Konesky and Richard Gibala. The parish became deeply saddened at the shocking news that the Rev. John Bober, the local curate, died suddenly on Memorial Day, May 30, 1958. He had gone home that morning to pay respects to the remains of his parents, interred in Saints Philip and James Cemetery, when he became suddenly ill. He died shortly after in Jamieson Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania. His corpse was brought back sorrowfully to the parish church here, where he served, and after a Sol- emn Pontifical Mass, celebrated by Most Rev. C. F. Carroll, auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, on June 4, 1958, his remains were taken back to New Castle, where he reposes at the side of his parents. God grant him eternal rest. Two weeks later, the chancery announced the appointment of Rev. John Łukasik to succeed the deceased Father John Bober. The newly appointed curate came here from St. Henry's Church in Pittsburgh. The young and energetic priest plunged at once into a series

9 of fund raising activities, so as to assure the building of a much needed priests' home, which would serve here for many years to come. The need for a new priest' quarters was apparent. The old parsonage built in 1897 began to dete- riorate, and, after occupancy of 64 years, had outgrown its usefulness. Original plans for the new church included an attached rectory, but because of the prohibitive costs at that time, its construc- tion had to be delayed. In 1959 Ernst Clark, a registered architect from Monessen, was engaged to prepare plans for the new rectory, and after all the subsequent permissions had been obtained, Justin H. Brown, a builder, was given the contract to build the new manse in excess of $100,000. Ground was broken May 22, 1959, and by June 1961, the residence was ready for occupancy. The old house was razed, and the site, on which stood the old church, school, convent and rectory, was converted into a children's playground and parking lot. The present school and convent buildings are attached, and likewise the church and rectory are connected providing convenience for the Sisters and the priests. The upper school hall which was used for many entertainments and social activities, was portioned into three rooms, two for classrooms and one for the school library. The old kitchen was converted into a health room. All this work was done by Joseph Hokaj and Stanley Bazylak who saved the parish thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs. The room at the head of the stairs was set aside as the Principal's office and the school record room. Placing of a new concrete sidewalk around the school building completed the fulfillment of all original plans. After 8 years of devoted service to the congregation, Father John Lukasik was transferred to St. Peter's Church, Pittsburgh. His departure grieved everyone, since it was through his untiring efforts, promoting festivals, and other fund raising activities that materialized in a new rectory and other improvements. His decorations at Christmas in the sanctuary were admired and visited by many people throughout the years. His place was taken by a newly ordained priest, Rev. Kenneth Oldenski, who came to the parish full of energy and zeal which augurs well for the future. He continues with us to this day. May his labors bear much fruit. Since the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish was forthcoming, it was deemed necessary that we redecorate the interior of the church for the occasion. Permission was obtained to install marble wainscot along the walls. Calacata Grotte Bianco marble was selected for the nave, and Filetto Rosso in the narthex and baptistery, and the work was done by Paul Palombo firm. The nave of the church was decorated by Joseph Poli Art Studios. Angelo DiVincenzo, a noted Pittsburgh artist, was commissioned to decorate the sanctuary in Florentine style. He was aided by Nelson Niccolai, and with the ornamentation of the church interior completed, plans were begun to commemorate the Diamond Anniversary in June of 1968. Committees were appointed to prepare for this occasion. The Most Rev. Bishop John J. Wright, Bishop of Pittsburgh, agreed to officiate at this memorable observance on Sunday, June 9, 1968. The selfless generosity of the good people of St. Mary's Parish, with their willingness to work for the sake of their congregation has ever been their chief characteristic. It would be unfair to mention the names of those who so whole-heartedly gave of themselves to the development of the parish, lest some deserving individual be omitted. Our Divine Savior and His Blessed Mother will reward them for their service. 10 The knowledge of what our predecessors accomplished in the cause of religion must be regard- ed not only as an interesting story, but an inspiration to us now that carry the burden. Historical records are mostly concerned with the material development, the effort to construct buildings, especially a church worthy of divine worship, and a school that insures the proper training of children. But the depth of spirituality cannot be sounded, nor can a record of it be written. The worth of religion to an individual and the nation cannot be adequately or definitely recorded. Nevertheless, the external is very often a reflection of the internal. The stones of a church, the bricks of a school are visible proofs of faith, loyalty, and sacrifice. The church is more than a public auditorium, the parish or a congregation is more than an organization. It is the "House of God", the "Gate of Heaven", the "People of God," where we all are children of God inspired with the same convictions, regardless of our national backgrounds, so that we can treasure the faith that is in us. It should be our constant prayer that we may love the Faith, brought to McKeesport by our immediate forebears, many years ago, and to preserve it for future generations.

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