History Holy Family Church in Pittsfield, MA. 75th Anniversary Holy Family Church, Pittsfield, MA, p CAP at Orchard Lake.

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1 History Holy Family Church in Pittsfield, MA. 75th Anniversary Holy Family Church, Pittsfield, MA, p CAP at Orchard Lake. The history of the Holy Family Church is the story of men and women who had a dream a dream for a better life for themselves and their children. They were men and women with strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands. Man passes away, his name may be forgotten, yet his influence prevails because of his accomplishments, his contributions to his fellow men, his perseverance to his ideals and his devotion to God. So it was with the founders of our parish and their successors. The major influx of Polish immigrants began in 1891 when men and women banded together and sailed to America to begin a new life. Alexander Kruczkowski was one of the first settlers of the major migration, according to city records. He found employment at the Berkshire Woolen Mill. His skill and industriousness impressed his employer who then encouraged Alexander to invite other Poles to settle in Pittsfield. Once the people felt their material needs were satisfied, their eyes turned upward -- for man does not live on bread alone he has higher aspirations. Since the Polish population was spreading to other parts of the city there was a need for unification. Organizations were formed for mutual support, preser vation of Polish culture and spiritual heritage. Men and women met to organize clubs and eventually a Polish parish. Establishment of Organizations The St. Joseph's Society was founded on January 24, Approximately 20 people met at the Kruczkowski home on Peck's Road to elect officers with their first project to raise money that would aid the Polish seminary at Orchard Lake, Michigan. Members also voted to buy or build a hall for meetings. A building was so badly needed that the organization donated a large sum of money to the Polish Falcons who where constructing their hall so that the community could have a meet ing place to discuss mutual problems and ideas. The Holy Name of Jesus was founded in 1910 within the framework of the Polish-Roman Catholic Union which was dedicated to work for the welfare of their church, country and fellow men. 1

2 Polish Falcons of America There was another need to be satisfied ~ to preserve Polish culture its language and customs. A group of men headed by John Ulma and John Wojciechowski met at Peck's Hall in June, 1914 and formed the Polish Falcons of America. They adopted as their motto: "mens sana in corpore sano", which means "a sound mind prevails in a sound body." The organization's purpose is to per petuate the Polish language and heritage, stem delinquency, and develop healthy bodies through gymnastics and folk dancing. John Wojciechowski Stanley Lekarczyk started instruction in the Polish language. For the benefit of the children as well as parents, he established a Polish library of more than 2,000 volumes and asked publishers of Polish newspapers to send complimentary copies so our community could keep abreast of current events in America and abroad. Establishment of the Parish As the Polish population grew there were 51 Polish marriages recorded in Pittsfield be tween 1907 and Marriages then were recorded by nationalities. The Polish settlers wanted religious services in their own building and language. Up to this time, visiting priests came to conduct services and missions. Considering this in-adequate, members of the Polish - Roman Catholic Union met in 1912 in the pasture near Adam Loboda's home on Onota Street They planned to send Joseph Zuorski, Stanley Pisiewski and Joseph Ziemak to Springfield to meet with Bishop Beaven to form a Polish parish. Through the intercession of Father Francis Kolodziej, Pastor of St. Stanislaw Kostka Church in Adams, the Bishop agreed to their request by appointing Rev. Boleslaw Bojanowski in December, 1912 to establish the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God. Father Bojanowski arrived in Pittsfield on Janu ary 18, Since there was no building to hold services, Mass was celebrated in the basement of St. Charles Church through the courtesy of the pastor Rev. William Dowd. During the three months of his ministry, Father Bojanowski established the Rosary Society to aid the new parish. The charter members, Antonia Ziemak, Tekla Para, Amelia Ekiert, Anna Surowicz Smith and Teofila Szymanski helped to raise money for vestments, books and other church needs. Rev. Victor Zarek succeeded Father Bojanowski in April, His goal was to pro-vide parishioners with their own church. On June 13, 1913 he purchased the Titus Eddy property on Linden Street (now the home of the Polish Community Club) in the Bishop's name for $30,000. Father Zarek's plans included remodeling the house into a chapel. In 1917 he enlisted as chaplain in the Polish army forming in Canada to help the fight-ing effort of the European allies during World War I. 2

3 Larger Church Needed A year later Rev. Waclaw Maleniewski arrived from Canada to succeed Father Zarek. A young, dynamic priest, he too, had bold plans for the parish. In 1921, he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Stanczyk, who was ordained four years earlier and was serving as curate at St. Joseph's Church in Webster, one of the oldest and largest Polish parishes in New England. Soon after Father Stanczyk's arrival he began to look for a suitable site for a larger church because of the expansion and growth of both the Polish community and their parish. In 1922, the Pittsfield Street Railway listed its property on Seymour Street for sale. Because of its price and central location Father encouraged parishioners Joseph Ziemak, Albert Tarnawa and Adam Loboda to meet with the city officials for the purchase of this property. Extensive remodeling resulted in the building with construction of a rectory, hall, sanctuary and church with a seating capacity of 450. Renovations and sale price of the building were $68,500. In 1923, Father Stanczyk petitioned Bishop Thomas O'Leary for a change in the name and patronage of the parish. Bishop O'Leary agreed to the expansion of the Blessed Mother's motherhood to include, not only her role as Mother of God, but also as Mother of God's people. The Bishop also allowed the addition of St. Joseph as the protector of the church and Our Lord Jesus as one of the pa trons of the new parish structure with its new name. Thus, the parish community of Poles now came to be known as "The Church of the Holy Family". On January 4, 1925 the first child, Stanley Tysziewski, was baptized in the newly named, renovated and consecrated church. The parish owes a great debt of gratitude to Father Stanczyk which we can only repay by saying "Bog Zaplac". During his stay, not only did he perform his pastoral duties, but he also acted as sole religious teacher, and jack-of-all trades. Need To Preserve Heritage Concern again arose about the preservation and installation of the Polish language, culture, and traditions. So Father Stanczyk arranged to have summer classes at Russell School. Two clerics, John Skowronski and Joseph Topor and a parishioner Peter Paciorek were enlisted to teach the language and culture. The Polish National Alliance donated books to be used by more than 400 students. Rev. Valentine Teclaw was assigned as the fifth pastor in 1929 during one of the most devastating periods in American history the Depression. An innovative, charismatic, and able administrator, he soon gained the respect, not only of his parishioners, but also the community. In spite of the Depression, the religious fervor of the parish did not waiver. Polish organizations continued to thrive and work for the good of the church. Father Teclaw initiated many changes in the parish. A new central heating system was installed, bell tower built, bell installed, church lighting replaced, new organ added, and the church redecorated inside and out. 3

4 It was in the course of the renovation and redecoration of the church that three large wall murals, depicting the newly canonized Andrew Bobola, the Prodigal Son, and the Immaculate Conception, were installed. Eight smaller paintings depicting St. Valentine, St. Stanislaus -- Bishop and Martyr, St. Veronica, Our Lady of Ostrobrama, St. Bronislawa, St. Cecelia, St. Casimir and St. Stanislaus Kostka, were also commissioned and installed as ceil ing decorations. Paintings Commissioned The murals and paintings were done by a Polish artist and church renovator, William Twarog, from Adams, Mass. with the assistance and guidance of artists Anthony Amato and Mr. Mundo (an artist of renown for the Chicago Historical Association). These commissioned works were paid for through contributions from parish societies: Rosary Sodality, Widow's Society, Altar Society, altar boys, Children of Mary, and St. Cecelia's choir. Some of the contributions also came from private individuals such as Adam and Maryann Loboda (O.L. of Ostrobrama), Father Teclaw (St. Valentine) and Father Skowronski. Father also acquired the services of the Felician nuns in 1942 and, most importantly, liquidated the parish debt. Father dedicated his life not only to deepening his flock's religious life, but also improving their material progress, Perhaps his greatest contribution was that through his efforts and example, the Polish people in Pittsfield began to be recognized for their industrial, commercial, social and civic worth. In 1937, the Holy Family Church observed its Silver Jubilee. It was a memorable occasion as the Jubilee Mass was celebrated by Rev. Zygmunt Baczkowski, the first parishioner to be ordained to the priesthood. According to Polish tradition, the Mass was preceded by a procession into the church under an Arch of Triumph. It had been erected at the main entrance and trimmed in blue, decorated with pink carnations (Poland's national flower which symbolizes "welcome"). Father Baczkowski, who studied at St. Augustine College in Toronto, was assigned to a parish in Canada and later became a Monsignor. During Father Teclaw's illness Father Szymczyk served as administrator and Rev. Ladislaus Rys became pastor in 1955 after Father Teclaw's death. Mothers' Guild Founded One of Father Rys' goals during the five years he spent at Holy Family was the construction of a school to teach children religion and Polish. He purchased an apartment house next to the church for the site. Father Rys also negotiated the purchase of the former Biedrzycki home on Seymour Street to house the Felician Sisters who served the parish as teachers of religion. During his stay he organized the social, fraternal and religious organizations into a central group consisting of delegates from each organization. In 1960, Father Rys was transferred to Springfield and succeeded by Rev. Henry Kreczko who acted for six months as administrator. Father Kreczko was instrumental in founding a new organization in the parish and enlisted the aid of Mrs. Thomas Flynn in forming the Mothers' Guild which during the years has been one of the most active and supportive of the church groups. 4

5 The Guild is primarily a religious organization consisting of mothers whose main purpose is to plan and promote spiritual and social events to benefit the children. A Christmas party, First Communion breakfast, Confirmation reception, graduation banquet at which scholarships are awarded are among their many projects. Members participate also in projects such as the annual Bazaar and lawn party. Through their donations of homemade pastries, handicrafts and other money raising projects they have given sub-stantial financial support to the church. Father John Klekotka, a former U.S. Army chaplain, succeeded Father Kreczko in While serving as pastor the parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee. In preparation for the event, Father organized the various activities for the observance. He arranged for the painting of the altar, the statues and improved the exterior of the church as well. When the Rosary Society observed its Golden Jubilee in 1964, Father was instrumental in making this a memorable occasion. A tribute was paid to the charter members of the organizations as well as to the chaplains. One of the best loved priests who served the parish was its adopted son, Rev. John Skowronski. Although he is a native of Adams, the parishioners think of Father John as its own. Father was known to the parish from his childhhood. He had taught the parish children religion and the Polish language. Father's teaching experience served him well as it was he who had to put into effect the many changes recommended by Vatican Council II. Father's patience and thorough instruction of the parishioners resulted in a smooth transition from the old to the new. During the time Father spent at Holy Family, the Millenium was celebrated at the church with a High Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by a dinner at the Falcon Hall. Pope Paul VI sent his blessings with a personal autograph. Perhaps Father Skowronski is best remembered for his work with the youth. In 1963 he received the coveted Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America for his contributions to that organization. Rev. Eugene Ozimek succeeded Father John who was assigned to the Holy Rosary Church in Springfield. Father Eugene is an accomplished pianist in both jazz and classical music and would often relieve the band pianist at social affairs. He also substituted for the organist at the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday and in his beautiful baritone voice introduced many of the new church hymns. Many New Improvements During his administration many improvements were made, such as the addition of the kitchen in the parish hall, redecorating of the parish hall, parking lot repaved, and modernizing the classrooms. He organized the Couples Club which met socially for dinner dances at the parish hall. He incorporated the young people into the Parish Council and conducted the high school Christian Doctrine classes. An extrovert by nature, Father was very active in community affairs, having served on the Licensing Board of the City of Pittsfield and chairing the Ethnic Fair for several years. The city showed 5

6 its appreciation for his efforts at a farewell party given him at the Club by city, state and federal officials as well as parishioners. In his nine years of service to the parish, he renewed the parish spirit and gave it a fresh outlook. One of the highlights of Father's pastorate occurred on July 12, 1970 when Holy Family was the scene of the ordination of Rev. Michael Twardzik, the second parishioner to be ordained to the priesthood. Father, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Twardzik, had served as an altar boy at Holy Family. Father Michael, having served as secretary to Bishop Maguire, is presently serving as Academic Dean of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. The Mass of Ordination was concelebrated by Bishop Christopher Weldon and Father Ozimek. On July 13, 1970 a Mass of Thanksgiving was offered by Father Twardzik with his classmates and Father Ozimek as concelebrants. Rev. John Smegal was the fourth parishioner to be ordained a priest on August 17, Father John is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Smegal and was ordained by Bishop Joseph Maguire. The parish again was the scene of the first Solemn Mass on August 18 concelebrated by Father John Smegal with Father Ozimek. Father John, following his ordination, was assigned to St. Mark and St. Francis Church and later named chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Massachusetts. Presently he is serving parishioners of St. Joseph's Church. Prior to his current assignment he was Director of Continuing Education for the priests in the diocese. Like Father Twardzik, Father Smegal studied at St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and later at Louvain University in Belgium. In December, 1977 Father Ozimek was transferred to Our Lady of Czestochowa pa-rish in Turners Falls. Father Banas Introduced In his farewell address to his parishioners, Father introduced his successor, Rev. Frederick Banas as an energetic, talented young priest who is an able administrator and fluent in the Polish language. The parish discovered Father Fred's many other fine attributes such as his dry sense of humor, his hearty laugh, his generosity, compassion, appreciation of people's efforts, and his leadership. Father's devotion to and interest in the parish community of the Holy Family has endeared him to his flock. His major undertaking is the refurbishing and restoration of the church in preparation for the Diamond Jubilee. The importance which parishioners attach to this observance is evidenced by their generous contributions to finance the work. For 75 years the parish community of Holy Family has served God and the community of Pittsfield through the preservation of and handing down to the next generation with the finest of Poland's traditions, customs, religious fervor, practices, and the Polish language. With the help of God's grace, we will continue to fulfill the dream of our founders; namely, a better life for them, ourselves, and our children, by honoring the past, living the present, and preparing well for the future. 6