A History of St. James Diamond Jubilee Celebration St. James Parish, December 3, 1989. CAP at Orchard Lake.

In the late 1800's was already becoming crowded. It's people were moving further and fur- ther from the center of the city. They were seeking breathing room, roomfortheir children to grow and play, and room to grow food for their families. Many came to settle in the area then known as Hanson Park. The area was mostly swampland, which by the early 1900's was filled in so the area became a beautiful place to live. Many people of Polish descent decided to make it their home. As the city of Chicago was growing at a fantastic rate, so did the Polish parishes which served the city. By 1914, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish already claimed between four and five thou- sand members. So when a delegation from the Hanson Park area petitioned Archbishop James Quigley to establish another parish to serve the needs of Poles in the area, he readily consented. He appointed the Rev. Ladislaus Kukulski as pastor of the newly formed Church of the Archdiocese of Chicago, St James the Apostle. A number of homes and stores were used for the celebration of the Eucharist during these early years. The first was a small store on Belden and Parkside. The new pastor celebrated the first Mass at St. James there on July 5,1914. Rev. Kukulski retired in 1918, and the Rev. Francis Marcinek was appointed by Cardinal to succeed him as pastor. Later, a larger store at 2333 N. Mango was acquired for use by the parish. On May 11,1919a cornerstone was laid for a combination church and school building to serve the needs of the community. This was located at 2430 N. Mango. In the following years, the membership of the Church grew by leaps and bounds. In 1921 a rectory was built at 2418 N. Mango. In 1923, the original combination building was enlarged. The present convent was erected in 1925 to house the ten Felician sisters who staffed the parish school at the time. It soon became apparent that the church was still too small. On April 21,1929, B.J. Sheil dedicated a three story building at Altgeld and Mango as the new combination church and school. Through the years and the generosity of the people of St. James, new buildings were erected as needed, contributing to the further growth of the parish and community. In 1938, when Fr. Marcinek retired at the age of 77, Cardinal George Mundelein appointed Rev. Edward Przybylski as the third pastor of St. James Parish. On September 15,1951 a school addition was dedicated by Cardinal Stritch who also blessed a memorial to the young men who served their country during the . This memorial is now located at the main entrance to the school.

1 Not only were the people of St. James able to pay off the parish debt, but by the time of the fiftieth anniversary, in 1964, $400,000.00 had been collected toward the building of a new church. In March of 1968, ground was broken for the present church on the corner of Fullerton and Menard. After serving the people of St. James Church for 31 years, Fr. Przybylski was named Pastor Emeritus on December 22, 1969. He continued to reside at the parish until his death on June 4,1978. Rev. John Wodniak was appointed as the fourth pastor of St. James on January 3,1970 by Cardinal . On March 8,1970, Auxiliary Bishop Alfred Abramowicz dedicated the new church. All building projects having been completed for the present, time and energy were given over to repairs and the beautification of the parish grounds. During the night of May31,1987, following the joyful celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, tragedy struck the Church. A fire of unknown origin broke out in the new church. It consumed the priests' and altar boys' sacristies and damaged the walls of the altar area itself. Severe water and smoke damage affected the entire building. Altar furnishings and vestments needed replacement. Once again, through the generosity of the people, the church was repaired so Christmas Masses could be offered there. During repairs, services were held in the parish hall, formerly, the first for- mal church building. On January 31,1989, Fr. Wodniak retired after 19 years. On February 1,1989, Rev. Joseph Szabelski assumed his new role as the fifth pastor of St. James. Repairs and repainting have been completed to prepare for the 75th Anniversary of the parish, which will be celebrated on December 3,1989. On that day, Cardinal will visit the parish as principal concelebrant of the Anni- versary Mass. We hope and pray that the spirit and generosity of the people of St. James will continue to flourish for many more years to come. May we always continue to welcome and aid people coming from other lands who seek a new home where they may live, grow and worship as did ourforefathers. May God continue to bless us.

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