St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Woonsocket, RI. Diamond Jubilee 1905-1980 St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Woonsocket, RI. CAP at Orchard Lake.

With the discovery of America, missionaries joined the explorers in order to convert the "heathen" savage from his pagan ways. The attempts at Christianizing the Indians were successful in many instances, but, at times, the missionary fell upon persecution. As in Roman times, the Christian suffered under the persecutions; so too, did the early American-monk suffer and shed his blood in preaching the Gospels. As evidence, one only has to remember the North-American Martyrs, honored at Auriesville, New York. But even with adversity and suffering, the "seeds" of God's Word were nurtured. As the colonies established themselves, many of the boundaries were drawn on religious grounds. Not being able to practice their beliefs in Europe, ousted sects colonized different areas, i.e., the Pilgrims In Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Dutch Reformists in New York Colony, the Quakers in Pennsylvania Colony, the Catholics in Maryland Colony, to name a few. Some colonies allowed a blending of religious freedoms within their boundaries. One such colony was Rhode Island. Rhode Island, in the charter set up by Roger Williams, provided a freedom in religious "discernment". His ideals were for a religious freedom which would allow all religions to practice their rites without fear of oppression. But with many idealistic philosophies, there are those who want to alter the intent. With the Charter of 1715, the hope of Roger Williams, to provide religious freedom, came to mere words. For it decreed that all religious denominations were welcomed to the colony of Rhode Island "except Roman Catholics". Pennsylvania, in 1706, was the only colony, outside of Maryland, which would accept those who wished to practice the Catholic Faith. And so the nurturing seed of Catholicism took awhile to implant itself in Rhode Island. The first evi- dence of any Catholic service, performed in Rhode Island, occurred on December 12, 1789. A Mass was said on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the Rev. Abbe French. This Mass was said on behalf of General Rochambeau's army, which was then stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. One can only conjecture that there were Polish officers amongst the army of General Rochambeau. Many Polish soldiers joined Napoleon's army to aid in establishing the independence of America, as well as in establishing the independence of Poland. One only has to recall General Casimir Pulaski and Taddeusz Kosciuszko's efforts during the Revolutionary War. With the elevation of the Rt. Rev. John Carroll (1789-1815), as the first Archbishop of the United States, Catholicism's seed began to grow and establish itself. His first task was to allocate dioceses 1 throughout this vast territory of thirteen newly independent states. The Rt. Rev. Jean Louis de- Cheverus (1810-1825) was elevated as the first bishop of all the New England States. The Rt. Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick (1825-1846) became the second bishop of New England. It was this bishop who was responsible for establishing the first Catholic Church in Rhode Island, i.e., St. Mary's in Pawtucket, Christmas Day, 1829. St. Mary's first pastor, the Rev. Robert D. Woodley, extended his ministry into Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket. The first Mass, said in Woonsocket, was at the home of a liberal-minded Quaker, Mr. Walter Allen (circa 1828). The house still stands in Union Village and is presently known as the "Osborne House". With the growth of the Catholic population in the states, new dioceses were established. In 1843, the Rt. Reverend William Tyler became the first bishop of the Hartford-Providence diocese, asked Rome for an auxiliary bishop. Rome answered his request by establishing a new diocese in Provi- dence, comprising the state of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The first bishop, to be elevated to the new diocese, was the Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Henaricken (1872-1886). Catholicism grew in Woonsocket with the immigration of the Catholic-Irish. The Industrial Revo- lution in America was drawing many a speculator into the country. The Irish sought a better life in this country, and they were followed by many other immigrants, including the Poles. Michael Reddy, the first Irish settler in Woonsocket, was most influential in having the Rev. R. Woodley say the first Mass in Woonsocket. He saw that religion was just as important as material gains. Through Mr. Reddy's efforts and other Irish settlers, St. Charles Church was established and incorporated in 1846, as the first Catholic Church in Woonsocket. With the expansive building of the textile mills in Woonsocket, more laborers were needed to work the machines. The Canadian-French were drawn to the city with the promise of good wages and an already established French colony. Later came other nationalities, i.e., the Swedes, Lithuanians, and others. The Polish immigrants came into the picture around 1883. The first Polish man to come to Woonsocket was Frank Kulasz (circa 1883], Later, around 1893, Stanley Majewski followed and established a link for other immigrants to follow. Names like, Frank Rypys, Emilia Alexandrowicz An- drew Czajka, Mary Pykos, Peter Izyk, Victoria Krajewski, John Samek, Mary Czajka, Ludwlk Poswietny, Marya Goryl, Simon Polucha, Anna Wojcik, John Rypys, Sophie Ziemienska, Stephen Janik, Carolina Latka, and many others established themselves near the mills and began their quest for a better life. A stranger to this country, the immigrant Pole found life a struggle. With only the clothes on his back, the Pole set himself to the task of making a home for his family and future generations. Though poor, the Polish home provided richness in family unity, both in work and in religion. The father worked zealously in the mills to earn the money to provide for the family. The mother kept her home, though poor in furnishings and comforts, spotless by constant attention to cleanliness. After the meals were cooked and the rooms were cleaned, the housewife would find other "part- time" work to help with the expenses. The sons and daughters, when they came of age, would help in the mills. The one goal of every Polish family was that the next generation would better itself. Through education, the son was given the opportunity to improve his lot in life. He, in turn, would help the next generation.

2 These immigrants worked diligently for survival, but also, they prayed as diligently. Religion was as much a part of their life as their daily meal. St. Charles, being the only Catholic Church in Woon- socket, was their place of worship. The Polish people of the city helped, in the best way they could, to build the present St. Charles Church. The Rt. Rev. Matthew J. Harkins, second bishop of Providence (1887-1921], recognized that the spiritual needs of the Polish people was wanting. He asked that priests from Poland be sent here to administer to the Polish flock. One of those, who answered this call, was the Reverend Thomas J. Morys. Father Morys said Sunday Masses for his people in St. Charles' church basement. For the first time, the Polish people had a priest who could speak their language. The homilies could now be under- stood, the Polish religious traditions could be carried out in the church, the home visitations were anticipated, and the people had a spokesman who could speak with authority. When the Polish immigrant came to the city, he was at a disadvantage because of language. The native Woonsocket resident was somewhat "suspicious" of this new "person" in the city. Accep- tance into the mainstream of society and city government was frowned upon. The French had less difficulty because of the large population and civic organizations already established. The Pole, too, needed some alternative to aid him in adapting to the American way of life. In October of 1902, Pawel Piekos, John Bobala, Josef Grochowski, Stanisław Majewski, Anthony, and Thomas Błażejewski obtained a Rhode Island Charter to form Lodge 665 of the Polish Nation- al Alliance. The first lodge was located on the corner of Bernon and River Streets, where the "Ye Olde English Fish and Chips" is now located. Later the headquarters was moved to Bouvier's Hall on High Street. After the demolishing of the hall, the members built a modern building, known as the Dom Polski, on River Street. The PNA was, and is still, largely an organization which helped the immigrant to adapt to his new world. They would help with the Pole's admission for U.S. citizenship, explain the "in's and out's" of government, help in the registration for voting privileges, establish an insurance company to take care of the needs of the Pole, and primarily became a "voice" for the Pole in the city. In 1905, the Reverend Thomas J. Morys felt that the Polish people of Woonsocket needed their own church. Other churches were being built in the city to take care of the needs of the ethnic people, i.e., Precious Blood - August 27,1873; St. Anne's Chapel - November 22,1891. For a number of years, Father Morys had been saying Mass in the basement of St. Charles church. In February of 1905, Masses were even held in Harris Hall on Main Street for the Poles. Father Morys asked and received permission to establish a new parish in Woonsocket. On March 1, 1905, with the blessing of the Rt. Reverend Matthew Harkins, St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish Roman Catholic Church was chartered. The parish corporation to purchase the Greene estate at 188 Harris Avenue for $10,000. The estate included a 23-room wooden structure, considered a showplace in Woonsocket, and enough land, adjacent, to build the church. The estate was built by Police Chief John G. Currier and later purchased by the family of Mayor George W. Greene. The dwelling, at that address, became the rectory, and the pastor arranged a chapel in the front room for the celebration of Mass. 3 In May 1905, work was started on the building of the church. An additional $10,000 was allocat- ed to purchase the land and erect the structure. Only seven months were required to finish the construction of the church. On November 11,1905, Father Morys celebrated the first Mass in the present church. The church was dedicated to St. Stanislaus Kostka, a Polish youth, who died at the age of 18 as a Jesuit novice. On December 17,1905 Bishop Matthew Harkins dedicated the church and incorporated it into the diocese. At the dedication of the church, Bishop Harkins was assisted by the Rev. Chalupka of Webster, Massachusetts. In addition, Rev. Moneta of Worcester, Massachusetts, Rev. Soltysch of New Ha- ven, Connecticut, Rev. Bojnowski of New Britain, Connecticut, Rev. G. Mmahoney of St. Charles, Woonsocket, Rev. N. Leclerc of St. Anne, Woonsocket, and Rev. T. Morys, pastor, took part In the Solemn High Mass. Rev. Moneta preached the homily on the life of St. Stanislaus Kostka. The choir was directed by Miss Florence Mulvey with soprano solos by Miss Catherine Maryias, who sang the Ave Maria, and Miss W. Nargonski, who sang the Agnus Dei. St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church has been registered in the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Report of 1976. It is uniquely classified as a "Shingle Style" structure, mingling medieval architectural form. Very much like St. Lawrence Church in North Providence, which was erected about 1906, the designs were supposedly created by the Woonsocket architectural firm of Fontaine and Kinnicutt. However, according to the December 16,1905 Woonsocket Call entry, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church was designed by Murphy and Hindle of Providence. The wooden "shingle", form of the church is very much like the country church of Poland. It forms a link between the old and the new. In the first years of incorporation, seven marriages took place. The earliest, as recorded, was that of Marcel Dziok and Anna Pamula on July 4,1905. Michael Dziob and Antonina Sabik followed on July 22,1905. A third, between Titus Sitnlk and Victoria Tokarczyk took place on October 19,1905. These three marriages were performed in the time that the church was incorporated but not performed in the church proper, because the building was not completed until early November. Those, that were performed in the church, were John Paydos and Ann Koziol on February 12,1906, Tomasz Serylak and Marya Nowak on July 13,1906, Antoni Slowik and Karolina Tworzydlo on August 28,1906, and Peter Kubaska and Catherine Korabiowski on November 12,1906. The first recorded Baptism was that of Miss Florence Kulik, daughter of Peter and Eva (Swistak) Kulik. She was born on September 11, 1905, and her christening soon followed. At the time of the corporation of the church, the population of the church was 250 members. On May6,1906 the"Rycerze Sw. Michala Archaniola" was formed in the parish. The forders of this organization, very similar to the Knights of Columbus, were Mr. Franciszek Rypys and Mr. Wojciech Urbanik. These men, - meir imposing uniforms, added color to the traditional church processions. At the Easter Vigil, these "soldiers" would stand as an honor guard in the church. In addition to serving the needs of his parishioners at St. Stanislaus in Woonsocket, Fother Morys, services were also needed in the Cumberland district. The Polish people in Cumberland Hill found the distance to Woonsocket too great. Bishop Matthew Harkins, on May 24,1910, purchased a small chapel, once owned by the St. Mary's Episcopalian Mission. For two years Polish people attended the services, conducted by Father Morys. Later the chapel was used by other people in the vicinity. 4 Eventually it became a mission of St. Joseph's in Ashton and later became St. Joan's Church. After 12 years of dedicated service to the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, Father Thomas J. Morys died on October 27, 1918. This priest of God dedicated his whole life to the Polish people of Woonsocket. Through his tireless efforts, he had the present church built for the glory of God and a representation of the Polish people's love for religion. He would walk from one Polish home to another, collecting pennies, nickels, and dimes to raise the needed funds to begin the corporation. His name will not be forgotten in the history of our church. God, grant him eternal peace. In November 1918, the Reverend Peter Switala was appointed as the second pastor of St. Stan- islaus Kostka. Father Switala, like Father Morys, came to Rhode Island at the urging of Bishop Harkins. He was born in Jaskolskl, Poland and received his elementary education there. His high school training was done in Ostrowo. He began his philosophical studies at the Petit Seminary in Belgium and completed his theological studies in the American College of Louvain, Belgium. Ordained to the priesthood on July 8,1908, he came to America and began his priestly duties in Warren, Rhode Island. Later he was assigned to Central Falls. Being an intellectual man, he was fluent in speaking Polish, French, German and English. Father Switala's stay at St. Stanislaus parish was very short. He remained here from November, 1918 to August 6,1920. Though nothing of significance happened with his stay, his direction and guidance must have been welcomed by his parishioners. On August 6,1920, the Rev. Adalbert Duczmal was appointed as the third pastor. Born In Poland in 1877, he received both his elementary and university education there. Later, he was sent to Louvain, Belgium to receive his theological and philosophical studies. He was ordained on July 15,1900 at Louvain. Soon after ordination, he returned to Poland, but later, with a group of young priests, he came to America to care for the spiritual needs of the increasing number of Polish immigrants who were coming to the United States. In January of 1924, Father Duczmal established the St. Stanislaus Cemetery at its present location. Previous to this, the Polish people were buried in a section of St. Charles Cemetery. This section can found by driving through the main gate, near the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, and, by going straight ahead to the rear of the cemetery, one will find the old markers. Some of these stones bear the names of these parishioners: Karol Bryda -1907, Jadwiga Ruszala -1916, John Yanos -1914, Katarzyna Oparowska -1913, Anna Stadnik -1913, Michal Warzybok -1910, Karolina Gurska -1913, Victoria A. Dziob -1916, Helena Starzak -1818, Anna Orlowska -1917, Josephine Irza -1916, Antonina Dziob -1923, and others who served their parish and God. On November 20,1923, the Rev. Adalbert Duczmal wrote to Rev. Mother Hedwig of the Bernar- dine Order of St. Francis in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was his wish to establish a parish school. In March of 1925, a house was purchased at 53 Spring Street to become the future convent for the incoming sisters. This house still stands today. A contract was signed on April 15,1925, and five sisters came to St. Stanislaus Kostka School for the fall semester of that year. The school building was created from the original barn attached to the Greene estate. It was converted into a school building with retractable doors dividing the classrooms. At the rear of the 5 building was a stage where many performances and class graduations were held over the years. Located at the rear of the church, the hall served the parish for educational and social activities. It was demolished to make way for a new center. When the new parish hall was built, the land under the old school was paved for additional parking spaces. In 1925 Sr. Ladislaus led the first group of sisters to staff the school, but who was replaced by Sr. Raphael before the school year ended. Through 1926-1927 Sr. M. Felicita became the principal in charge. She was replaced by Sr. M, Valentine in 1927-1928. From 1928 through 1936, Sr. M. Leonisse was superior and principal. During Fr. Duczmal's pastorate, an act of love was created for the parishioners of St. Stanislaus. Jacob Ginalski, a parish sexton, created the beautiful altars which now stand in the church. One can imagine the many hours that Mr. Ginalski had to spend in order to complete his task. They will assuredly stand as a lasting memorial to his name. On July 15,1927 Fr. Duczmal celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination. In April of 1928 Fr. Duczmal was forced to resign, due to ill health. The people of St. Stanislaus were saddened at his leaving, and they have kept his memory in their hearts. With the sadness of Fr. Duczmal's leaving, the parish was also gladdened with the news that three young ladies would be entering the Bernardine Order of St. Francis. They are Sr. M. Antoinette (Slowick), who became a postulant on June 23,1927; Sr. M, Ardeen (Dziob) and Sr. M. Symphronia (Paydos), who both became postulants on January 6,1929. The parishioners were made proud by their entrance. The parish, today, can be proud of them, for they have just celebrated their 50th anniversary in the religious. May many more years follow them in God's work. On June 1, 1928, the Rev. Doctor Michael Dutkiewicz was appointed as fourth pastor of St. Stan- islaus. One of the first tasks for the new pastor was the repairs needed for both the interior and exterior of the church. Reroofing the church was necessary, and the interior was replastered and painted in preparation of the Silver Jubilee of the church. In addition, repairs were also made on the school building. On November13, 1930 the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish were proud to celebrate their 25th Silver Jubilee of the founding of the parish. Mass and Benediction were celebrated at 9 o'clock, and a banquet was attended by more than 250 persons in the school hall. Rev. Michael Dutkiewicz, pastor, preached the sermon at the morning Mass, as well as the main address at the banquet. He was assisted by the Rev. Hugo Dylla of Fall River, Massachusetts and the Rev. Peter Switala of Providence. Mr. Michael Dziob served as toastmaster at the festivities. Following the banquet, a program of entertainment, including songs and dancing by the parochial school chil- dren, was presented. At the banquet, Fr. Dutkiewicz was proud to announce that the parish had grown from 250 members in 1905 to 1600 members in the 1930 parish census. It must be remembered that the Polish people were and are still a very devout and religious people. But there are times when they enjoy a community-get-together. During the summers of the 1920s the people would gather at John Banas' Farm on Mendon Road, North Smithfield for a family outing. Very often the parishioners gathered in the early afternoon in front of the church

6 and were driven to the farm on John Banas' horse drawn wagon. Perhaps some parishioners today can recollect those summer afternoons of relaxation and community fun. Again the parishioners were proud that another young girl wanted to devote her life to God in the religious. Sister. M. Amabilia (Niemczyk) entered her petulancy to the Bernadine Order of St, Francis on September 8, 1933. On September 23, 1934 a great shock reverberated through the parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. On that day, while walking in a Diocesan Holy Name Parade in Providence, Fr. Michael Dutkiewicz was fatally stricken with a heart-attack. The grief of the parish was evidenced by the overflowing crowd attending the funeral service. The parishioners would never forget this kind and gentle man, who gave of himself for the parish and God's work. Flowers are placed yearly on his grave, which is situated in the front section of the parish cemetery. On October 4, 1934 the Rev. Walter J. Rozpad was appointed as the fifth pastor to serve St. Stan- islaus Kostka. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rozpad of 22 Victor Street, Providence, he received his elementary education at the Immaculate Conception Parochial School. He entered Hope High School in the graduation class of 1919. After fulfilling his college studies at Providence College, he went to St. Bernard's Seminary in September of 1921. He was ordained on June 11, 1927 in St. Patrick's Cathedral at Rochester, New York, by the Most Reverend Archbishop Fumasoni Biondi, former apostolic delegate at Washington and later made Cardinal. His first Solemn High Mass was celebrated at St. Hedwig's Church on North Main Street, Providence, Sunday, June 19,1927. In September of 1935, Fr. Dutkiewicz was memorialized by his old classmates with a Solemn High Mass of Requiem at 10 o'clock. One of his classmates was the Rev. Alexander A. Syski of Poland who timed his stay in this country to eulogize his long-time friend at the Mass. The other prelate, in attendance, was the Rev. Boleslaw Bojanowski of St, Mary's Church, Worcester, MA. The Rev. Alexander Ogonowski of Holy Trinity Church, Lowell, MA, was celebrant of the Mass. He was assisted by the Rev. Henry Zwiojewski of St. Hedwig Church, East Cambridge. MA, as deacon, and the Rev. Alexander Brosikiewicz of St. Michael Church, Haverill, MA, as the sub-deacon. The Rev. Walter J. Rozpad was master of ceremonies of the Mass. Nineteen other priests were in attendance in the church. A large number of parishioners also paid tribute to the memory of this priest. After the Memorial Mass of Requiem, the congregation and priests went to the parish cemetery for the blessing of the 15 foot Celtic Cross over his grave. The monument, a gift of his classmates, will stand as a lasting memorial to this man of God. It stands as a fitting tribute from his fellow priests. In December of 1936, a new nativity crib was blessed by the Rev. Walter J. Rozpad at the Midnight Mass. The crib was a gift from the Rosary Societies of the parish. To this present time, the statues are viewed by the parishioners at the Christmas season, and they remind the people of the Birth of the Savior. Christmas is a very important season for the Poles, for a few of the Old-World traditions are practiced at this time. Most importantly on Christmas Eve, all members of the family share the "Oplatek", a token of brotherly love and mended friendship. This takes place at the evening feast, "The Wigilia", where the eldest member of the household offers a wafer to the immediate family

7 and Invited guests. Both wish each other good health, long life, and renewed love for each other; then, both eat a portion of the wafer. After the " Wigilia" the gifts are exchanged; then all the family and friends attend the "Pasterka" or Midnight Mass and join in the singing of the beautiful Koledy. Another tradition of this season occurs in January, on the Feast of the Epiphany. The head of the household will write, on the main door, the initials, "K-M-B", and the current year with specially blessed chalk to honor the three Wise Men-Kaspar, Melchior, and Baltazar. These traditions form a tie between the Old-World and the New. It is a sharing of the identity of the Pole with his relatives and friends in Poland. With the beginning of the school year, 1936, Sister M. Valentine returned to St. Stanislaus School to become the superior. In 1937 Sister M. Leopold replaced Sr. Valentine and remained at St. Stan- islaus until 1943. On June 26, 1937 Sister M. Doloria (Sitnik) entered her postulancy with the Bernadine Order of St. Francis. She chose to devote her life to God and prayer. Many of our present parishioners will remember their participation in the Harcerstwo Marching Band of 1938. The band and the combined Boy and Girl Scouts were sponsored by the St. Stanislaus Mutual Aid Society. The bandmaster-in-charge was Professor Gabriel deCalmoutler. In July of 1940 Father Rozpad took on a major project. A new rectory was needed because of the high costs of repairing the old one. He was able to purchase the Lunch Estate to the left of the church, and future plans were made for the erection of the present rectory. On August 10,1941, Sister M. Marianne (Paczura) and Sister M. Renata (Dybala) entered their pet- ulancy to the Bernadine Order of St. Francis. The parish could be quite proud of itself, that seven of its own had entered the religious order. But the parish was to be honored by a higher vocation with the ordination of the Rev. Michael W. Dziob, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dziob of High Street, Woonsocket. The Most Rev. Francis P. Keough ordained Fr. Dziob on May 30, 1942 in the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. He was educated in the parish school and continued his secondary schooling at Woonsocket High School. After completing his studies at Providence College, he attended the American College at Louvain, Belgium and St. Mary's in Baltimore, Maryland. On May 31, 1942 Fr. Dziob celebrated his first Solemn High Mass at his home parish of St. Stanislaus. Fr. Dziob continued his studies and received his degree of Doctor of Canon Law from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. in May of 1945. On September 19, 1959, he was elevated to the rank of Papal Chamberlain with the title of Very Reverend Monsignor by Pope John XXIII. At present, the Very Reverend Monsignor Michael Dziob, J.C.D. is pastor of St. Leo the Great in Pawtucket. May Monsignor enjoy many years in God's service to his people.

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