SALT OF THE EARTH

A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH CARNEGIE, PA. 1893 TO 1992

James W. Garvey Pittsburgh, Pa. September 1994 Public Library in Oakland. This second on the list of libraries donated by Mr. Carnegie was finished in 1895. Highland Park was opened to the Public in the City of Pittsburgh, and work was completed on REGIONAL EVENTS - 1890'S Phipps Conservatory in Schenley Park. Joseph Home Co., sellers of dry goods and importers, When Immaculate Conception Parish opened an innovative, modern six story was first started, there were many factories and department store on Penn Avenue in downtown mills in Carnegie, including the Andrew Carnegie Pittsburgh. Steel works. There were also some mines in the On the national scene, in 1893, Oklahoma vicinity. Carnegie has been described by some as a Territory was opened to land-hungry settlers. The 'mill town.' In the 1890's the population was made trade name Sears & Roebuck & Co. was advertised up largely of working class families, shop keepers, for the first time, and this mail-order firm racked and miners. up $338,000.00 in sales. Alternating current The memory of ominous events the previous became commercially feasible thanks to the year still lingered and was often the center of con- inventive genius of Charles Steinmetz. Henry Ford versation among people in Carnegie. June 30, 1892 tested his first motor car in Detroit -it was known there had been a terrible strike in Homestead as a gasoline buggy. Congress made air-brakes when Mr. H.C. Frick discharged the entire labor mandatory on U.S. Railroad trains; U.S. Rural Free force of 3,800 workers at the Homestead Steel Delivery began with five test postal routes in West Works after they threatened to strike for higher Virginia. The Hill Sisters wrote the popular song: wages. July 6, 1892, three hundred Pinkerton men "Happy Birthday," and the United States returned to were engaged to break the strike. There was a the Gold Standard. pitched battle at the Homestead Works between

the Pinkertons and the union men. Sixteen men Rev. Francis Makowski, the founding pastor of were killed and many more were wounded. Gover- Immaculate Conception Church, Carnegie, Pa. nor Pattison ordered National Guard troops to was born Jan. 21, 1870 in Opinogona, Poland. Fr. Makowski came to the United Homestead to end the strike. States as a seminarian and continued his studies at St. Vincent Seminary, Given the labor/management difficulties of the Latrobe, Pa. where he was ordained day. it is not surprising to find that the City of in 1893 by Bishop Richard Phelan, Pittsburgh's first anti smoke ordinance proved to D.D. Shortly after his ordination, Fr. Makowski was sent to Carnegie in be a wholly ineffective piece of legislation in 1893 where he took up temporary dealing with air-pollution. In 1893, Andrew residence at St. Joseph Parish while he organized a new parish for Polish Carnegie, convinced that steel had a bright and speaking people in Carnegie. Fr. certain future, started work on his 'steel Makowski built the first Church and rectory on Jane Street, near Chartiers headquarters,' the 15 story Carnegie Building on Creek. He served as pastor for seven (7) Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh. Mr. Carnegie instructed years - 1893 to 1899 - until he became ill. Fr. Makowski died Aug. 17, 1947 and was his engineers to deliberately leave the steel buried from Immaculate Concpetion Church, the framework of the building exposed (standing parish he had founded many years earlier. unfinished) so that he could demonstrate the innovative use of steel as a new construction Rev. Andrew Lojek, the second pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish served material. This structure is regarded as Pittsburgh's from 1900 to 1903. During his pastorate first skyscraper the number of families in the parish grew to nearly 600. However, there Some Carnegie families made a special trip to was much dissent and disagreement nearby Castle Shannon, where there was much among the parishioners. During the pastorate of Fr. Lojek, Immaculate employment in the mines, so they could ride the Conception Parish was split, and a incline plane built in 1892, the year before new Parish, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Immaculate Conception parish opened.On March was formed in Glendale to serve the Polish speaking families in that sec- 20, 1893, George Washington Ferris broke ground tion of the community. In 1904, shortly for the first Ferris Wheel, a thrilling amusement for after he completed his pastoral assign- ment in Carnegie, Fr. Lojek returned to young and old alike. Only a few months later in Europe and his homeland. July 1893, construction began on the Carnegie

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992

2 PARISH GROWTH IN THE EARLY YEARS - FR. MAKOWSKI

Immaculate Conception Parish was established on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the another place, for I was struggling four Virgin Mary, Dec. 8, 1893 in Carnegie, Pa. Fr. Francis years with misery and at present I do not Makowski and the first parishioners moved very find means for living." Respectfully submit- quickly to build a church. The Pittsburgh Catholic ted, Francis Makowski, Pastor. carried this article: "On Sunday, 16th of September Bishop Phelan was willing to accommodate Fr. 1894 the Right Rev. Bishop [Richard Phelan] dedi- Makowski, and offered him the pastorate of the cated the new Polish church at this place Polish parishes in Braddock and Duquesne. [Carnegie].The sacred edifice was dedicated under Makowski responded to Bishop Phelan Nov. 5, the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, and 1897 and said he was content to remain in the congregation will be known henceforth by this Carnegie. Makowski's letter reads: "...the Polish name. Rev. Father Francis Makowski is rector.There Churches at Braddock and Duquesne offered or was a large attendance of the reverend clergy and proposed to me by the Rt. Rev. Bishop, I will not laity on this interesting occasion." (From: Archives, accept the charge of the above mentioned church- Diocese of Pittsburgh.) es, for, since the strike is over, I can make my living Establishing, a new parish is never without dif- in Carnegie with the greatest pleasure having ficulty. Correspondence between Fr. Makowski and peaceful congregation not spoiled by others."Yours the Bishop shows that on April 6, 1895, Fr. Makows- very truly, Francis Makowski. (Correspondence ki wrote to Bishop Phelan complaining that a from Archives, Diocese of Pittsburgh.) neighboring pastor, Fr. Hertz, was baptizing and officiating at marriages for some members of Rev. Stanislaus Jastrzębski was barn in Lomza, Poland Nov. 17, Immaculate Conception Parish. This action by a 1872. He served as pastor ot neighboring pastor meant that there would be Immaculate Conception Parish Irom 1903 until 1906. Shortly fewer stole fees. Makowski writes to Bishop Phe- after he took charge of the lan:"...this section has 38 families and Father Hertz parish, he purchased land for divides into two and for this reason I cannot make the parish plant and the ceme- tery. Jastrzębski is largely my living and furnish a church." responsible for strengthening In 1895, Fr. Makowski reported to the Bishop the Parish societies. He founded the Hussar Guard of St. Stephen that he had ordinary receipts of $2,753 93 and Battery, Oct. 1,1904. Several expenses of $1,281.36.There were 40 families, 250 years after Fr. Jastrzębski completed his pastorale in souls, and there had been 66 baptisms that year. Carnegie, he left Pittsburgh The parish debt was $2,866.18.The following year, (1908), returned to his home- land and continued his priestly 1896, parish income was $3,121.10; expenses ministry in Poland. $1,504.85, and the parish had a $1,920.55 debt. There were 41 families, 240 souls, and seventy-six Only a few years later, September 1899, Father baptisms. Francis Makowski became ill, and entered In a report to Bishop Phelan the following year St. Francis Hospital.He was not able to return to [Aug. 20, 1897] Fr. Makowski reports that he was active priestly ministry.The first pastor of Immacu- serving 30 families (150 souls). That year 123 per- late Conception Parish had done well in a few sons made their Easter duty. There had been six short years. Before his departure, the parish could marriages and five deaths. The debt of the congre- boast of a fine new wooden frame church to gation (in 1897) was $4,093.66-$2,500.00 of that accommodate the congregation, and a rectory to amount was owed to Dollar Savings Bank at 6% provide shelter for the pastor. Fr. Makowski died interest. Fr. Makowski valued the Church property August 17, 1947. Fr. James Olko, pastor at Immacu- (for insurance purposes) at $10,600.00. Fr. late Conception parish at that time, Fr. Anthony J.E Makowski's salary for that year was $66.00. Along Muszyniski, and Fr. M. W. Drelak offered a solemn with the report, Fr. Makowski writes: "1 the under- high requiem mass for the repose of his soul. Fr. signed herewith respectfully do petition the Right Makowski was buried in the parish cemetery Rev. Bishop of Pittsburgh to promote me to August 21, 1947.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 The Polish church in Carnegie is built of stur- dy wood, standing at the corner of Broadway and fane Street. The parish owns the two houses A HISTORY OF PARISH BY across from the church, together valued at REV. STANISLAUS JASTRZĘBSKI $5,000.00; a beautiful rectory worth $10,000.00; (1905) a school and a large church hall worth Two histories of Immaculate Conception parish 000.00. Theatrical productions are presented Carnegie, Pa. were written through the course of in the church from time to time. All the land for the years.The first, written by Fr. Stanislaus Jastrzęb- the entire parish plant and the cemetery was pur- ski in 1905, is translated from the Polish. chased in 1903 for $1,500.00 by the pastor, Father Stanislaus fastrzebski. The Church proper- HISTORY OF THE POLISH PARISH OF ty cost $1,000.00; the lots across from the church THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF cost $500.00. THE BLESSED VLRGLN MARYLN The founding pastor of the parish in 1893, Father Francis Makowski, built a church and a CARNEGIE, PENNSYLVANIA rectory. He served as pastor for seven years and The town of Carnegie is situated eight wiles at present is chronically ill at St. Francis Hospital west of the enormous industrial city of Pitts- in Pittsburgh. For the next three years the pastor burgh. Access to the metropolitan city of Pitts- was Father Andrew Lojek, an old man of iveak burgh is made uncomplicated on a variety of character and will. During his pastorate the roadways. Every ten minutes trains travel to and parish split. Until 1902 the parish grew so quick- from Pittsburgh. Trolleys likewise make the trip ly to six hundred families, not counting single every ten minutes. For ten cents one rides to or people. The lack of unity in the parish and bicker-

Immaculate Conception Church (old Church) Broadway Interior photo of sanctuary - the "old" church, at Jane Street, Carnegie, Pa. Photo - 1905. Jane Street, Carnegie, Pa. Photo - 1905. from Pittsburgh, spending one half hour travel- ing intensified by lack of leadership on Father ing through the beautiful ivooded countryside. Lojeck's part, brought events to such a state that The town of Carnegie bears the name of Andrew today in this small town there are tiro Polish Carnegie, the great Scottish-born millionaire, Parishes; one old, founded thirteen years ago, the who through hard work and diligence made his parish of the Immaculate Conception of the millions in America, and who built the first steel Blessed Virgin Mary; One new, founded three mill here. The town of Carnegie sits in a valley years ago, under the title of St. Ignatius. If it ivere surrounded by steep hills, covered in the spring not for these unfortunate circumstances, our peo- and summer with flowers and all sorts of trees. ple would be a part of one Polish Parish in The entire area presents itself as beautiful and Carnegie - with a new and magnificent church - quaint. The principal occupations, especially the pride and joy of all Polish people in Carnegie. among Poles, include coal mining, working in Two churches and two parishes are unnecessary, the mills and on the railroads. but what has happened must remain. Noiv each

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 of the two parishes serve only several hundred families. But the people are of good will and a 4d industrious, caring about the church and the glory of God. About half the population of Carnegie is /15 we read in the chronicles, Poles set- Catholic. We have five Catholic parishes: Tu>o tled in the town of Carnegie, at that time known Polish parishes, Immaculate Conception and as Mansfield, in 1870. /Is the number of immi- St. Ignatius; An Irish parish, St. Luke; a German grants increased, the need arose for a church parish, St. Joseph; and a Greek Catholic Parish, and funds were gathered for a House of God SS Peter and Paul. ivhere a Polish priest would preach the Word of There are three parish societies: The Society of God in a language the people understood. In St. Stanislaus Kostka, established with the parish 1891 the people purchased a lot on which the and thus, the oldest society. It lists one hundred church would stand, and an elected committee twenty members, uniformed. The St. Martin sent a plea to the Bishop's Chancery for the Guards - eighty members, uniformed. The assignment of a pastor. eleventh branch founded from St. Adalbert ft Church, South Side, [Pittsburgh, Pa.]. The Society j i nth '¿ of the Immaculate Conception Hussar Guard of ;¿>vA- .„^l^l^H^^HBfe'wBof,''"' St. Stephen Battery, fifty members. This is a new fraternal organization, founded by Father ^w^JHÉi Stanislaus Jastrzębski on October 1, 1904, uni- HMHHIHilHBHiHMMHMttr. "é formed. The Society of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, bril- PirVPl W 1 -TO« IM mm Ś liantly uniformed, not a Catholic organization as p¡PtHSSrBU^J 1 "HB" MB^IMi» 1 such, but whose members belong to one or the PaKf other of our Polish Parishes. [Written by: Father Stanislaus Jastrzębski - 1905; translated from the Polish]

;: llin(fmtrrriPuíF" Sftn^ifma rtflln RnfflmftfnSff 1 50TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY OF ÜiüßüEf IjHtMmmuWui iú mi ¡¡u ' ¡¡iii* UMlillllHiii THE PARISH BY REV. WENCESLAUS The "old" rectory which was located across from the Church. Photo - 1905. PAWELKIEWICZ (1944)

The Second History of Immaculate Conception Parish was written in Polish by Fr. Wenceslaiis Pawelkiewicz in October 1944 for the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) of the Parish. That histo- ry, translated from the Polish follows:

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN CARNEGIE, PENNSYLVANIA

Jubilee Observance October 1 - 8, 1944 The eighth Polish Parish in the Diocese of

Pittsburgh, the Parish of the Immaculate Conception Immaculate Conception grade school where children from the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose pastor since its were instructed in Polish and later in English. Photo - 1905. twentieth year has been the honorable and esteemed priest and Pole of great soul, Father Wenceslaiis In 1893, Father Francis Makowski was Pawelkiewicz, celebrated its Fiftieth Jubilee with sub- named the first pastor for Poles in Carnegie. He lime solemnities for eight days from October 1 took up his work energetically and, due to the through October 8, 1944. great generosity of the people, a House of God

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 5 Families in the parish number one hundred seventy-five. There are seventy-eight children in the school, where, since 1935, the Bernardine Sis- ters of Reading, Pa. have taught. In this Jubilee and rectory were built in 1894. The year the children are taught by Sister f parish teas named the Immaculate Conception of M.Archangela, Superior; Sister M. Lauriana, Sister the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Makowski M. Rozalina and Sister M. Ursula. remained as pastor for seven (7) years. TWO HUNDRED PARISHIONERS The next pastor was the late Father Andrew Lojek who remained at the parish for three (3) SERVED UNDER THE years. He built the parish school [1902! where STAR SPANGLED BANNER classes were taught by the organist. This relatively small parish has placed two After him, the parish was cared for by Father hundred stars on its honor roll for the men and Stanislaus Jastrzębski [1903-1906]; Father Francis women of the parish serving in the armed forces. Poszukonis [1906-1911J; Father Francis Pikulski Four have already given their lives for their [1911-1917]; Father Jan Kopera [1917-1918] and country. The parish of the Immaculate Concep- Father Walter Śliwiński2 [1918-1925]. tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary numbers among During the pastorate of Father Śliwiński a these fifteen officers from second lieutenant to convent was purchased [1920] for the Felician lieutenant colonel, together with a good number Sisters who taught at the parish until 193 51 A t of enlisted men. that time there were 178 families in the parish, Wanting to observe the Golden Jubilee in a and 78 children in the parish school. remodeled Temple of the Lord, parishioners con-

Parish Societies and organizations were quite popular - especially The Sobieski and the Kosciuszko Brotherhoods were two other societies uniformed societies. Pictured standing in front of Immaculate in the parish. Note that some are uniformed, others are not. Conception Rectory are the Blessed Mother Society and the Hussars Photo - 1905. Stefana Batorego Society. Photo - 1905. 6 On March 19, 1925, Father Wenceslaus tributed very generously to the magnificent 7 Pawelkiewicz became pastor. To this day he refurbishing of the church by the Joseph Poli remains here, preaching God's Word and serving Company. the parish with religious and ethnic fervor. Poles JUBILEE CELEBRATION in Carnegie were always involved in ethnic activ- ity, but in the pastorate of Father Pawelkieivicz On Sunday, October 1, [1944] the Jubilee cele- ethnic programs grew and flourished in abun- bration opened with a solemn Mass of Thanks- dance. giving. The parish of the Immaculate Conception of A ceremonial procession from the rectory to the the Blessed Virgin Mary includes a church,4 recto- church included clergy, ministers, school childivn, ry, school5, and cemetery [purchased in 1903] the Sodality of Maty and the Rosaiy Society. In a and is not in debt. church adorned with gold banners and flowers, the

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 6 solemn Mass was offered October 1, 1944 at 11:00 a.m. by the pastor, Father Wenceslaus Pawelkiewicz. Deacon of the mass was Father Stanislaus Labu- jewski, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church, Ambridge. Subdeacon of the mass was Father Joseph Lowney, to instill in our children all that is pastor of St. Luke Church, Carnegie. Catholic, all that is Polish and all that is A stirring sermon was preached by Father ours. [Written by: Rev. Father Wenceslaus James Malkowiak, Passionist, from Scranton, Pa. Pawelkiewicz in 1944, translated from the Polish.] Father Malkowiak also read the Papal Blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Pius XII. The Papal Blessing CONTRIBUTIONS DURING was obtained through the pastor, Father Wences- THE GREAT DEPRESSION laus Pawelkiewicz. A parish mission with Father Malkowiak Fr. Pawelkiewicz kept track of the contribu- began that evening and ended on Wednesday, tions of parishioners in a small account book. It is October 4, [1944]. obvious from this record that the objective was for On Thursday, October 5, a memorial service was each family in the parish to donate twelve dollars held for fallen soldiers of the parish and for all who each year. Ideally these contributions would come died in battles for freedom for the United States and at the rate of one dollar a month (or .25 cents each for Poland. A triduum began on Friday, October 6, week). Of the one hundred parishioners listed in [1944] and continued until the following Sunday. the account book for 1932, 1933 and 1934, thirty (or approximately one third) contributed twelve The closing Jubilee observance took place on dollars for the years listed. Of the others some gave Sunday evening, Octobers, with solemn vespers and as little as one dollar, others as much as eleven dol- a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. 1 he following lars. Only ten families of the one hundred parish- clergy took part: Father Stanislaus Labujewski and ioners listed were not able to contribute to the his assistant, Father John Kaczmarczyk of St. Stanis- support of the parish at all Keep in mind that laus Parish, Ambridge; Father John Styka and his these three years represented the height of the assistan t, Father Ferdinand Sojka of St. John Cantius Great Depression when there was widespread Parish, Sharpsburg; Father Adam Jurczyk of St. unemployment in the community, and families Stanislaus Parish, Lyndora; Father Aloysius Jurgutis, were hard pressed to help relatives who were pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Bridgeville; Father unable to find employment. Ercole Dominicis, pastor of Holy Souls Parish, Carnegie; Father Joseph W. Lowney and his assistant, Father John L. Phillips of St. I.uke Parish, Carnegie; and Father John J. Hughes and Father Louis Minewiser of Chicora. Over the long period of half a century in the life of this parish and its people, a great God has poured out grace anil blessedness upon all uf us. Over the half century parishioners con- tributed most generously to their parish, thus we have no debt whatsoever. Through this Jubilee cel- ebration our hearts are filled with thanks to God for His blessings for these fifty years. Father Wenceslaus Pawelkiewicz and the Church Com- mittee thank all from the bottom of their hearts for their generosity, their loyally to the parish Sisters Rafael, Sylvester, Augustine, Christina, Theresa and Mary Anne - and their hard work in a great enterprise. Franciscan Sisters of Baltimore who weie stationed at Immaculate Con- ception School - 1961-62. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Now we begin a new page in our parish life Parish) and we believe that, under the care of our grand NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE PARISH Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Immaculate Conception, our parish will thrive Fr. Jastrzebski mentions, in the parish history he and grow as in the past and that we will continue wrote in 1905, that there had been disagreement

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 in the parish that resulted Regis Canevin appointed IT. Jan Kopera pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish effective July 12, 1917. In 1917, Immaculate Conception was made Bell tower and cross a'op the "old" Immaculate Conception Church, Jane up of 202 families, and 1,130 individuals. There were Street. Carnegie. Pa. (Thoto - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) sixty-four children in the parish school. One hundred from previous years. That might help to explain twenty-four children from the parish were attending why Kopera was met by a lawless crowd who the public school. The parish had no debt and there refused him admission to the rectory and the was $9,1.36.46 in cash reserves. parish. Or it might have been that the Parish The records are not clear about the precise Church Committee was reluctant to acced'i.to cause of the difficulties that attended upon Bishop Caneviu's request that the pastor, Fr. Kopera's appointment to Immaculate Concep- Fr. Kopera, not a committee of lay persons, contro) tion. It might have been the fact that the Polish the property and funds of the parish. families from Immaculate Conception knew him After tempers cooled, it seems evident from parish records that Fr. Kopera was able to begin his parochial dntirs in immaculate Conception Parish.However, the difficulties with the Parish Cln't' h Committee and other parishioners contin- ued. At the request of Bishop Canevin, Fr. Kopera asked the Church Committee to turn over the parish treasury to his control. On November 4, 1917 the Church Committee refused to turn over parish funds to the rightfully appointed pastor, Fr. Jan Kopera. In December 1917 Fr. Kopera called a meeting of the congregation. He selected candidates for the offices and committees of the Parish Church Committee. These officers, however, refused to net because they Parishioners leaving Ihe "old" immaculate Conception Church building, were not in agreement with Fr. Kopera becoming Jane Street, after having attended the final mass celehmtprf in this struc- treasurer of the parish. On January 27, 1918, the ture which served the parish since 1891 (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) Parish Church Committee called a meeting to elect

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 officers for the Parish Church Committee.On this occasion, Fr. Kopera refused to attend and participate jf 4Ct in the meeting. February 3, 1918, Fr. Kopera called a special meeting in an attempt to resolve the difficul- ties. At the request of Bishop Canevin, Fr. Kopera was In a subsequent (undated) petition 26 accompanied to the February 3rd. meeting by Attor- members of Immaculate Conception Parish ney F.A. Piekarski, who in a deposition dated Feb. 12, wrote to Bishop Canevin asking him to: 1918, indicates that he was present at the request of "...send us another priest to attend to our spiritual Bishop Canevin. wants as Catholics. We all agree to be satisfied with The Church Committee, some parishioners, your selection of the priest. We also regret whatev- Fr. Kopera and attorney Piekarski were all present er unpleasantness and trouble may have been for the February 3rd meeting - however, when the given by our late disunity and obstinacy, and hope Church Committee learned that Piekarski was an that with the help of God's grace that nothing like attorney, and not a member of the parish, he was it shall happen in the future and we beg your for- refused admission to the meeting and told that nei- giveness and blessing." (See: Archives -Diocese of ther the Bishop, nor any attorney had any right at Pittsburgh). the meeting; that the Bishop had no rights, privi- When Fr. Pawelkiewicz wrote a history to mark leges or jurisdiction over the parish. Members of the 50th anniversary of Immaculate Conception the Church Committee insulted both Attorney parish in 1944, he made no mention of the difficul- Piekarski and Fr. Kopera who were present - and ties that occurred in 1917-1918 during the pas- Bishop Canevin, who was not present.The meeting torate of Fr. Jan Kopera.As a consequence of the was disbanded and no business was conducted. inability to resolve these disagreements, some fami- On February 5, 1918, The Church Committee lies broke away from Immaculate Conception wrote to Bishop Canevin stating that they felt parish. They joined others and on April 14, 1918 Fr. Kopera was endeavoring to usurp powers organized Holy Family Polish National Church8 which belonged to the office of president, and trea- (name changed to All Saints Polish National surer of the congregation. That "...it has always Church, July 1941).The break-away group searched been the custom in our congregation to have all out a Polish National priest, Fr. Joseph Kula, pastor checks singed by the president and treasurer and of a Polish National Catholic Church in Slovan, Pa. secretary of the Church ... for this reason we Fr. Kula held services for the break away-group in believe the practice should be continued." the Arcade Building, Main Street, Carnegie. The Committee further state: "...If Reverend The Polish National group wasted little time in Kopera will not transact business in the manner in getting started."They wished to belong to a democ- which we have previously handled our financial ratic church where they were free to choose their affairs, we ask that you appoint another rector. They own pastor, attend services celebrated in their closed by stating:"...this petition is not the voice of a native language, assume ownership of church few members of the committee but is the unani- property and elect representatives to administer mous petition of the entire congregation ..." parish business."9 May 25, 1918, they purchased In his deposition, dated February 12, 1918, property at the corner of Fifth Street and Third Fr. Kopera says: "...ever since July 12, 1917...the Avenue, Carnegie so that they might build a alleged church committee refused to accept me as church. July 25, 1918 they purchased ground for a pastor...."Further that "...on several occasions he cemetery in Collier Township. [Kopera] has been insulted, maltreated and disre- This division of Immaculate Conception parish spected by the Committee ...that the Committee is congregation resulted in ruptured relationships obdurate, stubborn and disrespectful...." among the people of Immaculate Conception and In his deposition of February 12th., Attorney fractured the fraternity that existed between and Piekarski states that he accompanied Fr. Kopera to among many Polish families in both congregations the meeting in Immaculate Conception Parish on and the extended community. February 3, 1918; ...that he was refused admission, It was often the case that one brother or sister and insulted... that the members of the parish would in a family remained in Immaculate Conception not hear the pastor in the purposes of the meeting, Parish, while other brothers or sisters joined the Pol- or conduct any business pertaining to the parish. .. ish National group. Family relationships were often

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 cial organization of the Catholic Church in the United States.This organization channeled financial and material assistance to the Bishops of the Church in Poland.This material and monetary assis- tense and strained because of the hard feel- tance enabled them to work toward recovery from ings generated by this separation. Among the ravages of World War II and successfully resist some of these families discussion about parish activ- the oppression of Marxist communism in succeed- ities, or religion was deliberately omitted from con- ing decades. In the post-war years, there was an versation at family gatherings to avoid open conflict, active Catholic League in Immaculate Conception alienation and protracted arguments. Parish. In November 1945, Fr. Pawelkiewicz noti- Fr.Jan Kopera was transferred from Immaculate fied the Chancery that the following parishioners Conception Parish, Carnegie, Pa. May 15, 1918. served as officers for the Catholic League in Bishop Canevin appointed Rev. Ladislaus Sliwinski Immaculate Conception Parish: President, Helene to the pastorate of Immaculate Conception. Fr. Sli- Biskup; Vice President, Sophie Biskup; Secretary, winski began his pastoral responsibilities Mary Szczerba;Treasurer, Mary Pruss. March 16, 1918 and served as pastor in Carnegie In the decades following World War II, when the through March 18, 1925. Iron Curtain closed off much of Eastern Europe from contact and communication with the west, LEAGUE FOR ASSISTANCE TO POLAND the annual collection for the Catholic League in Pol- ish ethnic parishes in the United States continued Even as World War II was still raging in Europe each year - including 1992 when the parish was and the Pacific, there was a very conscious effort closed. However, the parish organization with offi- by many Polish organizations, and especially Polish cers and membership did not continue in Immacu- parishes in this country to help displaced persons late Conception Parish beyond the 1950s.11 and refugees in Europe. Most the families in Immaculate Conception Parish were of Polish ori- gin and they expressed a special interest in helping CHURCH COMMITTEE to alleviate the sufferings of individuals, families AND PARISH COUNCIL and groups from Poland. The Catholic League for Religious Assistance To A Parish Council was inaugurated in 1977 as Poland was founded in 194310 to gather aid from one of the many changes that took place in the Polish-American families and their friends for the Church after the Second Vatican Council. Before Church in Poland. The Catholic League was an offi- such Parish Councils became the norm, according to the Statutes of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, each parish was to have a Church Committee made up of four or five men.These men were nominated by the Pastor, voted upon by the parishioners, and then formally installed by taking an oath of office in the presence of the pastor, and the Dean of the local Deanery. Nov. 26,1926, Bishop Hugh C. Boyle wrote a letter to pastors throughout the Diocese. He instructed them to make sure that Commit- Architects drawing of the "new" Immaculate Conception teemen were exemplary Catholics who had made School dedicated in 1959. their Easter Duty, paid pew rent or otherwise con- (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) tributed regularly to the support of the parish dur- Iff?? ing the twelve months preceding their election. Church Committeemen were not permitted to belong to secret or forbidden societies and were expected to send their children to catechism class- Immaculate Conception Rectory, 435 Broadway Extension, es or to a Catholic school where there was such a Carnegie, Pa. 15106 school. The term of office was three years. Mem- (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) bers of the Church Committee were required to have written approval of the Bishop of the Diocese

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 before taking up their office and duties. Every three months the Church Committeemen were to m meet with the pastor and go over the parish receipts, expenditures and accounts, inspect can- celed checks and other evidence of expenditures included: Stanley Anusiewicz, Andrew made for parish purposes. Each year a report, Budzik, John Gatz, Jr., Michael Hendzel, John signed by the Committeemen, was made to the Kochin, Edward Reczek, Edmund Romutis, Stanley Bishop before the first of February showing Sienicki, Frank Stys, Frank Suchan, Joseph Tasz, and receipts, expenditures, loans, debts and other John Zebracki. When the parish closed in 1992 the affairs of the parish as set forth in the form fur- following parishioners were serving as ushers: nished by the Chancellor of the Diocese. Stanley Hulton, Chester Michalski, Frank Sikorski, In December 1929 the Committeemen in Joseph Rogowski, Frank Stys, Andrew Budzik, Leo Immaculate Conception parish were: W. Dzierzyc, Lisowski, Joseph Tasz, Michael Spinda, Michael W. Pisaniak, J. Zebracki,J Gac, & F. Zubik. From Hendzel, James Brown, James Nightingale, Joseph 1933-36 they were: C. Kubacki, S. Sikora, Szramowski, Andrew Skiba, Ted Michalski, Andrew A. Filipczak, S. Nowak & J. Mucha. From 1936-39 the Opalanko and Steve Jaron. Committeemen were: Charles Adamski, Joseph Biskup, Stanislaus Nowak, John Mucha & Jacob Zurard. From 1939-1942 the men who served were: Joseph Biskup, John Suchan, Walter Urbanek, Andrew Warlinski, & Francis Adamski. From 1944 to 1947 the following men served: Leonard Szafranski, Joseph Biskup, Francis Adamski, Walter Urbanek, & Bronislaw Bardyan.Those who served from 1944 to 1947 were: Michael Warlinski, Leonard Szafranski, Michael Hendzel, Jan Suchan & Joseph Biskup. Fr. James Olko was appointed pastor of Immac- ulate Conception Parish Dec. 27, 1945. He worked OLD CARNEGIE HIGH SCHOOL Immaculate Conception Parish purchased the old Carnegie High School at with the Committeemen who had been elected in the corner of Broadway and School Streets, arranged to have the building 1944.The first Church Committeemen elected dur- demolished and on that corner erected the present grade school (1959) and the present church building (1969). (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Concep- ing Fr. Olko's pastorate were: Michael Adamski, tion Parish) Michael Walasik, John Gatz Jr., Walter Nowak, & HISTORY UP TO DATE Paul Swiech. In 1950 the Committeemen were: Michael Mazur, Michael Adamski, Michael Walasik, The two histories of Immaculate Conception Andrew Budzik and Walter Nowak. In 1954 Michael Parish written by Fr. Stanislaus Jastrzębski in 1905 Adamski, John Turek, Michael Walasik, Michael and Fr. Wenceslaus Pawelkiewicz in 1944 were Mazur and Walter Urbanek were elected. In 1957 written when the parish and the community of the same slate was elected for a three-year term. Carnegie were both younger. The following brings In 1977 a Parish Council was inaugurated in the history up to date, to the suppressions of the parish. For the first time, women and men were Immaculate Conception Parish on October 30, elected to serve. The members of the first Parish 1992. It was complied and written by the last pas- Council were: Joseph Tasz, Marie Adamski, Andrew tor of Immaculate Conception, Rev. James W. Opalanko, Michael Kochin, Jack Ramous, Garvey and published in 1994. Bernadette Grendys, Annella Rogowski, and Evelyn Father Wenceslaus Pawelkiewicz served as pas- Wojtowicz. Two hundred forty ballots were count- tor of Immaculate Conception Parish for 20 years. ed in the 1977 election for parish council, and In 1944 he lead the people in the 50th Anniversary there were eight write-in candidates. celebration of the Parish.In November 1945 this loyal servant and priest died and was called home USHERS - 1977 to share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Immaculate Conception Parish was always Fr. Pawelkiewicz was buried in Immaculate Con- blessed with faithful volunteers who served as ush- ception Parish Cemetery by the people he had ers at the Sunday masses. In 1977 the ushers served so faithfully for 20 years.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 ^ HT

its first 50 years despite the destruction and incon- venience that occurred when Chartiers Creek overflowed its banks.Parishioners recall the exten- sive damage that occurred during the destructive FATHER JAMES OLKO flood of 1936 when the muddy waters of Chartiers The Most Rev. Hugh C. Boyle appointed Creek covered even the first floor of the Church, Rev. James F. Olko pastor of Immaculate Concep- school and convent. All too often the parishioners tion Parish Dec. 27, 1945. Fr. Olko arrived in the were called to help bail out and clean up the dam- parish during the turbulent times immediately fol- age in the basement of parish buildings following lowing World War II. Local industry in Carnegie and these floods. For all their devotion to their parish, Western Pennsylvania was retooling and convert- these same parishioners also generously volun- ing from the production of war machinery to the teered to help their neighbors who were flooded manufacture of domestic goods -refrigerators, auto- out of their homes. mobiles, household furniture, appliances and the construction of new homes. More than 200 young BUILDING THE NEW men and women of the parish had served in the SCHOOL AND CHURCH Armed Forces of the United States. Fifteen were officers.They served with distinction in Europe Early in Father Olko pastorate the decision was and the Orient, fought and won World War II, and made to purchase the property and tear down the old Carnegie High School building at the corner of Broadway and School Streets, Carnegie. This would be the site where new buildings for Immaculate Conception parish would be constructed. The objective was first to build a new parish school, and then a new church. The decision to move and build anew was confirmed when community offi- cials announced that a four-lane highway (Mans- field Blvd.) was to be built through much of the Church property and other adjacent property in Carnegie parallel to Chartiers Creek. Architects drawing of the "new" Immaculate Conception Church, Following the steadfast leadership of Fr. James dedicated 1969. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) Olko, the people of the parish enlisted in the effort they were home at last. A spirit of excitement ran to construct a new grade school. Ground breaking through the community. Families were reunited, for the new school was held January 18, 1959.The sweethearts were married and new families were Very Rev. J. Dudley Nee, the local Dean and pastor started after years of separation because of the of Holy Innocents Church, Sheraden officiated. A war.Many of these young men and women were modern well-equipped four classroom school first and second generation Americans born of Pol- building was built and dedicated. The school mea- ish immigrant parents. They returned home to job sured 57 feet by 92 feet and stood on part of the opportunities in local factories, railroads, retail lot once occupied by the old Carnegie High School sales, and local State Hospitals. Many took advan- Building. At the time of construction, it was esti- tage of the educational opportunities afforded by mated that the school would serve between 160 the G.I. Bill (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of and 180 students. In March 1964, Borough Officials 1944). They attended colleges in the region and informed Fr. Olko that the congregation would no out-of-state. Known for their enterprise and schol- longer be able to use the church on Jane Street arship, many obtained college degrees and found because demolition of buildings and construction responsible jobs in business, industry and educa- of the new road was soon to begin. However, the tion. There was a slight increase in the number of old Church on Jane street continued in use until families who were having children, and Immacu- Oct. 25, 1964 when it was finally closed. Bishop late Conception Parish began to grow. Vincent M. Leonard officiated at the final mass and The church, school, rectory and convent build- officially closed the old church. Church officials ings on Jane Street served the parish well during removed the altar stone and the Blessed Sacrament

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 was transferred to the temporary church in the school hall. Items from the church, including nine S ¿i pews and seven wooden benches, various tables and stands and other furnishings and equipment were offered for sale to the public. After the old from the parish joined the Sisters in teach- church closed, the new Immaculate Conception ing classes and communicating the essen- school hall served the students during the week, tial truths of the faith to the children of the and doubled as the church where Sunday mass and parish. the sacraments were celebrated each weekend. The Sisters are remembered with great fond- These new parish school and church buildings ness. A few parishioners recall their dedication dur- included a neighborhood home at 435 Broadway ing the flu epidemic of 1918-1919.There were high (purchased in 1964 for $14,000.00) that served as rates of absenteeism among the children. The deci- rectory and parish office for the pastor. A large sion was made to close the school because so home was purchased for $30,000.00 in May 1961 many children and their families were suffering at 564 Washington Avenue and used as a Convent from influenza. Many people in Carnegie were for the Sisters who taught in the school. struck by the flu. Immaculate Conception Parish The distinguished Pittsburgh architect of Polish School was turned into an infirmary where the ancestry, Stanley Pyzdrowski, was given the com- Bernadine Sisters OSF helped nurse the sick. Some mission to design and supervise the construction think it miraculous that the nuns were spared. of the new Immaculate Conception Church. Bish- Theirs was an unrelenting labor to care for the op Vincent M. Leonard returned to the parish Sun- sick. Without regard for the danger involved, the day Nov. 2, 1969 (see Appendix A) to preside at the Sisters prepared the dying.The Pastor administered solemn blessing and dedication of the new Church The Sacrament of the Sick (previously called next to the parish school at the corner of Broad- Extreme Unction) and gave the dying Holy Com- way and School Streets, Carnegie, Pa. A multitude of munion (Viaticum). The marvel was: None of the loyal and jubilant parishioners packed the church Sisters was stricken with influenza during this for this special occasion and joined in the dedica- dreadful epidemic. tion banquet that followed the opening mass. 1969 In the first years of the parish school, the chil- marked a new page in the history of Immaculate dren were taught the Polish language.They learned Conception Parish. to pray, study, and appreciate the culture and the language of their ancestors. Every effort was made THE PARISH GRADE SCHOOL to preserve Polish heritage. In more recent times, all classes were taught in English.The classes were Among the people of the parish, education was small, and the teacher pupil ratio was excellent. regarded as so important that Immaculate Concep- Although classes were taught in English, not Polish, tion Grade School was started shortly after the turn there was a continuing effort to encourage the of the century, a few years after the parish was first children to study the language, culture, customs organized. From the very beginning, the parish school enjoyed a reputation for academic excel- lence. Three different communities of dedicated Sisters taught in Immaculate Conception School over the years. They are: (1) Felician Sisters, of Coraopolis, Pa.; (2) The Bernardine Sisters OSF of Reading, Pa. and (3) The Franciscan Sisters of Balti- more, Ohio. The Sisters were also involved in Reli- gious Education for the children of the parish who attended public school. At times this religious instruction and preparation for the sacraments (Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirma- tion) was known as Sunday School, Saturday School, and in later years Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Classes. Several men and women School Dance - for 8th graders. Photo -1964.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 and music of Poland so that their valuable cultural and familial heritage might be preserved and passed along to yet another generation. Despite the quality of education in Immaculate Conception School, as the years rolled by, fewer and fewer families from the parish sent their chil- dren to the parish school. In the 1960 s there were three nuns and one lay teacher on the faculty. Mothers of the children also volunteered. Many Father Władysław Pawelkiewicz at Forth Hours Eucharistic Celebration in the "old" church, 1944. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) efforts were made to increase student enrollment, including accepting students from outside the throughout the school year so that the children parish.These efforts did not meet with success. In might be prepared to receive the sacraments. 1969, it was proposed at a Deanery meeting of the COMMUNITIES OF RELIGIOUS WOMEN Three very dedicated communities of commit- ted Religious Sisters taught in Immaculate Concep- tion Parish School beginning in the 19th Century and continuing through six decades in the 20th Century. The parish owes a debt of thanks to: The Felician Sisters, from Coraopolis, Pa. The Bernadine Sisters from Reading, Pa.And, the Franciscan Sisters from Baltimore, Maryland.These Nuns lived among

Photo trom one of the school plays at the "new" Immaculate Conception School. Photo - 1963. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) pastors, that St. Luke School (425) students, St Joseph's School (113 students) and Immaculate Conception School (107) students, be merged. Fr. Olko and the parishioners were very much opposed to any proposals that would lead to a merged school. The following year the student body numbered fewer than one hundred young- sters. After several years of discussion at parish, community and Diocesan levels, the painful deci- sion was made to close the parish grade school at the end of the 1970-71 school year. Some children transferred to other parochial schools in Carnegie. Others began attending public schools. The latter were especially encouraged to Rev. James F. Olko, Pastor and Bishop Vincent M. Leonard, D.D. al the attend the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine dedication of the "new" Immaculate Conception Church, School Street, Carnegie, Pa. (Nov. 2, 1969) (Phofo - Archives: Immaculate Conception classes. These religion classes were held regularly Parish)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 us, worked with our families and generously gave of themselves & their teaching skills to the chil- 3 dren of our parish.

THE COMMUNITY riages in parishes other than Immaculate OF CARNEGIE CHANGES Conception. Among those couples who At the end of World War II, Carnegie was a were married in the parish, there seemed a thriving active community. As the decade of the strong inclination to rent or purchase homes in 1950's came to a close, people began to notice communities and suburbs a distance from some changes in their community. The U.S. Census Carnegie. A few of these young families commuted information (see Appendix B) suggests that the from distant points and continued their member- demographics began to shift. Young families were ship in Immaculate Conception, the parish of their beginning to move out of Carnegie into nearby youth. The majority preferred to join the parish in suburbs. Long-established family businesses and the community where they owned a home and shops began to close in the business section of where their children attended school. town. Church attendance fell off in Roman Changes in the community of Carnegie were Catholic, Orthodox, Byzantine, Polish National, even more dramatic. Superior Steel Co. was found- Protestant and Jewish congregations. ed in 1893 and had become an integral part of the An innovative notion called the Pedestrian Mall community. It was the largest employer in a small was proposed for Main Street in 1963. This mea- town and many parishioners found employment sure was debated at Borough Council meetings, there. A terribly devastating blow to the Carnegie and there was wide discussion among residents of community occurred when Superior Steel mill the community. The Pedestrian Mall was finally closed in 1962. This closure resulted in many men constructed in 1968/69 A four block section in the losing their jobs. The closing of Superior Steel was East Main Street business district in Carnegie was the first in a long list of plant closing that would closed to automobile traffic, repaved with concrete continue into the 1990's. Among the plants that and turned into a Pedestrian Mall which spanned closed are: Columbia Steel Co., Bethlehem Steel Co., both sides of Chartiers Creek. Several parking lots Teledyne Steel Co. and Vimco Macaroni Plant.These were paved. Parking meters were installed in these were all major employers within the community. public parking areas. Despite these changes, the With each plant closing unemployment increased, exodus of families out of Carnegie continued. fewer job opportunities were available, and more Fewer and fewer people chose to shop in younger families moved out of Carnegie in search Carnegie. They preferred the new Shopping Malls of regular employment. The telling impact of these that were opening in the neighboring communities changes resulted in less and less activity in the of Heidelberg and Bridgeville where there was a Community. The population grew older and the wider selection of shops and merchandise. A major number of senior citizens began to increase (see attraction was free parking. Appendix B). Many young families elected to move As the years passed, the major changes affect- out of town into more recently developed housing ing the Carnegie community were reflected in the tracts in the wider Pittsburgh community. many churches that served the people of the com- munity. Parishioners at Immaculate Conception THE CHANGES OF VATICAN COUNCIL II were growing noticeably older. There were fewer For centuries Latin was the language of the baptisms, and fewer marriages (see Appendix C). Mass, and the liturgical ritual in the Latin Rite was People from the parish often commented that virtually unchanging. The Second Vatican Council Father Olko was a champion of all things Polish. called for changes in the Church throughout the This was advantageous in some matters. However, world. Not the least of these changes was revision his comments when young women from Polish of liturgical practices spelled out in The Constitu- families in the parish elected to marry young men tion on the Sacred Liturgy (promulgated Dec. 4, who were not from Polish families made for hard 1963; translated and implemented in subsequent feelings among some young couples.lt was no sur- years throughout the world.) Fr. Olko introduced prise when a number of these young couples the parish to liturgical changes mandated by the expressed a preference for celebrating their mar- Second Vatican Council according to a gradual and

SALT OF THE EARTH A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 regulated schedule . When Mass was cele- brated in Latin, the responses were recited by the altar server at low mass. During a high mass, responses were sung by the choir (or the choir and the people).12 Following the Second Vatican Council (1962 - 1965)13 many changes occurred in the Mass which called for active participation by the people. The PARISH COUNCIL 1987 Seated: Mary Urbanek, Eleanor Kitt, Susan Butera (President), Kathleen altar was turned around so that the priest faced the Brown, Stella Kwiecień. Standing: Allen Turske, Shirley Pruss, Fr. Jim people. Responses were made by the people in Garvey (Pastor), John Kopia, John Kielbach, Andrew Budzek, Frank Siko- rski, Anne Pieprzny and Andrew Skiba. (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) both Latin and English. Finally, the Eucharistic Litur- gy was celebrated entirely in English, and the Scrip- secrated host on the tongue of the communicant tures read at mass were entirely in English accord- who knelt at the communion rail. The Bishops of ing to revised liturgical norms. Lay persons were the United States petitioned the Holy Father for the recruited and trained to serve as commentators option to give the faithful communion in the hand. and lectors.They read the Old Testament and New The option for Communion in the hand began in Testament scriptures at mass. Congregational the Pittsburgh Diocese on the Feasts of Christ the singing was not new to the people of Immaculate King, Nov. 20, 1977.At this time many parishes Conception. The congregation often sang (in both began to encourage the faithful to receive Commu- Polish and English) for novenas and devotions. nion while standing, rather than kneeling.When With the choir providing leadership, the congrega- permission was given for the faithful to receive tion was now encouraged to sing at Sunday mass. Communion under the species of both bread and Other liturgical changes were to follow. When wine, Eucharistic Ministers from the parish were permission was given to install Eucharistic Minis- assigned to minister the chalice and offer the Pre- ters to assist the priest in distributing communion, cious Blood of the Lord at weekend masses. this practice was implemented at Immaculate Con- The people of Immaculate Conception Parish ception by Fr. Walt Dworak. Lay people were were encouraged to spend time in prayer - at recruited, trained and began to help the priest dis- home, with their families and in the parish church. tribute communion at weekend masses. On occa- The practice of public exposition of the Blessed sion, Eucharistic Ministers also took communion to Sacrament was begun each weekday in Immaculate the homebound sick. Conception church in the early 1980's. Parish- For centuries the ritual for Catholics to receive ioners signed up and came to spend some time in communion called for the priest to place the con- prayer and private adoration.The Church was open during daylight hours. They knew they could drop in and make a visit any time during the day. The practice of public exposition was concluded in 1983 near the end of Fr. Olko's term as pastor because fewer and fewer parishioners were able to make the commitment for perpetual adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

The priests and people of Immaculate Concep- PARISH COUNCIL -1989 tion Parish always tried to foster and encourage Seated: Shirley Pruss, Eleanor Kitt, Fr. Jim Garvey (Pastor), Kathleen Brown, Stella Kwiecień. Standing: Frank Sikorski, James Longo (Presi- vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The dent), Martha Saternow, Steve Jaron, John Kielbach, Jennifer parish gave three men in service to the Lord and Popivchak, Leo Lisowski, Gertrude Pruss and David Dulick. (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) the Church in the priesthood: Rev. Joseph Turek

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 16 entered the seminary and studied for the priest- hood for the La Salette Fathers, Olivet, IL. He was ordained to the priesthood May 22, 1952 in Joli- JL ^ ette, IL. After serving for several years with the La Salette Fathers, Fr. Turek was incardinated into the Sister Mary Joan Smialek CSSF made Greensburg Diocese in 1961. He served in parishes her first profession August 16, 1929, and in New Kensington, Uniontown, Blairsville and professed her final vows August 15, 1935. She was United, PA. He was pastor of Holy Cross, Iselin; All an elementary school teacher for 12 years. Sister Saints, East Vandergrift; and SS Cyril and Methodius, Mary Joan received training in nursing at St. Francis Fairchance. In 1986 Fr. Turek was appointed pastor Hospital School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA.For 43 of St. Louis Parish, Lucerne Mines, PA (Indiana years she served her community, the church and County) where he served until his death March 20, thousands of people as a registered nurse.At vari- 1994. He was buried from St. Louis Church, ous times she was assigned to the following Dio- Lucerne Mines and interred in Immaculate Con- cese: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Erie, PA; Wheeling, ception Cemetery, Carnegie, PA, March 24,1994. W VA; Oklahoma and Victoria,Texas. Rev. Stanislaus Wasek, C P., attended Immacu- late Conception School, and Carnegie High School. FR. OLKO RETIRES - END OF AN ERA He entered the Passionist Community and made Fr. Olko had been appointed pastor at Immacu- his first profession August 15, 1947. Fr. Stan was late Conception in 1945. Along with the people of ordained to the priesthood Feb. 27, 1953. He the parish, he had persevered through many served in Passionist monasteries and retreat houses changes in Carnegie, and in the parish - including in Union City, NJ, Shelter Island, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, the construction of both the new school and and Baltimore, MD.He is currently assigned to church. The whole parish knew that Fr. Olko was Immaculate Conception Monastery, Jamaica, NY where he is the Director of the Enrollment Office. Rev. Louis Reczek was baptized in Immaculate Conception Parish. Reczek also attended the parish school. He joined the La Salette Fathers, Olivet, IL, and made his first profession August 5, 1947. He was ordained to the priesthood April 4, 1953 in Rome, Italy. Fr. Reczek taught in the La Salette Seminary for several years, served as Master of Novices, hospital Bernie Jaron and chaplain, and did parish ministry in several diocese Helen Korpiel at the Parish Flea Market. in Florida. He died in Venice, FL, Dec. 5,1986. (Photo by: Three women from the parish entered religious Fr. Jim Garvey) life -all chose to follow Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska CSSF, the foundress of the Felician Sis- ters whose mother house is in Coraopolis, PA. Sister Mary Salome Wolnowski CSSF made her first profes- sion August 28, 1924, and professed her final vows Aug. 15, 1930. Sister Mary Salome served mainly in the Harrisburg Diocese. She died April 19,1933- (No photo of Sr. Mary Salome is available). Sister Mary Boniface Chwilka CSSF of the Feli- cian Sisters made her first profession Oct. 28,1926, and professed her final vows Oct. 4, 1932. She Stella Kwiecien and Catherine Adamski taught for 63 years in elementary and secondary preparing for the schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Erie, Greens- parish dance. (Photo by: burg and Steubenville. Sr. M. Boniface also served as Fr. Jim Garvey) Directoress of Novices. Though she is now retired Sister continues to tutor students at Sacred Heart School in Coraopolis, FA.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992

17 scheduled to retire as Pastor in 1983 when he reached his 75th birthday.The parishioners realized that Immaculate Conception was a small parish. They openly expressed apprehension, upon Fr. Olko's retire- ment as pastor, that the Bishop would close Immaculate Conception Parish. Clearly the parish had been growing older and shrinking in size (see Appendix C & D) for many years.The people were greatly concerned. They hoped the parish they loved would be able to continue unchanged. Sister Martina, Father Olko (Pastor), and Sister Jacqueline with the First Communion class, 1969. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) After having given Fr. Olko a grand banquet to mark his departure from their midst and the begin- Diocese of Pittsburgh. For the first time in the histo- ning of his much deserved retirement, the people ry of Immaculate Conception parish, a part-time waited to learn if a new pastor would be assigned priest was assigned to live in the parish and minister or if the parish would indeed be closed. (Authors to the spiritual needs of the people. note: Rev. James Olko died June 9, 1994; he was Parishioners rejoiced in the news that their buried from St. Ignatius Church, St. Elizabeth Ann parish would not be closed. However, not all the Seton Parish, Carnegie, Pa. and interred in Immacu- parishioners were pleased that their new priest, late Conception Cemetery, Scott Township, Monday Fr. Dworak, had a heavy responsibility for work June 13,1994.) throughout the Diocese, and that his work among them was definitely part-time parochial ministry.They REV. WALTER DWORAK were pleased that Fr. Dworak was of Polish ancestry. But some were openly critical because of his inability There was great joy when it was announced in to fluently read and write the Polish language. 1983 that Rev. Walter Dworak would be assigned as For his part, Fr. Dworak was excited and enthu- the new Administrator of Immaculate Conception siastic about his new ministry among the people of Parish.The coming of Fr. Walt, as he became known, Immaculate Conception. He immediately set to marked a major change in the life of the people in work reaching out to various segments of the Immaculate Conception parish. Fr. Walt had been parish. His first effort was with the young people. serving as the full time Director of Adult Education He started CCD classes to prepare young adults to for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. His assignment at receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Under his Immaculate Conception was an added responsibility direction, the men of the parish were reorganized to his duties of directing the Office for Adult Educa- into a newly formed Ushers Club. Fr. Dworak rec- tion throughout the six counties14 that make up the ognized the importance of the women's group in any parish. He worked with a dedicated and loyal group of ladies in the parish to form a new women's organization called the Immaculate Con- ception Ladies Guild. Fr. Dworak also arranged to take private instructions in spoken and written Pol- ish. Ile followed traditional patterns and fostered Polish activities in the Parish. Despite the responsi- bility of his Diocesan wide work in Adult Educa- tion, Fr. Dworak provided aggressive leadership. He encouraged the parish to move in new directions and explore new relationships in the community. Members of Immaculate Conception began to take Burning the mortgage tor the "new" church. (Photo - Archives: Immacu- late Conception Parish) part in ecumenical prayer services at many

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 18 Catholic and Protestant churches in Carnegie.They

were also encouraged to provided leadership, to ts? reach out and work with other individuals and groups who were doing community service in Carnegie. Parishioners worked side by side with live effort of their varied skills, they would members of other Churches in helping to meet the remodel the rectory. Over a period of several needs of the less fortunate in the community. months, the men of the parish installed wall board, new carpet and painted the walls and ceiling in the SEMINARIANS FOR THE SUMMER rector) .They did such work as was necessary to make the rectory comfortable for their new pastor.This sell- During Fr. Dworak's term as pastor, several semi- help effort saved the parish considerable expense. narians in theological studies were assigned to the parish for summer pastoral experience. Mr. Edward PARISH CEMETERY Begay, who was studying Theology at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pa., worked in the parish June and Land for the parish cemetery, located on Swal- July, 1984. John Hissrich, a Theology Student at Mt. low Hill Road, Scott Township, was purchased Sep- St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD, was assigned tember 1, 1903 (see Allegheny County Deed Book to work in the parish during June & July i985. Both Volume 1297 p. 369).The first burial from Immacu- men visited the homes of parishioners, helped to late Conception Parish took place in this cemetery update the Parish Census, and worked with the Nov. 3, 1903. Parishioners who died before the ded- youth of the parish. John Hissrich is particularly ication of the parish cemetery were buried in St. remembered for accompanying a newly formed folk Joseph Parish Cemetery, or other cemeteries near group on the guitar. Hissrich was ordained to the Carnegie. The cemetery is apportioned between priesthood May 24, 1986, and returned to Immacu- Immaculate Conception Parish, and St. Ignatius late Conception a week later to celebrate a Mass of Parish (the other Polish Parish in Carnegie.) Thanksgiving lor the congregation. Immaculate Conception Cemetery consists of four The priests and people of Immaculate Concep- acres. St. Ignatius Cemetery consists of three acres. tion Parish were mindful of the maxim: "An ounce of The land used for the parish cemetery was origi- prevention is worth a pound of cure." The rectory- nally purchased from Morris Schwerer, who parish office had not been remodeled for years. obtained it from Joseph A. Lutz and his wife (see Fr.Walt had scarcely moved into the rectory when the Deed Book Vol. 895, page 187, Allegheny County men of the parish proposed that through the collec- Recorder of Deeds Office).

m yg^^r:;:::

Hundreds of parishioners and friends attended the banquet marking the dedication of the "new" Immaculate Conception Church, School Street, Carnegie. (Nov. 2,1969) (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish)

Eleanor Kilt and Nellie Yokim at the Parish Fiea Market (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 prised when - after only three years - the Bishop of Pittsburgh reassigned Pr. Dworak to St. Joseph's Parish, O'llara Township. Fr. Dworak served three years in (Carnegie: 1983 to 1986.

rfiitl-L^ were the normal practice. However, since REV. THEODORE RUTKOWSKI the burial of parishioners often took place in Once again, the people expressed to one inclement weather, it was thought to be very useful another their apprehension that the parish would to construct a building that could serve as a Ceme- be closed. Again those anxieties were without foun- tery Chapel. At this site mourners who accompa- dation.The next Administrator the Bishop assigned nied the body to the grave could be sheltered in was Rev. Theodore Rutkowski. Fr. Ted arrived July adverse weather.In a cooperative effort this con- 19,1986 just a short time after Fr.Wait left to begin struction project was begun under the direction of his new responsibilities at St. Joseph Parish. both Fr. Zygmunt Szarnicki, Pastor of St. Ignatius Those who had been displeased that Fr.Wait was Parish and Fr. Walter Dworak of Immaculate Con- not proficient in spoken and written Polish were ception Parish. The two priests worked with their astonished to discover that their new administra- respective Parish Councils, and Temporalities Com- tor/pastor, Fr. Ted Rutkowski, could speak and write mittees to further this project. In 1985 a new Polish better than most of his parishioners. Many cement block chapel was constructed at the ceme- years before his assignment to Carnegie, Fr. Ted had tery. This building met the requirement of provid- taught theology, ecclesiology, Christologv and world

Boys Basketball Team. Photo - 1968. Enthusiastic Cheerleaders. School Safety Patrol. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) ing shelter for the mourners from both parishes religions at SS Cyril & Methodius Seminary, Orchard who brought their deceased family members to be Lake, Michigan.This school was widely known in the buried in the parish cemetery. The last person to United States as a Seminary which preserved the lan- be buried from the parish in Immaculate Concep- guage and customs of Poland. tion Cemetery was Joan R. Sams [age 51]. She died Like Fr.Wait, who had served Immaculate Con- Aug. 20, 1992, and was buried Aug. 24,1992. ception before him, Fr.Ted worked full time at the Each year on All Souls Day (Nov. 2nd or the Diocesan building in Pittsburgh. At the time of his Sunday nearest this commemoration) the people assignment to Immaculate Conception, Fr.Ted was from Immaculate Conception Parish join with their the Associate General Secretary of the Diocese. He priest in a prayer service at the cemetery. They had heavy responsibilities on the Administrative pray for all of the deceased of the parish and all level and dealt with many demanding and compli- those buried in the cemetery. cated business affairs for the Diocese. For his part, Fr.Ted was delighted to be assigned MAJOR MAINTENANCE IN THE PARISH to parish work again. In short order, he met with the When it became necessary to replace the roof Parish Council, and undertook to continue the good on the parish school, Fr.Wait directed this effort with work begun by his predecessors. With renewed a committee of men and women from the parish. vigor, the men and women of Immaculate Concep- The school roof was replaced in December 1983. tion Parish were encouraged to continue their ecu- The people of Immaculate Conception Parish menical efforts. Especially the enterprise of their had been accustomed to pastors who served the cooperation with other community churches and parish for years and years. They were quite sur- groups in meeting the needs of the poor in Carnegie.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992

20 PAINTING CHURCH INTERIOR Ever alert to maintenance needs, the Temporali- M ties Committee of the Parish Council noted that the interior of the Church had not been painted served Immaculate Conception Parish.) since the building had been constructed many Fr. Garvey was the first priest permanently years earlier Fr. Ted led the effort in securing bids assigned to serve the parish as for this major repainting project. A cream-white pastor/administrator who was neither Polish, nor color was chosen and applied throughout the inte- of Polish ancestry. When the news of Fr. Garvey's rior of the Church. appointment was announced, some parishioners Shortly after the new church was constructed, feared that Immaculate Conception parish would a devotional mural that dominated the sanctuary be closed immediately.They phoned the Diocesan was painted on the wall immediately behind the Chancellor Rev. Lawrence A. DiNardo, J.C.L., and altar.The mural was removed, with the approval of asked: Did you send Fr. Garvey here to close our the Parish Council, as part of the interior refurbish- parish?" They were assured that such was not the ing. A large crucifix from the original parish church case. Each priest is appointed by the Diocesan now hangs in its place. Some parishioners were Bishop. No priest on his own authority can either dismayed. Most were pleased that the painting that open or close a parish. (See: Code of Canon Law. had dominated the sanctuary was now gone. Canon 515.2: "The Diocesan Bishop alone is com- Some parishioners who thought it best to con- petent to erect, suppress, or alter parishes ...") solidate the use of the buildings in the parish sug- Like Fr. Dworak and Fr. Rutkowski who had gested to Fr. Rutkowski that it might be worth- served before him, Fr. Garvey lived in the rectory at while to sell the rectory at 425 Broadway Street. Immaculate Conception and functioned as part- They proposed to remodel the second floor of the time administrator. In 1984, Bishop Anthony school into a residence for the pastor. This plan Bevilacqua had appointed Fr. Garvey to serve as would also allocate some space tor a parish office the Diocesan Coordinator of Programs for the in the school building since the class rooms were Homeless. In January 1985, The Bishop appointed no longer used for either day-school or CCD Reli- Fr. Garvey as the full time Director of St. Joseph's gion Classes.To this end an architect was hired to House of Hospitality (Hill District) Pittsburgh, draw up preliminary plans outlining the best PA.Many hungry and homeless people in the Pitts- means to achieve this objective. The plans were burgh vicinity had been displaced because steel hardly presented when again, there was a change mills and factories were closing at an alarming rate, in the Administrator of the parish. Fr. Rutkowski, and because of the general economic decline in who served at Immaculate Conception Parish for the area.To address the critical needs of many of eleven (11) months was promoted from Associate these hurting families and individuals, Fr. Garvey General Secretary of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, to and the staff at St. Joseph's House of Hospitality the Secretary for Clergy and Pastoral Life for the opened a shelter for homeless men (Jan. 1985) in Diocese of Pittsburgh The incredibly burdensome responsibility and the leadership demands of this Secretariat required that Fr. Rutkowski be trans- ferred from Immaculate Conception so that he could devote his full-time energies to this new assignment. Once again, the people of Immaculate Conception openly expressed the fear that their Parish would be closed. Again their fears were unfounded.

REV. JAMES W. GARVEY July 1, 1987, Bishop Donald W. Wuerl S.T.D., appointed Rev. James W. Garvey to serve as the next Administrator of Immaculate Conception The Sisters ul St. Francis from Baltimore who were assigned tu the Parish, (see Appendix E for a list of clergy who parish in 1971. (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 because lie was aware of social service needs, Fr.Ted Rutkowski arranged through Catholic Chari- ties of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc. to hire Sister Anne Lazar, OSB as Immaculate Conception Parish the Hill District (Pgh. PA), and MARY- Social Service worker. Sister Anne visited individu- HOUSE a residence for needy low income als and families in the parish each Thursday and Fri- women (Dec. 1986) in Brookline, (Pgh. PA). This day beginning in 1986. Sister Anne helped the work required Fr. Garvey to deal with many gov- home bound with shopping and trips to the doc- ernment, public, private and religious social service tor. She took communion to the sick at home and and humanitarian organizations in Pittsburgh/ in nearby hospitals. In 1991, when Sister Anne Allegheny County that provided services to the moved on to another assignment, Fr. Jim Garvey hungry and homeless. hired Sister Mary Clare Donnelly, RSM to continue Fr. Garvey was not unaware of the problems the excellent Social Service effort that had been that needed to be addressed in Immaculate Con- launched in the parish. In 1991, after Sister Mary ception Parish because of his unfamiliarity with Clare was reassigned, Fr. Garvey recruited Sister Polish language and customs. Fr. Garvey informed Annette Allen, CSFN who continued the ministry of the parishioners shortly after he took up residence visiting sick and providing for the needs of home- in the parish that he would do his part to help bound families. Sister Annette spoke fluent Polish them preserve the use of the Polish language and and was able to interpret many of the events sur- culture in Immaculate Conception Parish. Howev- rounding the Reorganization/Revitalization to the er, he was obligated to rely on the parishioners to older home-bound people in the parish. The inform him well in advance about different Polish priest(s) and Sisters entered into this ministry of customs and practices. It was necessary for Fr. Gar- compassion and caring for the sick and home- vey to rely on the people to instruct him concern- bound as an expression of the corporal and spiritu- ing these customs so that adequate preparations al works of mercy. At Christmas and other holidays,

L to r: Eddy Zbezinski, Fr. Jim Garvey, Students Susan Kochin, Teresa Lachowicz, and Sister Bernard Mary and her companion Neil Nightingale Kathy Frederick proudly display winning certificates. picking flowers in the yard. (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) could be made for all to participate in the seasonal the I.C. Ladies Guild bought and delivered to the practices brought to this country from Poland sick of the parish plants, flowers, candy and other years and years earlier. Fr. Garvey encouraged and gifts. A few of the ladies from the Guild, and men continued the existing practice of Polish hymns at from the Ushers Club made it a point to visit the the first Sunday morning mass. However, since he sick at home, and in the hospital each month. did not know Polish, he requested the lay people who spoke Polish to lead the recitation of the ECUMENICAL OUTREACH AND Rosary in Polish before Sunday mass. SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY Following the excellent example of Frs. Dworak PARISH SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS and Rutkowski, Fr. Garvey continued and expanded The priests of the parish always visited and the ecumenical outreach of the Parish to the wider took communion to the sick. But, because many Christian Community in Carnegie. In January 1988, families in the parish were of advanced years, and Immaculate Conception was the host parish for the

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 22 World Day of Prayer sponsored by Church Women United. Fr. Rutkowski was invited to return and address the assembly on this special occasion. Fol- lowing the Ecumenical Prayer Service, the women of the parish prepared a lovely reception for the several The men of the parish constructed, deco- hundred people from the many Christian Churches rated and installed a suitable booth. Both in Carnegie who came for the ecumenical prayer ser- men and women -especially those who were retired vice. In subsequent years, the parish also hosted the -participated in this parish effort to be involved in closing service for the Week of Prayer for Unity the Community Festival.Parishioners prepared and (Unity Octave) in January 1990; and served as the cooked Polish ethnic foods in the school kitchen and host parish (1991) for the Wednesday Noon Commu- hall.These ethnic foods were transported to the Mall nity Ecumenical Lenten Service sponsored by the and sold to the public during the two-day Festival. Carnegie Ministerial Association. The participation of the parish in the Carnegie Com- The Port Authority of Allegheny County was munity Festival was successful on many fronts. The exploring possible routes and hoping to open a parish became an integral part of the much-needed new bus-way from Pittsburgh through Carnegie to unifying effort in the wider community.After all the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport that expenses were paid the parish realized a substantial was under construction at that time.The parish, in profit. Success builds on success, and the people cooperation with the Carnegie Area Ministerial were further encouraged in their effort to participate Association, sponsored two community wide meet- in additional civic and ecumenical activities in the ings in the school hall. The people of Carnegie community of Carnegie. were invited to attend and become informed about the proposed land acquisition, and proposed traffic + IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH and street pattern changes that would be neces- sary to bring about the modern bus-way. PARISH MASSES Each November, as part of the parish outreach SATURDAY 6 30 PM to the poor, the parishioners brought canned goods and nonperishable food to Sunday masses. SUNDAY 930 AM 1200 These items were then packed-up and distributed WEEK DAY MASSES to needy families in the Carnegie Community at DAILY BOO AM • m Thanksgiving and Christmas. CONFESSION The Carnegie Community Festival was started SATURDAY 100 PM in 1986 by the Carnegie Area Revitalization Effort PASTOR REV JAMES W QARVEY (C.A.R.E.) and the Carnegie Chamber of Com- (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) merce. Both organizations were interested in pro- DIMINISHING ENERGY moting community development. They were also interested in preserving the colorful, varied and Participation in this Festival also pointed up to interesting customs of many ethnic and ethnic- both Fr. Garvey and the people of the Parish a reali- American groups who lived, worked and wor- ty that could no longer be denied. The median age shiped in Carnegie. These groups included but of the parishioners was rising. The energy level of were not limited to: Polish, Italian, German, Irish, volunteer-parishioners was considerably dimin- Afro-American etc. In conjunction with the Festi- ished. The older retired parishioners worked faith- val, a juried Art Show for the children of the com- hilly at home without complaint for days and days munity was started in 1989. A similar program for preparing for the Community Festival. They also adults: The Peoples Art Show (art by the people, volunteered to work in the school kitchen and at judged by the people, with awards by the people) the booth for the two-day-festival. The price they was begun in 1991.Along with other civic organi- paid was physical exhaustion that required several zations and Churches in Carnegie, Immaculate days recovery. It was immediately apparent to all Conception Parish was invited to participate in the that if Immaculate Conception Parish was to par- Community Festival held each year in early Sep- ticipate in the Festival in future years it would be tember on the Pedestrian Mall and the Main Street necessary to recruit and enlist younger parish Business District in Carnegie. workers for this effort.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 Immaculate Conception Convent, Washington This phenomenon-diminishing energy Avenue, Carnegie, Pa. Seven Franciscan Sisters levels and the work of the older faithful few from Baltimore were living became apparent in other parish social/fund raising in the convent when this efforts. For example, the parish sponsored spaghetti photo was taken in 1961. (Photo - Archives: Immacu- dinners, New Years Eve and spring parish dances, late Conception Parish) and several parish organization-sponsored flea mar- kets. All efforts to revive the once popular and well- attended annual parish picnics of the past met with interest by a few, and an expansive disinterest by many. There was not enough interest or energy to carry out another parish picnic. Disinterest was dis- played on other occasions as well. For example, speakers were invited to address the parish at services in building the stable, Christmas crib and evening meetings during Lent and Advent. Unfortu- decorations in the church at Christmas, on Holy nately only a small number of parishioners turned Thursday, Good Friday and at Easter. Parishioners out to attend these Adult Education seminars. who were very active in these efforts include: Helen Korpiel, Nellie Yokum, Gladys Perhosky, Joe FAITHFUL SERVICE Marszalek, Joe Tasz, Gert Pruss, Stella Kwiecien, Stella Cook, Mary Figura, John Cyprowski, Joe Without hesitation, though, the same families Sudakjim Bond,Jim Nightengale, Mike Mazur, Ron who had helped for years continued to offer their Mazur, Mr. and Mrs. David Hockabout, John Mucha II and John Mucha III, Julie Slusarczyk, Ted Michalski, Joe Szramowski, Frank Sikorski, John Kopia, Stan Hulton and many others.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Fr. Garvey regularly attended and encouraged the two small parish organizations that met month- ly for business and social purposes: The Ushers Club, and the Immaculate Conception Ladies Guild. Small groups of faithful and devoted men and women took part in the Eucharistic Liturgy as Flooding was a common occorrence in Carnegie from the very earliest days. The "old" Immaculate Conception Church on Jane Street was fre- Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. Two musicians - quently flooded when Chartiers Creek overflowed it banks. Parishioners Antionette Ward, and Ronald Mazur, Pharm. D., were recruited to help bail out the basement and clean up the debris that remained when the flood waters receded. served the parish as Organists. A small choir practiced weekly, sang at the 9:30 a.m. mass each Sunday and for special parish services, especially the Annual Eucharistic Day.Two altar boys Neal Nighten- gale, and Ed Zbezinski were trained by Fr. Garvey and served Sunday mass regularly. In their absence, the ushers served at the altar. For several years, the Ladies Guild planned and attended a Day of Reflection at a local retreat house. Members of the Ushers Club began to participate in an annual weekend retreat at St. Paul Retreat House, South Side. The Parish Council, which was made up of

Immaculate Conception School Band. Photo - 1970. men and women who were elected from among (Photo - Archives: Immaculate Conception Parish) the parishioners, met quarterly to advise Fr. Jim

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACUIATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 24 ioners was minimal because each family was responsible for grass cutting and grave main- tenance on the family burial plot, litis practice kept parish cemetery costs to a minimum. As part of the Reorganization/Revitalization effort, the people of the parish received printed invitations inviting them to attend two Town Hall meetings. At the first Town Hall meeting in Febru- PARISH COUNCIL (L-R) First row: Gertrude Pruss, Joyce Ballack, ary 1990, many older parishioners requested that Regina Rogowski, Susan Butera, Constance Kapton the parish provide grass cutting service at Immacu- Second row: James Longo, Stanley Hulton, Allen Turske (President), Fr. Jim Garvey (Pastor), Steve Jaron, Robert Zubik, Leo Lisowski, late Conception Cemetery. In most cases, the fami- Ronald Mazur (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) lies in the parish were older.There were no longer Garvey on many matters. Not the least of these had physically able to lift heavy mowers in and out of to do with temporalities and the maintenance and the trunk of the car so that they could attend to repair of the parish buildings. The rectory roof the family burial plots. began to leak. It was found that the roof had to be Fr. Garvey contacted the Catholic Cemetery Asso- replaced. This work was undertaken and complet- ciation. During the summer, 1990, The Cemetery ed and a new shingle roof was installed. A year Association sent consultants to the parish to meet later, the Temporalities Committee recommended with him and the Parish Council, to review condi- that instead of painting the rectory at 425 Broad- tions at the parish cemetery, and make recommenda- way Extension, aluminum siding would provide tions. The extremely low cost of a single grave better insulation, and retain more vivid color over ($40.00) was seen to be completely unrealistic in the the years. John Cyprowski and his son John both closing decade of the 20th century. It was recom- members of the parish, installed the aluminum sid- mended that if the parish was to pay for the cost of ing in less than a week at considerable savings to grass cutting and maintenance at the Cemetery, then the parish. Some consideration was given to repair the cost should be increased from $40.00 per single or re-paving the church parking lot, but this work grave to $250.00 per single grave.This price con- was never initiated. In the spring 1992, during an formed with the charges made by other Catholic and inspection of the church, Diocesan workers from public cemeteries in the area. The objective was to the Office of Property and Planning discovered invest any additional income (after expenses) so that that the church roof was leaking and needed to be eventually a small fund could be built up which replaced. Bids were solicited, and this work was completed in September 1992 at a cost of $24,289.00.The people took great pride in the fact that their parish church property, including the grass, shrubs and flowers, was always well main- tained and kept in good repair. Much of this work was done by volunteers from the parish who gen- erously shared their time and skills.

CHANGES AT THE PARISH CEMETERY

St. Ignatius Parish was formed from Immaculate Conception Parish in 1902. In 1903 ground was pur- MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST chased for a parish cemetery on Swallow Hill Road, (L-R) First row: Annella Rogowski, Joseph Rogowski, Regina Rogowski Second row: Josephine Grendys, Rose Marie Skiba, Fr. Jim Gaivey, in ScottTownship.This land was partitioned between Bernie Jaron, Carol Nightingale, Gertrude Pruss the two Polish parishes. For years and years, the cost Third row: Geraldine Bobble, Joseph Tasz, Allen Turske, Nellie Spinda, Steve Jaron, Stanley Hulton, James Nightingale, Jeanne Varidervort, of burial plots tor Immaculate Conception parish- Edward Vandervort (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 25 would generate income and thereby enable parish to provide continuing care in the parish cemetery.The people of the parish were generally in favor of this new arrangement, and the plan was put into action. Andrew Budzik, a parishioner was hired the summer of 1991 to take care of grass cutting and maintenance at the parish cemetery. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LADIES GUILD (L-R) First row: Kathleen Brown, Clara Marsh, Stella Kwiecień, Regina Rogowski Second row: Stella Gates, Gertrude Pruss, Telma DeGoa, Annella Rogowski, Catherine Adamski Third row: Helen Sikorski, Eleanor Kitt, Nellie Yokim, Fr. Jim Garvey, Helen Korplel, Sophie Brown, Bernie Jaron (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer)

of the World. This well-respected standing was earned by the men and women who processed coal, ore, iron, glass and fabric to fashion the ships, armaments and weapons that were requisite to a united national effort during World War II. After the USHERS war, citizens throughout the country sought to sat- (L-R) First row: Michael Hendzel, Ted Michalskl, Andrew Opalanko isfy a voracious appetite for major household appli- Second row: Chester Michalskl, Joseph Tasz, Fr. Jim Garvey, Andrew Skiba, Frank Sikorski ances and consumer goods. Because of this demand Third row: Michael Spinda, Joseph Szramowskl, for consumer items, major construction projects Joseph Rogowski, Leo Lisowski, Stanley Hulton and home-building across the land, the enterprise Fourth row: Frank Stys, James Brown, Steve Jaron, Andrew Budzik, James Nightingale (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) to export steel for new construction and rebuilding much of Europe and the Orient, there were many RELIGIOUS EDUCATION employment opportunities on the railroads, in coal Each parish is responsible for providing religious mines, steel mills, factories and fabrication shops up instructions for the adults and children of the parish. and down the Allegheny River, Monongahela River Since there were so few families of childbearing age and Ohio River valleys. There was prosperity in the at Immaculate Conception in the mid/late 1980's, land for management and labor unions alike. there were not enough school-age children in the Beginning in the late 1950 s and early 1960 s, parish to begin a series of Confraternity of Christian major industries began to decline in the broader Doctrine (CCD) classes. Through an arrangement Pittsburgh community. Many were able to hang on, with the pastors of neighboring parishes in but seasonal layoffs became all too common. Carnegie, the children from Immaculate Conception Because there was less demand for steel, there were were enrolled in the CCD Classes offered by these fewer employment opportunities in steel-related parishes and there received sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The parish also helped to underwrite the cost of tuition for students from parish families who elected to attend Catholic grade and high schools.The absence of young adults was also reflected in the fact that only a few weddings and baptisms were scheduled each year (see Appendix C).

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY LECT0RS (L-R) First row: Annella Rogowski, Anna Pierzny, Barbara Marszalek Local history books from the 1940's through Second row: Kathleen Brown, Allen Turske, Fr. Jim Garvey, Susan Kapton, Jeanne Vandervort the 1960 s often called Pittsburgh the Steel Capital Third row: John Mucha, Regina Rogowski (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 26 industries (railroads, eoal mines, fabrication shops, etc.) While it is impossible to precisely pinpoint the moment of decline for Pittsburgh as the Steel Capi- tal of the World, this writer holds the opinion that the failure of steel companies to modernize their employees began to be laid off along with own steel-producing facilities, and incredible infla- union/hourly employees. Companies who tion that characterized the years when Jimmy Carter persisted and were successful in securing was president (1977 to 1981) triggered a major orders for their products recognized that they had industrial decline in the Pittsburgh region. to cut costs just to remain in business. Union con- President Ronald Reagan, who followed Presi- tracts were renegotiated; hourly pay rates and fringe dent Carter in the White House, cooled off the benefits were reduced; work rules were changed; inflation by allowing interest rates to increase dra- cost of living increases were reduced or eliminated; matically. Corporations soon discovered that they those who had once been full time employees were could make a more substantial profit to pass along lucky to hold part-time jobs. In some cases only to stockholders by investing their surplus capital employees with many years of seniority were able reserves at interest rather than engage in manufac- to hold a job. Often enough that job was not the turing products for the marketplace. A by-product skilled trade of a journey-man, but the lowest paying of investing at interest enabled them to avoid deal- work of common labor. ing with suppliers, trade unions, work rules, and the need to hire and train employees. Unfortunate- PARISH AND COMMUNITY ly, quality control began to deteriorate rapidly in LOSE FAMILIES many industries not only in Pittsburgh, but across the nation. Manufacturers, who had given in to Families began to move out of the six county union demands for higher wages and ever increas- Pittsburgh region in search of employment. Com- ing benefits, could no longer sell their products in parisons between the I960 figures and the 1980 depressed national and international markets. figures for Catholics in the Diocese of Pittsburgh Often they were unable to compete in terms of indicates that in this 20 year period the Diocese cost and quality control with finished product lost more than 100,000 members -the equivalent of 'imports' from foreign countries. One solution - twenty-five large parishes. Yet few parishes were thought by many to be temporary -was found: fur- closed during this period. The number of parish- lough union (hourly) employees to cut costs. ioners in traditional ethnic parishes in the Alleghe- ny River, Monongahela River and Ohio River Val- In a cyclical economy layoffs in the basic steel ley's began to decline. There were more and more industry were not unexpected. They had occurred senior citizens and fewer and fewer younger fami- before. Usually after a few months, when contracts lies. In 1990 Allegheny County was discovered to for new work were signed, the men had been called have the second highest population of senior citi- back to mills and factories. In the late 1970's and zens in the United States. As the population contin- early 1980's cyclical layoffs occurred; the rehiring ued to age, and younger families moved away, many did not. The safety net that had been put in place parish grade schools were closed, or consolidated. -unemployment compensation, and supplemental Parish families who remained struggled under the pay from major employers -sustained many families load of increasing expenses, and less income. through tough times. When unemployment com- pensation and supplemental pay were exhausted, many had to turn to the State Welfare System for Public Assistance and food stamps. Skilled well-paid workers discovered to their disgust that the corpora- tions which had employed them for many years were going out of business at an alarming rate. Moreover, there were no equivalent jobs to be found in the Pittsburgh area.The market was oversupplied with experienced, skilled machinists, welders, wheelwrights, and basic steel workers who were (L-R) John Kopia, Helen Korplel, Fr. Jim Garvey, Rose Marie Skiba, searching for employment.Middle management Andrew Skiba, Mike Mazur (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer)

SALT Oi 1HE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 BISHOP BEVILACQUA AND DIOCESAN STRUCTURE

Upon the retirement of Bishop Vincent M. Leonard in 1983, Bishop Anthony Bevilacqua was appointed Bishop of Pittsburgh by Pope John Paul Sister Margaret Mary, Father James Olko (Pastor) and the proud graduat- II. Bishop Bevilacqua was installed as the tenth Bish- ing class - Immaculate Conception School (Photo - Archives: Immaculate op of the Pittsburgh Diocese, Dec. 12, 1983. Bevilac- Conception Parish) qua immediately began to address some of the problems facing the Diocese. He consulted experts and Revitalization in parishes throughout the Dio- both within and outside the Diocese. He directed cese. The objective was to provide each parish that an internal study should be carried out, and with greater clarity about its mission and min- that proposals be developed to address reorganiza- istries, and to direct each parish to address the tion of the administrative structure and the parishes issues of needed and available resources.There was of the Diocese. Bishop Bevilacqua was able to begin also the hope that parishes could share human and the implementation of the reorganized Diocesan physical resources, encourage new leadership to Administrative structure -a secretariat model - emerge, foster vocations to the priesthood and reli- before he was transferred from Pittsburgh and gious life, help parishioners become aware of the installed as the Archbishop of Philadelphia Feb. 11, nature of the parish and its potential for growth, 1988.Work on reorganization of parishes through- and help to foster an authentic sense of Church out the Diocese was to come later. among the people of the Diocese. The Reorganization-Revitalization Program of BISHOP WUERL AND DIOCESAN WIDE the Diocese of Pittsburgh (1989-1994) resulted in PARISH REORGANIZATION/ astounding changes within the Diocese.The formal REVITALIZATION stage of active Parish Reorganization/Revitalization began in October 1989. The Diocese sent out over Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, who had been born 50,000 survey forms to Catholic households (indi- and raised in Pittsburgh (Mt. Washington), was viduals and families chosen in a random sampling appointed the eleventh Bishop of Pittsburgh Feb. from each of 332 parishes) throughout the six 12,1988 and liturgically installed March 25,1988.lt country area that makes up the Diocese of Pitts- fell to Bishop Wuerl to continue the reorganization burgh. One hundred seventeen households in of Diocesan Administrative structure begun by Immaculate Conception Parish received this sur- Bishop Bevilacqua. Even as Diocesan administrative vey. Sixty-two parishioners (53%) responded. This structures were being reviewed and revised, Wuerl first Phase is remembered as The Parish Self-Study began to work out detailed plans for the widest period. The objective was to effect a self-assess- possible consultation concerning Reorganization ment of the vitality of each parish in five areas of parish life - (1) Community, (2) Worship, (3) Serv- ice, (4) Education and (5) Administration. The Diocese was apportioned into sections. Contiguous parishes were grouped together in clusters. These clusters were planning districts for the purpose of reorganization and revitalization of neighboring parishes or parishes in the same town. The five Roman Catholic parishes and one mission church in Carnegie were included in the CHOIR Carnegie Cluster. There were nine clusters and (L-R) Ronald Mazur (Organist), Antoinette Ward (Organist), sixty-four parishes in the First Phase of the Reorga- Fr. Jim Garvey, Michael Mazur, John Kopia, Helen Korpiel, Joseph Szramowskl, Frank Sikorski (Photo by: David W. VanDeveer) nization-Revitalization in the Diocese.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 28 PHASE I - REORGANIZATION Phase I of the Reorganization was begun in Jf 4Ct October 1989. It ended in June 1990. After consulta- tion with the Parish Council, Fr. Garvey appointed lization process. During Phases I and II para- two parishioners to serve as Project Director and meters had been established. These parame- Associate Director for the parish. A Parish Task ters became the meat for discussion at the Cluster Force of more than twenty parishioners was Task Force meetings that involved all five parishes formed and divided into committees. The commit- in Carnegie: Holy Souls, St. Luke, St. Ignatius, St. tees undertook an in-depth parish self-study, made Joseph and Immaculate Conception. Each of the assessments and discussed questions as they five parishes was represented at these meetings by applied particularly to Immaculate Conception its pastor, and several parishioners who served as Parish.Two Parish Town Hall Meetings were held in Cluster Task Force members. Cluster Task Force Immaculate Conception Parish - one in the winter, Members for Immaculate Conception Parish were: the other in the fall, 1990. Fr. Garvey realized the Fr. James W. Garvey, James Longo, Stella Kwiecień, importance of these meetings and sent printed invi- Eleanor Kitt and Steve Jaron. Cluster Task Force tations to each family on the parish offertory-enve- members from St. Ignatius Parish were: Fr. Edward lope-mailing list inviting them to attend. More than Trzeciakowski, Henry Andrejasik, Genevieve Fran- 100 people attended, observed and raised questions cis, & Genevieve Chatowski. Task Force members at the First Town Hall Meeting, Feb. 20,1990. from Holy Souls Parish were: Fr. Richard Paluse, Lou LokoskyAnna Schirripa, Lawrence Harkovich &Ter- PHASE II - REORGANIZATION rence R. Cummings. From St. Joseph Parish, Cluster Phase II of the Reorganization/Revitalization Task Force Members were: Fr. Bernard O'Brien, Process was known as Realistic Envisioning and Col- Carol M. Herbert, Mary McGuire, Eva Netzel and laborative Decision Making period. The objective Don Snyder. Cluster Task Force members from St. was a self-assessment of the viability of each parish. Luke parish were; Fr. Michael MacVeigh, Fr. Joseph In light of Diocesan guidelines the committee Pudichery, Jack Muenz, Norm Bradel and John sought to find out if a parish was in need of major Remensky. St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, a mission reorganization. One of the parameters in the Reorga- served by St. Luke Parish, sent the following repre- nization guidelines was that if one (or more) of the sentatives to the Carnegie Cluster Task Force meet- parishes in a Cluster needed reorganization, then ings: Joanne Carlowski and Helen Moretti. the whole cluster was to participate in the reorgani- zation. Immaculate Conception parish submitted a CARNEGIE CLUSTER TASK FORCE response to the Diocesan guidelines noting that Diocesan officials were invited to Cluster Task Immaculate Conception was in need of reorganiza- Force meetings (which were rotated from parish to tion. There was an anonymous peer review of our parish response. On some cases, parishes appealed to a Board of Hearing if they were not satisfied with the decision of the peer review committee.) The Executive Committee at the Diocesan Level reviewed all recommendations in light of all avail- Christmas Nativity Scene, December, 1988 (Photo - able information and made recommendations to Archives: Immaculate Bishop Wuerl. These recommendations were taken Conception Parish) by Bishop Wuerl to the Presbyterial Council for pre- sentation, review and lively discussion before a vote was taken. Phase II of the Reorganization/ Revitaliza- tion ended in September 1991. From Sept. 1991, through October 1992, each of the 64 parishes in the nine clusters that were part of the First Reorganization-Revitalization effort entered the Collaborative Planning and Imple- mentations phase of the Reorganization/Revita-

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 ing each Cluster Task Force meeting in the Sunday bulletin at Immaculate Conception so that the parishioners could be kept fully informed. After months and months of Cluster Task Force meet- parish in Carnegie) to facilitate dialogue, ings, and hours and hours of discussion, a consen- ['hey also provided objective information, helped sus was reached. in interpreting guidelines and parameters that had The Carnegie Cluster Task Force made the fol- been established, and served as enablers in helping lowing recommendation15 to the Bishop: That all the Carnegie Cluster Task Force reach consensus. five parishes and one mission in Carnegie should Careful minutes (see Appendix F) were taken at be suppressed, and that one new parish should be each Cluster Task Force meeting in Carnegie.These formed which would serve the Catholic popula- minutes were distributed to each parish in tion in the whole Carnegie area. Within this 'one Carnegie, and were published the Sunday follow- new parish' it was proposed that three existing church buildings/properties should be used: (1) Holy Souls, (2) St. Ignatius and (3) St. Luke. The Parish School at St. Ignatius Parish had closed in the spring, 1992. It was hoped that the school at St. Luke's would serve as the school for the new parish. It was also recommended that there should be seven weekend masses, and collaborative min- istries to the community. Members of The Cluster Task Force suggested and submitted more than 20 different names for the new parish. The Reorganization-Revitalization Process in the Carnegie Cluster did not take place in a vacu- Rev. Joseph Turek Rev. Stanislaus Wasek, C.P. um. In an effort to communicate with the widest possible audience, the Diocese Communications Office had run many articles in The Pittsburgh Catholic. During most of the time Cluster Task Force meetings were underway, The Pittsburgh Press newspaper was not being printed because employees were on strike. Because The Pittsburgh No Photo Available Post-Gazette was printed at The Pittsburgh Press neither daily paper was available to the reading audience in Pittsburgh. T.V. Channels, however, made it a point to cover the Reorganization-Revital- ization as a news story. One Sunday morning, Chan- nel 11 sent a reporter and a T.V camera crew to

Rev. Louis Reczek Sr. Mary Salome Wolnowski, CSSF photograph the 12 noon mass at Immaculate Con- ception, ask candid comments from parishioners and briefly interview Fr. Garvey. The Carnegie Min- isterial Association asked that the Reorganization effort be addressed at one of their regular meetings and explained fully.They wanted objective informa- tion and to avoid being misinformed by the increasingly inaccurate and uninformed rumors that were circulating widely in the community. The recommendations of the Carnegie Cluster Task Force were submitted to Bishop Wuerl and the Executive Committee at the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop Wuerl took the recommendation and con- Sr. Mary Boniface Chwilka, CSSF Sr. Mary Joan Smialek, CSSF sulted with various canonical bodies in the Diocese.

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 30 PHASES III - REORGANIZATION - TOUGH DECISIONS Friday, July 24, 1992, Fr. Garvey, the other priests of Carnegie (and all clergy who were in any proceeds resulting from the sale of any way affected by the Reorganization-Revitalization parish properties will pass to the successor decisions effecting the first nine clusters and 64 territorial parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. parishes) were invited by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl Fr. Richard Paluse, pastor of Holy Souls parish, to attend a meeting at St. Paul Seminary, Crafton. At is slated to retire. Fr. Bernard O'Brien of St. Joseph the meeting final decisions concerning the First Parish is also retire. Fr. Jim Garvey of Immaculate Cluster Reorganization/Ilevitalization were Conception Parish is to be reassigned to St. Charles announced. The following Sunday, July 26, 1992, Fr. Lwanga Parish, a newly formed parish in the East Garvey spoke from the pulpit to the people of End that is made up of six suppressed parishes in Immaculate Conception Parish and informed them the East Liberty, Homewood/Brushton/East Hills that after 99 years their parish - and the other four community. Fr. Michael MacVeigh, and Fr. Joseph parishes in Carnegie - would be closed forever at Pudichery, Ph.D., of St. Luke Parish are to be reas- the end of October 1992. After wide consultation, signed to St. Norbert Parish, Overbrook. Fr. Edward much discussion and many meetings with the peo- Trzeciakowski is assigned as one of the Team Priests ple, all five parishes in Carnegie were to be sup- in the newly formed St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. pressed. The recommendation of the Carnegie Clus- After nearly three years of study, reflection and ter Task Force had been accepted. The one new discussion on the widest possible level, the Reorga- parish that would serve the needs of the people of nization/Revitalization process sought to address Carnegie was to be named after the first many of the outstanding problems facing Catholic American-born saint: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. parish communities in the first nine (9) clusters in the Diocese. These problems include: The dwin- THE NEW PARISH dling number of active parishioners, fewer clergy, The boundaries of the new St. Elizabeth Ann multiplicity of weekend masses, need to provide Seton parish are the same as the boundaries of the for the most equitable care of all God's people in former St. Luke Parish. The parish will serve the the community, and the most prudent use of finan- Catholic faithful who live within these boundaries cial, material and human resources. and those who belong to the five suppressed parishes in Carnegie. The cemeteries of St. Luke, Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph and St. Ignatius are continued in service in the new parish. Admin- istrative Center for the new parish is the rectory of the present St. Luke Parish. A team of three priests serves the new parish: Fr. Richard Lelonis is Moder- ator of the Team. Two other team priests are to serve the parish: Fr. John Arnott and Fr. Edward Trzeciakowski. The new parish came into existence Nov. 1 1992, the Feast of All Saints. It is expected that the new St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will use the church buildings, recto- ries, convents and school buildings that made up the former parishes of St. Luke, St. Ignatius and Holy Souls. The new parish may (or may not) use the land and buildings of St. Vincent de Paul Mis- sion, Walkers Mill, St. Joseph and Immaculate Con- ception in Carnegie. However, if these buildings/properties are not used by the new parish, and if they axe sold, the Most Rev. Donald W. The Pieta in the vestibule of the Church. Wuerl, S.T.D., Bishop of Pittsburgh, decreed that (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey)

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 31 MASS OF THANKSGIVING AND APPRECIATION DINNER

The people of Immaculate Conception Parish In a letter dated July 24, 1992 and were invited to attend a Parish Day ofThanksgiving addressed to the people of Immaculate and Appreciation, beginning with Eucharistic Litur- Conception, Bishop Wuerl said: "...I offer gy Sunday Oct. 4, 1992, and followed by a banquet special prayers and a pledge of diocesan support to at Norwood Party House in Bridgeville. Serving on help you through what might be a difficult transi- the Committee to plan this event were: Jim Longo, tion .. .The church building that has been your spir- Bob Zubik, Gert Pruss, Mike Mazur and Fr. Jim Gar- itual home will no longer be used for worship. The vey. Two hundred twenty-five people made reserva- establishment of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish is a tions to attend this day of appreciation in obser- moment of new beginnings for the Catholic Church vance of ninety-nine years of service to the people in Carnegie." As the ushers at Immaculate Concep- of the parish and the community. All living former tion distributed a copy of Bishop Wuerl's letter to pastors -Fr. James Olko, Fr. Walt Dworak and Fr.Ted each parishioner at mass Saturday evening, July 25, Rutkowski -were invited to concelebrate the mass, and Sunday, July 26, 1992, many people from the attend the banquet and share their recollections parish wept openly.The parish they loved was to be with the people. As a surprise, Fr. Garvey, used his closed forever (see Appendix G). photography skills and made a 35mm color slide All official financial and office records, and all presentation of more than 100 photos and docu- sacramental records for Baptism, Holy Eucharist, ments from the parish archives showing the first Confirmation, Marriage, and burials were trans- Immaculate Conception Church, rectory and ferred to the custody and care of Father Richard school on Jane Street; Construction and dedication Lelonis at the new St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. of the new Immaculate Conception school and Records for Immaculate Conception Cemetery church at the Corner of Broadway and School were also transferred to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Streets; Photos of Sisters, teachers and children's Parish. Parishioners who need (or want) copies of classes from our parish school; and many people Baptism certificates, or other sacramental records involved in parish activities over the years. Each may obtain them by writing (or calling) St. Eliza- parishioner was given a medal of the Virgin Mary beth Ann Seton Parish. under the title of The Immaculate Conception, and a picture post card with a line-drawing of the pre- sent Immaculate Conception Church and School.

CLOSING THE PARISH

Immaculate Conception Parish was established during the final decade of the 19th century. The parish was closed during the last decade of the 20th Century. Some of the laity were so strongly opposed to the closing of Immaculate Conception Parish that they formed a committee of parishioners to protest against the suppression of the parish. The committee held public meet- ings in the parish school hall; fly- ers were printed and distributed The statue of the Sacred Heart is situated in the in the parish and the communi- sanctuary directly above the tabernacle and to the left The baptismal font in the sanctuary. of the altar of sacrifice. (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) ty; attempts were made to obtain

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 32 publicity in Carnegie and the Pittsburgh region. The committee drew up a petition requesting that m & the decision to close the parish be reconsidered. This petition was signed by parishioners and peo- ple of the community and forwarded to the Bish- Congress a national budget which would op. In the hope of making common cause with result in a deficit of $399.4 billion dollars16. others who were opposed to parishes being closed Bush's opponent in the national election for as a result of the Reorganization/Revitalization the presidency in November 1992 is Democratic effort in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the committee nominee Bill Clinton. met with lay representatives of other parishes Robert Casey was Governor of the State of which were slated to close. A small group of lay Pennsylvania, Sophie Masloff was the Mayor of the people from the suppressed parishes of Immacu- City of Pittsburgh, and Albert Falcioni was the late Conception, Carnegie and St. Michael, South mayor of the Borough of Carnegie. Side (Pittsburgh, PA) filed a civil suit October 29, On the international scene, in 1992,Yitzak 1992 in Allegheny County (G.D.# 19088-B) against Rabin became prime minister of Israel. Israeli and Bishop Wuerl and the Diocese. At the time of this Arab representatives continued meetings in Wash- publication (fall 1994), there is no resolution of ington, D.C. in the hope of achieving peace in the this civil suit in the court. Middle-East. Other events and happenings in the closing Rioting erupted in Los Angeles, CA after a jury decade of the 20th Century were these. His Holi- acquitted four police officers of beating Rodney

The second Station of the Cross Our Lady ot Częstochowa Bronze relief of our Holy Father Pope John Paul II (bronze relief) in the vestibule of the Church. positioned on the wall at the back of the church (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey) near the entrance. (Photo by: Fr. Jim Garvey)

ness, Pope John Paul II, continued to carry out the King. Unemployment dropped slightly from 7.3% teachings of the Second Vatican Council. He in March to 7.2% in April 1992. The government worked for, and encouraged the Church to work reported 14.2% of the population (35.7 million for justice, peace, and the cause of life. In 1992,The people) were living with income below the pover- Holy Father underwent surgery to remove his gall ty line ($9,430.00 per year for a family of two per- bladder, and a tumor from his colon. The whole of sons). Johnny Carson retired after twenty-nine Christendom prayed for his speedy recovery. years as the host of the late night TV. talk show: George Bush was serving the 4th year of his first "The Tonight Show." The likeness of rock and roll term as President of the United States. In January pop singer Elvis Presley appeared on 29 cent 1992, Bush announced proposals to reduce our postage stamps. national nuclear arsenal, and deal with the ravages Fr. Jim Garvey read the official letter from of economic recession. He presented to the Bishop Wuerl (see Appendix 11) at all masses

SALT OF THE EARTH - A HISTORY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, CARNEGIE, PA. 1893-1992 33