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Holy Trinity Parish History
1903-Present
Holy
Trinity’s history has been marked by hard work, dedication,
sacrifice, and service from its founders, clergy, religious, and
parishioners. From its
simple beginnings in a single building, serving a small group of
Polish immigrants, Holy Trinity has grown and has become a strong,
vibrant part of the religious fabric of Phoenixville. According
to emigration records, there were about 200,000 Poles in the United
States in 1875. The
first wave of Poles to arrive in Phoenixville occurred in 1880.
On the testimony of Catherine Sliwinska, who arrived in
Phoenixville with her mother to join her father, John Miatkowski,
there were three other Polish families living here at the time,
their last names being Koltuniak, Robaszkiewicz, and Wroblewski.
The Polish people who arrived in Phoenixville in the late
1800’s faced many challenges.
They were unschooled in the ways of the new world; they had
no knowledge of the English language and were without the spiritual
ministrations of priests of their own nationality.
Consequently, they were exploited and depressed to some
extent. In time,
however, other ethnic groups settled in the town – Slovaks,
Ruthenians, and Ukrainians. Many
Poles found jobs with the Phoenix Iron Company and began to enjoy
the prosperity that the industry brought to Phoenixville.
The Poles first began to satisfy their spiritual needs by
attending St. Mary of the Assumption Church and, later, Sacred Heart
Church. In June 1901, a Polish priest, Father Stanislaus M. Olesinski,
began to visit Phoenixville and minister to the needs of the Polish
people and foster the spirit of God among them.
This continued for a year and a half, but the condition of
worshipping under “borrowed priests” could not long endure. In
July of 1903, after a profitable picnic, a group that had grown to
fifty families decided to organize their own parish and to apply for
a permanent rector.
Ladislaus Kabacinski, Jacob Luczak, and Peter Koltuniak
formed a committee and met with Bishop Patrick J. Ryan, DD.
Soon after, on August 9, 1903, the Bishop appointed Father
Marek Januszkiewicz as the first pastor of the new Polish parish.
When he arrived to serve the needs of the parish, he and the
parishioners recognized the need to establish a place of worship.
They purchased a building on Dayton Street for $1,200 that
had been used by St. Mary’s for various purposes.
This building, erected in 1831, was the first building
erected solely for educational purposes in the Borough of
Phoenixville and had been attended by the late Governor Samuel W.
Pennypacker. This
building served as their first church, and it was furnished with
meager ecclesiastical furnishings.
Peter Koltuniak, at a parish meeting, made a motion to name
the new parish “Swieta Trojca,” which translated to “Holy
Trinity.” All present agreed to the name, and that is how Holy Trinity
Parish began.
One of the earliest recorded baptisms was Helen Kamienska,
who was baptized by Father Olesinski on May 17, 1903.
She was the daughter of Teofil and Natalia Boguszewska, and
her godparents were Francis Klocki and Scholastica Boguszewska.
The first baptism by Father Januszkiewicz, the first pastor,
was Francis Dubis. The
son of John Dubis and Maryanna Bochko, he was baptized on August 9,
1903. His godparents
were Joseph Bochko and Theodosia Bienkowska.
Other early baptisms were Helen Sliwinska on August 23, 1903;
Helen Kosko, August 27, 1903; Bronislawa Badurek, September 13,
1903; and Veronica Sokol, September 20, 1903.
The early matrimonial records list the first wedding in the
new parish as that of Anthony Oszczepinski and Michalina Klocka.
They were married on September 6, 1903.
The marriages of Casimir Mankowski and Rosalia Klocka, on
October 17, 1903, and Bartholomeus Ciasnocha and Maryanna Grobek, on
January 22, 1905, were also listed in the early matrimonial records
of the church.
Father Januszkiewicz served the parishioners of Holy Trinity
until March 1904. In
May of the same year, Father John Rothenberger, a Jesuit, conducted
a mission and remained in the parish for a month as the pastor.
Two other priests, Father Teodor J. Maniecki and Father P. S.
Rydlewski, also served in the parish for a short time.
Father Maniecki served in June 1904, and Father Rydlewski
served to November 1904.
On November 1, 1904, Father Thomas Grenbowski became the next
pastor. Because the
parishioners passionately felt the need for a real church building,
they and Father Grenbowski organized their efforts and began to plan
for a new church and rectory. They
purchased land at the corner of St. Mary Street and Dayton Street
from Patrick Quinn. They
broke ground for the church in May 1907.
The church was to be 50 feet by 82 feet, with one story and a
basement. The foundation for a steeple was to be built with the
intention of completing it at a later time.
The ceiling of the church was to be 36 feet high and of a
concave shape. The
upper walls of the new building were to be of solid concrete, the
first concrete building in Phoenixville.
The construction contract was awarded to M. Lisowski of
Swarthmore. It was
expected to take six months to complete the construction. When interviewed in his home on Freemont Street by the local
newspaper, Father Grenbowski expressed his hope that the church
would be ready for occupancy by December 1 at the latest.
The
parishioners united in their efforts to build their church. The
building alone was estimated to cost $10,000.
The heating system and furniture costs would be added later.
Because the parishioners had $4,000 in their church fund, raised by
donations and entertainments, they took a mortgage for the remainder
of the costs. In order
to curtail the expense of building the new church, the men of the
parish answered Father Grenbowski’s call for volunteers to do the
excavating work. These
men, along with Father Grenbowski attired in work clothes, dug the
church cellar. Every night about 20 men, after having worked in the iron
mills all day, worked on the cellar by the light of an acetylene
lamp from about seven to nine o’clock when they stopped for the
night. The men who
worked in the mills all night took up their shovels and wheelbarrows
about eight o’clock in the morning and worked until ten o’clock
when they went to their homes for their rest.
The basement walls that these men constructed were made
entirely of rounded cobblestone, held together by some type of
cement or mortar. Due
to his transfer, Father Grenbowski did not see the buildings
completed. He was
transferred on November 10, 1907.
Father Stanislaus M. Olesinski returned to the parish as
pastor, serving from December 1, 1907 until June 26, 1910.
He had fostered the spirit of the church among the Polish
people in Phoenixville several years earlier as a visiting priest. While
Father Olesinski served as pastor, both the church and the rectory
were completed. The
Holy Rosary Society donated funds for the main altar and one side
altar. The St. John
Kanty Society purchased the other side altar.
The statues adorning the main altar were all hand sculpted
from wood. John
Piatkowski donated the statue of the Holy Trinity in the center of
the main altar.
From August to November of 1910, Father Francis Grzywacz
served as pastor. The
blessing of the church was solemnized on October 9, 1910 during his pastorate.
Even though the membership had not yet reached 100 families,
they had already paid for two-thirds of the original cost of $25,000
for the church in only seven years.
The blessing of the church was a memorable occasion and a
surprise to many of the citizens of Phoenixville because of the
elaborate ceremonies. Bishop
Edmond F. Prendergast dedicated the church.
Father Peter Masson, VF, who came from Mauch Chunk and who
was the head of the Polish and Slavish churches, celebrated the
Mass, and Father Mathew Kopytkiewicz, pastor of St. John Cantius
Parish, Bridesburg, delivered the sermon.
In addition to the pastor, there were about twenty church
officials and priests present, including Fathers Gustave Kraus,
Joseph Hello, James H. Gavin, Stanislaus M. Olesinski, and John
Doronznsky. After Mass,
Bishop Prendergast administered the sacrament of Confirmation to
seventy people.
Outside the church, the ceremonies were impressive.
Societies of Poles, including the Knights of St. Casimir, and
societies of Slavs came from Reading.
In addition to the 1,500 people from these societies, there
were four brass bands, including the celebrated Ringgold Band and
the Peerless Band. Two
special trains of ten cars each brought the delegation to
Phoenixville from Reading on the Reading Line.
Representatives from fraternal lodges came in uniform from
Philadelphia, Wilmington, Bridgeport, Conshohocken, Manayunk, and
Pottstown, which brought the total marching number to two thousand.
There were also about a thousand women, girls, and young men
not in uniform who came to participate in the ceremonies. There
was no organized parade, but the Reading societies arrived in town
and marched up Starr Street to Church Street, then marched to Main
Street, and then continued on to the church on Dayton Street.
A squadron of about 200 men in brilliant red uniforms with
brass trimmings, wearing high shining nickel helmets with white
plumes and swords at their sides lead the marchers.
According to The Daily Republican, “a foreigner of great proportions who
towered above his countrymen with imposing appearance was in
command, and issued orders in stentorian tones.”
Another society that was less brilliantly uniformed came
next. They were
followed by a group of boy soldiers, and then came a group of men in
green-trimmed uniforms. Another
uniformed group brought up the rear.
Each lodge carried two large silk banners, one of the
American flag and one of the emblem of the lodge.
Again, according to The
Daily Republican, “residents and church-goers were much
surprised at the appearance of the foreigners who in good order were
dressed neatly and appeared to represent a good class of
foreigners.” Those
arriving at the Pennsylvania depot had an imposing demonstration as
well. Because each
society arrived at a different time, each society marched to the
church individually. Bands
and drum corps accompanied the societies as they made their way to
the church.
The services began at 10:30 AM in the church that was crowded
to the doors. While the
services went on, the bands outside took turns playing selections.
The dedication ceremonies continued until 4:00 PM.
The visitors then returned to the train stations for the trip
home.
During the next seven years, there were several pastors.
They included Father Joseph Gazdzik, who served from December
4, 1910 until November 1, 1911; Father John Dudzik, who ministered
to the needs of the parishioners of Holy Trinity from November 1911
until July 7, 1912; Father John Mickun, who worked in the parish
from September 1, 1912 to April 7, 1913; and Father Mathew
Kopytkiewicz, who served from April 19, 1913 until April 11, 1915.
Father Olesinski returned a second time as pastor and stayed
until he passed away on February 27, 1916.
He was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Father S. Kasprzycki served the parish for just two weeks,
and then Father August Kuczynski served from March 26, 1916 until
January 21, 1917. The
parishioners had many explanations for this succession of pastors.
The people believed that the priests did not understand their
situation or mentality. Some
priests were poor administrators who squandered money on unnecessary
projects. Some were too
harsh on the people. One
story said that tickets were given out to the people of the parish
who had paid their annual assessment, and then these tickets had to
be returned to the priest in order for the parishioners to make
their Easter duty. In
another instance, it is said that one priest put a woman out of
church because she was poor and in tattered clothes.
In one case, the parishioners even petitioned the Bishop to
have a priest removed. It was a difficult period in the history of the parish.
Father Anthony Klijanowicz was rector of Holy Trinity Parish
for the next nine years from February 4, 1917 to February 21, 1926.
He was devoted to the parish and was a man of high moral and personal integrity.
Father
Klijanowicz was known for his untiring labor as well as his unusual
thriftiness, a combination that benefited the parish.
During his tenure, all debt was liquidated.
In addition, the parish was able to purchase an organ for the
church and new bells, which were used to call the parishioners for
Mass and other services. Father
Klijanowicz also purchased six acres of land for a parish cemetery
on November 24, 1924. The
boundaries of the purchased land were Fillmore Street, Sacred Heart
Cemetery, and the Harry V. Elliott property.
The pastor from March 14, 1926 to June 6, 1932 was Father
Frederick Walewski. In 1930, the parish school opened in the building that
formerly housed the church. The
school consisted of four classrooms and eight grades.
The first enrollment was 107 students.
A home on St. Mary Street was purchased and remodeled to
become a convent. The
ecclesiastical superiors granted permission, and the Bernardine
Sisters consented to teach the children of the parish.
Walter Pulaski, Stanley Karmazinski, and some men of the
parish made an altar to be used in the convent chapel.
That same altar was later used for the outdoor Corpus Christi
processions. Not only
did Father Walewski open the school and provide a convent, but he
also made repairs to the church and rectory and purchased new
Stations of the Cross.
Father Ladislaus Rakowski remained at Holy Trinity from June
6, 1932 to March 23, 1933. He served such a short time because of his advanced age and
delicate health. His
successor was Father Francis S. Palecki.
Father
Palecki directed the parish from March 23, 1933 until August 7,
1939. In June 1933,
Father Palecki presided over the ceremonies for the first graduating
class of Holy Trinity School. The
first graduates included Rita Hejna, Eleanor Raniszewska, Stella
Strzelecka, Francis Lapinski, and Vincent Wisniewski.
Father Palecki served the parish during the financially
difficult times of the Depression.
Many times Father Palecki said, “Holy Trinity has endured
many hardships, but has always shown great progress.”
The parishioners had faith.
As conditions slowly improved, they made a motion to have the
interior of the church painted.
Each family was assessed twenty dollars to cover the cost of
the painting. In 1939,
Father Palecki was transferred to St. Hedwig Parish in Philadelphia. In
June 1937, Father Joseph Honorowski was appointed as the first
assistant rector. While
he was at Holy Trinity, Father Honorowski organized a boys’ club
called the Clippers. The
clubhouse was in a building where the present auditorium now stands. After only three short months, he was transferred to another
parish. Father Walter
A. Psulkowski succeeded him as assistant pastor.
Father Psulkowski was better known as Father “Su.”
He worked tirelessly and with great hustle and determination
on many undertakings that helped the parish financially.
Father Su also formed a boys’ club called the Zippers.
They played organized basketball, complete with uniforms.
The young men also had a recreation center in the basement of
the rectory. Father Su
served the parish until November 1947.
When Father Palecki was transferred, Father Joseph Macek came
to Phoenixville from St. John Cantius Parish where he had served as
an assistant pastor. His
first undertaking was finishing the painting and decorations of the
interior of the church. This
was completed at a cost of $3,000.
The solemn ceremony of blessing for the newly decorated
church was held on November 24, 1940.
Father Macek oversaw many physical changes in the parish.
The church and school were perma-stoned.
The Rosary Society donated $1,250 for the new linoleum in the
church sanctuary. A new
heating and cooling system was installed.
In 1950, a new Wick’s organ was installed at a cost of
$7,650. The Polish
American Citizens Club donated $3,500 toward the cost of this organ.
In
addition, new pews were installed.
Through
the generosity of parishioners who donated $3,000, stained glass
windows were installed at a total cost of $8,225.
The Rosary Society, Cecilia (Kula) and John Fecak, Mr. and
Mrs. John Pawlowski, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kabatt, Joanna Fenyus, Mr.
and Mrs. Robert Fenyus, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Putz, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen
Szalkowski, Cecelia Stubanas, Mrs. Ladislawa Sierzega, and the Holy
Name Society all made donations for the stained glass windows.
During World War II, the women of the parish supported the
troops by volunteering at the USO canteen at the Valley Forge Army
Hospital, and the parish, as a whole, supported the troops by
establishing a “Roll of Honor” to recognize the parish members
who were serving in the Armed Forces.
At a special Mass, Father Macek delivered a sermon on
“Willing Sacrifice is Love.”
Parents, relatives, and friends, in addition to several of
the servicemen themselves who were home on furlough, attended the
Mass. Father Macek
blessed the “Roll of Honor” and placed it on the altar.
The names inscribed on the “Roll of Honor” included
(Army) Captain Joseph Somber; First Lieutenant Alfred Roman; Second
Lieutenant Francis Zabicki; Sergeants Andrew Bernat, Emil
Boryszowski, Patrick Slotnik; Corporals Francis Brzezicki, Anthony
Dzwigacz, John Karmazinski, Joseph V. Kula, Thomas Sierzega, Michael
Wisniewski, Privates Stanislaus Augustynowicz, Stanislaus
Bartosiewicz, Vincent Bednarczyk, John Bill, Chester Boryszowski,
Joseph Brzezicki, John Krasinski, Stanislaus Kula, Thaddeus Lesica,
Lawrence Lewa, Alexander Malkowski, Bernard Mankowski, Victor
Marosek, Joseph Miskiewicz, Matthew Podsobinski, John Piatkowski,
Alexander Rakowski, Raymond Sliwinski, Benjamin Szczepanski, Adam
Twaragowski, Walter Twaragowski, John Zwolak; (Navy) 2nd
Class Metalsmith Edward Pulaski; (Marines) Private Joseph Luczkowski;
and (Air Corps) Privates Thomas Hejna and Anthony Wilk. During
Father Macek’s pastorship, a group of members from the Union of
Polish Women in America purchased and erected a huge cross at the
cemetery and dedicated it to the deceased members of Holy Trinity
Parish. They also
worked to improve the landscaping at the cemetery.
Father Macek was instrumental in having a new fence erected
around the cemetery property.
Through careful economy and good management, Father Macek
cleared the mortgage. Father
Macek replaced the statues of Our Lady of Grace and St. John the
Baptist on the main reredos with the statues of St. Theresa and St.
Anthony, both of which stood on smaller tables in the sanctuary.
The original angels on the altar were quite large.
Father Macek replaced them with smaller angels formerly used
in the convent. The
parish celebrated Father Macek’s Silver Jubilee on February 4,
1951, though his actual jubilee date was February 7.
While at Holy Trinity, Father Macek celebrated several
anniversaries. He
celebrated his 35th Anniversary on February 9, 1961; his
40th Anniversary on May 15, 1966; and his 45th
Anniversary on June 27, 1969. On
Sunday, February 21, 1954, Holy Trinity Parish celebrated its 50th
Anniversary. Monsignor
Peter J. Klekotka celebrated the Mass.
Father Walter Psulkowski served as Deacon of the Mass, and
Father Henry Krzesinski served as Sub-Deacon.
The Master of Ceremonies was Father Francis Kulhawik, and
Father Francis Palecki was the homilist.
The 50th Anniversary Banquet, which followed the
Mass, was held at the Battery C National Guard Armory on Buchanan
Street. On Monday,
February 22, there was a Solemn High Mass celebrated at 9:00 AM for
the deceased founders of the parish and the parishioners of Holy
Trinity. Father
Macek saw the need to give the Sisters better living quarters.
The old convent was razed, and later a garage was built in
its place. The new convent was built on Dayton Street.
On March 24, 1957, approximately 200 parishioners looked on
as Father Macek broke ground for the new convent, which was built at
a cost of $60,000. Irvin
Stierly, from Mont Clare, was awarded the contract for the
construction of the convent. The
groundbreaking ceremony was held after the regular Sunday afternoon
Lenten services. After
turning over the first spade of dirt, Father Macek thanked the
parishioners for their excellent cooperation, without which, he
said, the new convent would not have been possible.
He went on to say, “The building will be the most modern in
this vicinity, as no expense is being spared because the Sisters
deserve the best for their fine work in the school.” Also participating in the groundbreaking were Father John
Klapp, assistant rector at the time, and Father Walter Psulkowski,
who was a former assistant pastor. Father
Macek celebrated his 35th Anniversary in the priesthood
at a Mass on May 19, 1961. Later
that day, he was honored at a banquet held at the Polish American
Citizens Club. Father
Walter Psulkowski served as toastmaster for the banquet that
attracted more than 350 people, and he presented Father Macek with a
purse of $1,000 on behalf of the parishioners.
Father Francis Sokol, from Sacred Heart Church in Swedesburg,
who was also celebrating 35 years in the service of the Lord, was
one of the guest speakers. Other
special guests included Father Francis Kulhawik, St. Richard Parish,
Philadelphia; Father John Judycki, St. Peter Parish, Pottstown;
Father Anthony Jaworski, St. Pius X High School, Pottstown; Father
John Falatek, Sacred Heart Parish, Phoenixville; Father Edward
Musial, Bishop Kenrick High School, Norristown; Father Macek’s
mother, Mary Macek; and four of his sisters, Angela Plodzik,
Manchester, New Hampshire; Helen Daroska, Pittsfield, New Hampshire;
Josephine Macek, Concord, New Hampshire; and Stella Macek, who
served as his housekeeper. Joseph
Glowacki, who represented the parish, praised Father Macek for the
work he did for Holy Trinity. He
also noted that Father Macek was held in high esteem not only by his
parishioners, but also by people in the community.
The church choir, under the direction of Mary Lou Putz,
offered several selections. The
school children also performed songs and instrumental numbers.
Geraldine Sierzega and Diane Bednarczyk sang, and Patricia
Karpinski played the accordion.
Lorraine Lauritano brought greetings in Polish to Father
Macek from the school children. Acknowledging
the plaudits, Father Macek spoke briefly on the theme of “Effort
and Work.” He urged
everyone to put forth their best efforts at all times because he
said that no one ever accomplished much without serious work.
He also gave a history of his life and the various ways in
which he, as a priest, carried on the duties of a man of God.
He went on to express his thanks and appreciation for the way
in which the parish had cooperated with him over the years. The
Jubilee Committee included Raymond Bogus and Edward Szymkiewicz,
co-chairmen; Bronislawa (Bertha) Strzelecki and Catherine Bernat,
governing and advising; Pauline Gappa, banquet; Josephine Meyers,
Josephine Gnias, Stella Obara, and Sophie Karmazinski, tickets; and
Sophie Rakowski, decorations.
One of the highlights of Father Macek’s tenure at Holy
Trinity was the building of a new school.
In 1963, the groundbreaking for the new school took place on
June 14 at 10:30 AM. The
architectural firm that designed the school was Nowicki and Polillo
from Philadelphia. The
construction contract was awarded to Irvin Stierly.
The school was built at a cost of $175,000. The masonry building measured 180 feet by 60 feet and
included five classrooms, kitchen facilities, and a large
multi-purpose room. The
school was dedicated on July 3, 1965.
Archbishop John J. Krol blessed Holy Trinity Parochial School
during special ceremonies with 12 priests in attendance.
The services began at 11:00 AM with a solemn procession
before the Mass.
In April 1964, a group of 45 women and girls from the parish
traveled to Washington, DC. The highlight of the trip was the placement of a floral
tribute on the grave of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington
National Cemetery that was arranged by Representative Joseph P.
Ujobai and Congressman Paul B. Dague.
Sister M. Dulcissima, Sister M. Gloreen, and Theresa Obara,
the Sodality leader, led the group to the grave.
The group surrounded the grave as Sister M. Dulcissima and
Theresa Obara placed the wreath at the foot of the grave.
After the placement of the wreath, which had a green satin
ribbon with the inscription in gold letters that read, “Sodality
Girls and Ladies Holy Trinity R.C. Church, Phoenixville, Pa,”
there was time for silent prayer.
Later, Theresa Obara received a personalized thank you note
from Mrs. John F. Kennedy for the wreath that was placed at her
husband’s grave.
In Arlington National Cemetery, the group also visited the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The group then continued their sightseeing by visiting the
White House, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, St. Matthew’s
Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception. After
a ride along the Tidal Basin and around the Washington Monument,
they drove through Georgetown to see the home of Mrs. Kennedy.
Those traveling to Washington, DC included Marie S. Adkins,
Marie C. Adkins, Stella Bednarczyk, Catherine Bernat, Agnes
Ciasnocha, Alexandra Cypranowski, Annette Dawson, Elizabeth DeNicola,
Anna Gnias, Joanne Gnias, Josephine Gnias, Ruth Godlewski, Cynthia
Godlewski, Susan Godlewski, Patricia Kabatt, Dorothy Kane, Julia
Karpinski, Loretta Kelemen, Joan Kirk, Barbara Kreschollek, Barbara
Kopystecki, Helen Lauritano, Lorraine Lauritano, Roxanne Marosek,
Stella Mazei, Mary Monkoski, Josephine Myers, Donna Myers, Stella
Obara, Anne Obara, Theresa Obara, Mary Pawlowski, Pauline Piotrowicz,
Antoinette Rakowski, Esther Rakowski, Genevieve Rector, Anne
Slavinski, Carrie Somber, Eleanor Szymkiewicz, Genevieve Wilk,
Monica Wilk, Margaret Wisniewski, Helen Zitko, Sister M. Dulcissima,
and Sister M. Gloreen.
On June 27, 1969, Father Macek was honored at a banquet to
celebrate his 45 years in the priesthood with 350 people in
attendance. The day
began with a solemn High Mass, which Father Macek concelebrated
along with Father Walter Psulkowski and Father Stephen Mustos.
Father Joseph Honorowski delivered the sermon. Father Francis Urbanowicz was the toastmaster, and Father
John Naja, a classmate of Father Macek, was the guest speaker.
Another speaker at the banquet was Raymond Bogus, chairman of
the Banquet Committee, who said, “Father Macek has been a person
of action and not wishful thinking.
His every act was motivated by one principle – service.
No efforts were spared to unify the people of Holy
Trinity.” Monsignor
Peter J. Klekotka brought words of greetings and congratulations to
the honoree. Two
presentations were made to Father Macek.
Louis Glowacki presented a check on behalf of the
parishioners, and Pauline Gappa presented a gift on behalf of the
Rosary Society. Eleanor
Szymkiewicz presented a silver tray to Stella Macek, Father’s
sister, for her years of service to the parish.
After Father Macek offered his remarks and introduced his
family, Father Francis Kulhawik gave the benediction.
The Banquet Committee included Raymond Bogus, chairman; Louis
Glowacki, co-chairman; Edward Szymkiewicz, treasurer; Eleanor
Szymkiewicz, secretary; Mary Glowacki; Walter and Rose Chasnocha;
John and Geri Jacob; Philip and Anna Broski; Stanley and Betty
Williams; Frances Williams; Genevieve Rector; Pauline Gappa; Adelle
Olbromski; Vito Lauritano; and Carmen DiCarlo.
While Father Macek was pastor of Holy Trinity, he had several
assistant pastors. First, there was Father Walter Psulkowski.
When he was transferred in 1947, Father Henry Krzesinski, who
served from November 1947 to February 1950, replaced him.
The next assistant pastor was Father Francis Szydlowski, who
served from February to June, 1950.
In June 1950, Father John Klapp became the assistant pastor.
On April 25, 1976, Father Macek celebrated his Golden Jubilee
in the priesthood. In the banquet program, Father Macek was described in this
way, “His pastorate
was one of service to God and service to the people linked with
faithfulness to the teachings of the Church.
No effort was spared to bring the people closer to God.
During all the 37 years, punctuality of services was a must. Liturgy and rubrics were carried out strictly.
Sermons were of interest to keep the attention of his
congregation at all times, be it a Sunday homily, wedding, or
funeral, never dull but informative.
English homilies were introduced when the need was
noticeable. At the
rectory, he was accessible at all times to serve, advise, counsel,
and help in any way – maybe loud at times, but always sincere -
Father Macek always took interest in the parish, the people, the
children, and the neighborhood and felt a personal responsibility
for all.” The Golden
Jubilee Committee included Louis Glowacki, chairman; Raymond Bogus,
co-chairman; Edward Szymkiewicz, treasurer; Eleanor Szymkiewicz,
secretary; Mary Glowacki; Walter and Rose Chasnocha; Vito and Helen
Lauritano; Stanley and Betty Williams; John and Geri Jacob; Philip
and Anna Broski; and Adelle Olbromski.
After the Jubilee Mass, there was a banquet, catered by
Degenhardt Caterers, held in the school auditorium.
Father Macek, who was ordained on February 7, 1926, served
Holy Trinity for 38 years, from August 7, 1939 until June 6, 1977.
His sister, Stella Macek, served her brother and the parish
for the same number of years. When Father Macek and his sister
retired to Manchester, New Hampshire in June 1977, Stella Macek
said, “We had a good life here – we enjoyed every bit of it.
He did wonders.” Father Macek passed away on July 14, 1992.
When Father Macek retired, Father Joseph A. Daniel, who was
ordained on May 10, 1952, was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity
Parish. Shortly after
Father Daniel’s appointment, the Diocesan Building Committee
inspected the parish buildings and gave permission for the buildings
to be renovated. This
work, which was done by Richard Kern and John Fuscetto, began in
September 1977. The
back wall of the church as well as the rectory and auditorium were
stuccoed. The roofs on
the church buildings were repaired.
The men and women of the parish painted the convent.
The floors were carpeted, new furniture was purchased for the
convent, and air conditioners were installed in the lower and upper
rooms.
Later that year, the original Mensa from the Main Altar was
moved forward by Walter Chasnocha to face the congregation.
Father Daniel designed the bottom of the altar; Joseph Weiss,
a carpenter, finished the panel; and Louis Glowacki painted it.
When the altar was moved forward, there was a need for more
of the gold-leaf molding. Because
the molding was no longer available, Edward Pulaski carved the
molding needed to give the altar a finished look.
He also installed the lights around the tabernacle.
Father Daniel reorganized the Holy Name Society in 1977.
The purpose of the Holy Name Society was to impress upon the
men of the parish their obligation to set a good example in honoring
the Holy Name of Jesus, to check the use of profane and indecent
language, and to bring men to the Communion table as often as
possible, making reparation for the offenses committed against the
Holy Name of Jesus. The
officers of the newly reorganized Holy Name Society were Joseph
Zeleski, president; Anthony Raniszewski, Jr., vice-president;
Michael Rector, Jr., secretary; and Thomas E. Sierzega, Jr.,
treasurer. The members committed themselves to many projects: New
Year’s Eve party; Swieconka; Spring Dance; the parish picnic, in
conjunction with the Rosary Society, held at Friendship Field in
August 1978; and many other projects that benefited the parish.
The Holy Name Society published their first newsletter on
February 4, 1979. The
newsletter consisted of Holy Name Society information, comments from
the Pastor’s desk, student activities at Holy Trinity School, and
any other announcements related to the group or to the parish.
In 1978, graduation ceremonies were held in the church.
During the ceremonies, the seventh and eighth grade classes
presented the Papal Flag and the American Flag to the parish.
After the 11:00 AM Mass on Father’s Day, June 18, 1978,
Father Daniel blessed a memorial sign that stood between the rectory
and the church. Betty
and Wally Williams designed, erected, and donated the memorial sign,
dedicating it to the living and deceased members of the parish. In
October 1978, new carpeting, donated by Michael and Mary Konkus, was
installed in the sanctuary and in the two sacristies.
This was done in preparation for the 75th
anniversary celebration of Holy Trinity.
The Diamond Jubilee Year of Holy Trinity opened with a Mass
on October 8, 1978. Bishop
Edward T. Hughes, DD, VF celebrated the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving.
Three living pastors concelebrated the Mass:
Father Francis Palecki, former pastor and pastor emeritus of
Saint Adalbert Parish, Philadelphia; Father Joseph Macek, pastor
emeritus of Holy Trinity; and Father Joseph A. Daniel.
Father Macek was the homilist. The Masters of Ceremonies were
Father Francis V. Bielski and Father Warren Rector, OFM.
The lector was Douglas R. Williams.
Former assistants of the parish, guests priests, principals
of Holy Trinity School, Sisters of the Bernardine Order, Mayor and
Mrs. Albert Dvorak, parishioners, relatives, and friends of the
parish attended the Mass and the banquet that followed in the school
auditorium. As
Diamond Jubilee Chairman, Michael Hakun welcomed the guests to the
banquet. Monsignor
Joseph R. Honorowski gave the invocation.
The toastmaster for the banquet was Father Charles A.
Stelmach. Monsignor
Francis S. Palecki offered greetings, while Father Stephen N. Mustos,
SchP, offered congratulations.
Father Macek gave the main address.
Mayor Albert Dvorak offered remarks as well as Father Daniel.
The honored guest speaker was Bishop Edward T. Hughes, DD.
Monsignor Anthony Jaworoski then gave the benediction.
The officers of the Diamond Jubilee Committee were Michael
Hakun, chairman; Stanley Luskoski, co-chairman; Marie C. Adkins,
secretary; and Anne Strzelecki, treasurer.
After the founding of the parish in 1903, funds were needed
to build the new church. A group of women gathered together to help with the finances,
and in 1904, a Rosary Society was organized. The purpose of the
Rosary Society was to help support the church and to benefit the
members spiritually. The
members worked diligently on many fund-raising projects and donated
money for the main altar and side altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary
for the new church. The
members of the Rosary Society supported the parish throughout their
history. They donated
toward the purchase of the stained glass windows in the church and
convent chapel and many other items that were needed as the church
grew. In honor of the
Marian Year, 1988, they dedicated the statue of the Blessed Mother
that adorns the front property of the church.
In 1989, they raised and donated a generous amount of money
towards the purchase of the stained glass doors that adorn the front
of the church. As
the years passed, they held many social functions, such as First
Communion and Graduation breakfasts, card parties, bingo, roast beef
dinners, fashion shows, and Mother’s Day banquets.
They helped with
the preparation of food for the parish picnics and other socials and
sponsored trips to religious sites such as the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
Some of the past presidents were Anna Pisczynska, Maryanna
Kniatt, Catherine Slivinska, Marcyanna Puc, Bronislawa Strzelecka,
Margaret Wisniewska, Pauline Gappa, and Eleanor Szymkiewicz.
The Rosary Society was disbanded in the late 1990’s, and a
new group, the Women of Holy Trinity, was organized.
The last officers of the Rosary Society were Veronica Paluch,
president; Nellie Omelko, vice-president; Mary Martin, treasurer;
Madeline (Madge) Novak, financial secretary; and Anna Broski,
recording secretary.
Another group that was established in the parish, but
eventually disbanded, was the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception,
a religious society for girls and young women.
The Sodality helped to foster devotion, reverence, and love
towards the Blessed Virgin Mary. The
boys’ basketball team was the Parochial School Champions, Playoff
Champions, for the 1978-1979 season.
They, along with the cheerleaders, were honored at a
celebration in the school auditorium.
The Home and School Association was organized on May 14,
1979. The first
officers were John Burleson, president; Ruth Godlewski,
vice-president; Joanne Brango and Peggy McNally, secretaries; and
Patricia Lederer, treasurer. They served for two years. The
1981-1983 officers were Patricia Lederer, president; Barbara Weiss,
vice-president; Linda Moore, secretary; and Donna Erwin, treasurer.
From 1983 to 1985, Patricia Miskiewicz served as president;
Ted Kabatt, vice-president; Christine Rector, secretary; and Peggy
McNally, treasurer. The
1985 officers were Irene Yosko, president; Carol Shine,
vice-president; Marge Wertz, secretary; and Susan Bodick, treasurer.
In addition to the Bernardine Sisters who taught at Holy
Trinity School from 1930, there were others who worked in the school
instructing and caring for the students.
Lay teachers who worked at Holy Trinity School included
Joanne (Pasko) Kollar, Esther (Rakowski) Mychalus, Jeanne Havrilla,
Mary P. O’Leary, Kathleen A. Achuff, and Dianne Linahan.
Janice Kabatt worked as a substitute teacher, and Veronica
Paluch served as a teacher’s and nurse’s assistant. On
October 14, 1979, the Rosary Society celebrated its 75th
anniversary. The
chairwomen of the anniversary celebration were Eleanor Szymkiewicz
and Betty Williams. Father
Stephen Mustos and Father Joseph Daniel gave the invocation and
benediction, respectively. Father
Daniel also gave the address after the dinner, which was catered by
Workmen’s Caterers. The 1979-1980 officers were Rose Chasnocha, president; Betty
Williams, vice-president; Mary Ellen Billman, secretary; Lillian
Miskewicz, financial secretary; and Eleanor Szymkiewicz, treasurer.
Holy Trinity celebrated its 80th Anniversary on
May 29, 1983. Monsignor
Louis A. DeSimone celebrated the Mass of Thanksgiving.
Following the Mass, a banquet was held in the school
auditorium.
In 1986, the pastors of the four parishes in Phoenixville
under the guidance of the Office of Catholic Education and John
Cardinal Krol, Archbishop of Philadelphia, formed a consolidation of
the Catholic schools using the name Phoenixville Area Catholic
Elementary School. The
consolidated school was located at the former St. Ann’s School.
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary taught the
children, and the first principal was Sister Ellen Miriam, IHM.
In late January 1990, the name of the school was changed to
Holy Family School.
The Rosary Society celebrated its 85th Anniversary
on October 22, 1989. A
solemn Mass of Thanksgiving was offered and concelebrated by Bishop
Louis A. DeSimone; Monsignor James T. McDonough, Vicar of Chester
County; Father Joseph A. Daniel, pastor of Holy Trinity, and thirty
guest priests. Bishop
DeSimone was the homilist. In
the after-dinner program, Monsignor Anthony E. Jaworoski, pastor of
St. Adalbert Church, Philadelphia, was the guest speaker.
Monsignor Jaworoski was in residence at Holy Trinity while he
taught at St. Pius X High School. Father Francis S. Feret, pastor of St. Peter Parish in
Pottstown, was the toastmaster.
Father Stanley E. Matraszek of St. Clement Parish,
Philadelphia, gave the invocation and benediction.
Bishop DeSimone and Father Daniel also offered insights and
remarks. The officers
at the time of the anniversary celebration were Veronica Paluch,
president; Nellie Omelko, vice-president; Madge Novak, secretary;
Anna Broski, financial secretary; and Mary Martin, treasurer.
On October 28, 1990, the 60th Anniversary of the
founding of Holy Trinity School was celebrated with a solemn Mass of
Thanksgiving. The
principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass was Monsignor James T.
McDonough, Vicar of Chester County.
The Master of Ceremonies was Father Thomas J. Duane.
The lector for the Mass was Joseph Erwin. The Mass was followed by a banquet. After an introduction by Madeline (Tina) Wassel, Father
Francis V. Bielski gave the invocation.
The toastmaster was Father Francis S. Feret.
The guest speaker was Monsignor Anthony Jaworoski.
Monsignor McDonough and Father Joseph A. Daniel offered their
insights and remarks. Father
Stanley E. Matraszek gave the benediction.
There was music and dancing to the Polka All-Stars.
The chairwoman of the Banquet Committee was Madeline (Tina)
Wassel; the members of the committee included Dennis Devlin, Donna
Erwin, Daniel Fenyus, Daniel and Patricia Gnias, Veronica Paluch,
and Jack Wassel.
Holy Trinity celebrated the 90th Anniversary of
its founding with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on September 19,
1993. The principal
celebrant and homilist was Bishop Louis A. DeSimone with Father John
B. Wendrychowicz as the Master of Ceremonies.
Joseph Erwin served as lector for the Mass.
Following Mass the anniversary dinner, catered by Caroline T.
Moorehead, was held in the school auditorium.
Father Francis Feret, the toastmaster, gave the introduction,
and Father Warren Rector, OFM, gave the invocation.
Father Stephen Mustos, SchP; Bishop DeSimone; and Father
Daniel offered remarks, and Father Kenneth G. Putz offered the
benediction.
Father Daniel passed away on January 17, 1998, and he was
buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Father Daniel taught his parishioners how to pray and shared
with them his love for the Blessed Mother.
After Father Daniel’s death, Father John Wilz, pastor of
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, was appointed parochial
administrator. The
parishioners learned that the Cluster Pastoral Planning Committee
#54, which consisted of St. Mary, Holy Trinity, Sacred Heart, and
St. Ann Parishes in Phoenixville and St. Joseph Parish in Spring
City, had called for the consolidation of Holy Trinity and St. Mary
of the Assumption the previous November.
This consolidation or suppression of Holy Trinity would have
taken place by May 1999. If
the consolidation had occurred, Holy Trinity would have become an
alternative worship site for St. Mary’s.
Once the parishioners learned this information, they
organized their efforts to try to save their beloved parish.
The parishioners met in the school auditorium and formed a
committee to devise a plan to save Holy Trinity.
The committee members organized a letter writing campaign to
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. A large group of parishioners met with the Cluster #54
members at a meeting in St. Ann’s Church on February 24, 1998. There they questioned members of the committee and
passionately expressed their love and support for the parish. Cheryl Dungee presented the Cluster members with a petition,
signed by 300 people that requested that Holy Trinity remain open as
a parish. After the
closing prayer and blessing, Holy Trinity’s parishioners stood in
a show of solidarity and sang the Polish hymn, “Serdeczna Matko.”
More than 500 members of Holy Trinity and their supporters
attended a “town meeting,” held at St. Ann’s Chapel on March
9, 1998. They, along
with parishioners from the other Cluster parishes, were at the
meeting to hear Cluster #54’s plans for the parishes of
Phoenixville and Spring City. As
people entered the chapel, Holy Trinity parishioners held signs
saying “Long Live Holy Trinity,” “Preserve Our Heritage,”
and “Keep Holy Trinity Open.”
They distributed red and white ribbons to show unity not only
among the parish members but also among the members of the other
Cluster #54 parishes. A
member carrying the Polish flag led the Holy Trinity contingent into
the chapel.
Many people spoke at the meeting, among them Helene Albright,
Ceal Prizer, and Marie C. Adkins, all of whom were chosen as
spokespersons by the parish committee. Marie C. Adkins presented the many reasons why Holy Trinity
should not have been chosen for suppression.
Monsignor James T. McDonough, Vicar of Chester County, made
no promises at the time, but asked the committee members to meet
with the Cluster #54 members.
The parish committee met with the Cluster #54 Planning
Committee at the end of March. They presented their concerns again and outlined some
possible solutions to the situation, such as finding a priest to
serve as pastor or twinning with a church in Phoenixville.
Several committee members of the parish council continued to
attend Cluster meetings to try to save the parish.
In early May, the members of Pastoral Planning Cluster #54
signed the cluster plan that was to be submitted to Anthony Cardinal
Bevilacqua for final approval. The plan allowed Holy Trinity to remain its own parish in its
own historic church. Holy
Trinity Parish was twinned with Sacred Heart Parish in Phoenixville
with Monsignor John M. Galyo as the pastor of both churches.
Everyone in the parish was delighted and thankful that the
parish had been saved. Anthony
Cardinal Bevilacqua approved the cluster plan in June 1998.
Father Wilz appointed the parish committee members, elected
by the parishioners, to the Parish Pastoral Council, which is an
advisory group that assists the pastor in areas of pastoral
concerns. This group
developed a Mission Statement and worked on a Parish Pastoral Plan.
The pastor of the parish serves as the chairman of the Parish
Pastoral Council. The
original members of the council included Ted Kabatt, Michele
Glowacki, Edward Pulaski, Dennis Devlin, John Kalavik, Anna Broski,
Raymond Krasinski, Peggy McNally, Marie C. Adkins, Karl Lederer,
Ceal Prizer, Cheryl Dungee, and Helene Albright.
There were changes made to the council over the next few
years. The council, at the time of the Centennial, included Ted
Kabatt, Marie
C. Adkins, Raymond Krasinski, Dennis Devlin, Cheryl Dungee, Kathy
Miskewicz, Peggy McNally, Helene Albright, Karl Lederer, Edward
Pulaski, Anna Broski, and Marie Ashton.
The Ways and Means Committee was established in June 1998.
The first fundraiser was a Flea Market and Bake Sale.
The proceeds, along with volunteer contributions, were used
to purchase a headstone for the grave of Father Joseph Daniel. The headstone was dedicated at the 1999 Memorial Day Mass
held at the cemetery with Monsignor John M. Galyo as the celebrant. The
Ways and Means Committee raised money by sponsoring several trips to
the Polish Festival in Atlantic City and by chancing off baskets of
cheer. Cat’s Meow
replicas of Holy Trinity Church were sold to raise money for the
purchase of the chair behind the altar.
The committee purchased a church sign that was installed on
the parish grounds in May 2001.
The
Ways and Means Committee held their first Longaberger Basket Bingo
in October 2002. This
fundraiser netted the highest profit since the committee’s
inception. The proceeds
allowed for the refurbishing of the fascia on the existing canopy
over the church’s main entrance and a donation to the Centennial
Committee for the Anniversary Banquet mementoes.
In August 2002, through the generosity of the late Kurt
Klotzbach (Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home) and Jerry Rafter
(Valley Forge Memorials), bronze plaques for the cemetery gateposts
became a long-overdue reality.
An anonymous donor made a contribution to the committee for
the procurement of a banner highlighting the parish’s Centennial,
which was placed under the canopy during the Opening Mass and
blessed by Father Michael Rzonca after the Mass.
The committee also purchased the altar frontals for the 100th
Anniversary Mass. The
original members of the Ways and Means Committee were Trisha Gable,
Judith Gnias, Sandy John, Dennis Devlin, Carol Shine, David
Dunacusky, Helen Gadonas, and Raymond Krasinski, chairman and
treasurer. Ronald Mazei
and Jamie Zabicki later
replaced two of the original members of the committee. The
Women of Holy Trinity was organized in 1999.
The purpose of the organization was to revitalize the
friendship and camaraderie of the women of the parish.
The women’s group is responsible for many of the fellowship
activities in the parish. When
Monsignor John M. Galyo wanted to host a traditional Polish dinner,
not once but twice, for the priests of the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, the Women of Holy Trinity provided the food, decorated
the hall, and served the meal.
They have also organized many other parish events.
The officers include Helene Albright, president; Arlene
Kraft, vice-president; Anna Broski, secretary; Philomena Magyar,
treasurer; and Janice Kabatt, hospitality chairman.
These officers have provided many interesting and informative
agendas at the monthly meetings from September to May. After
Father Wilz was transferred, Father Thomas Brennan, the new pastor
of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, became the parochial
administrator of Holy Trinity.
He remained in that position until the “twinning” of Holy
Trinity Parish and Sacred Heart Parish became official. Monsignor
John M. Galyo, who was ordained on May 8, 1954, was installed as the
pastor of Holy Trinity on Sunday, January 30, 1999.
At the Mass, Marie C. Adkins and Michele Glowacki, as
representatives of the parish, along with Monsignor James T.
McDonough and Monsignor Galyo signed the official Church forms for
twinning Holy Trinity Parish with Sacred Heart Parish.
After the Mass, there was a brunch in the school auditorium
to celebrate this milestone in the parish’s history. During
Monsignor Galyo’s tenure as pastor, the pews were outfitted with
cushions. The church
had a bathroom added on to its left or rectory side.
Both the school auditorium and the church were made
handicapped-accessible. The
tabernacle had to be replaced so Edward Pulaski installed the new
one chosen by Monsignor Galyo.
Monsignor Galyo continued Father Daniel’s tradition of
celebrating the Memorial Day Mass at the cemetery, including the
singing of Father Daniel’s favorite Polish hymn, “Serdeczna
Matko.”
Because of the Archdiocesan mandate on retirement, Monsignor
Galyo retired in June 2002. Monsignor Galyo’s retirement celebration was held at
Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville, on May 5, 2002. Priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as
well as family and friends, joined the parishioners in celebrating
Monsignor Galyo’s retirement.
Father Robert A. Roncase and Father Jeffrey M. Stecz offered
welcoming remarks, and Father Bernard Lazor, OSA, gave the
invocation. Michael
Paster was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Ted Kabatt offered a toast to the retiree and made a
presentation on behalf of the Holy Trinity Parish Pastoral Council,
and Helene Albright made a presentation on behalf of the Women of
Holy Trinity. After a
roast by Father George Hagenbach and others, Monsignor Galyo offered
the closing remarks as well as the benediction.
Upon Monsignor Galyo’s retirement, Father Michael W. Rzonca
was assigned as the pastor of the twinned parishes of Sacred Heart
and Holy Trinity. He
was named pastor on April 15, 2002, with the assignment to be
effective on June 17. The
Order of Installation of Father Rzonca, or Father Mike as he prefers
to be called, took place on June 22, 2002.
Monsignor James T. McDonough, the Vicar of Chester County,
offered the greeting. Father
John J. Dinda, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Spring City, made the
presentation of the pastor-elect.
Monsignor McDonough read the proclamation of the appointment
on behalf of Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua and presented the parish
clergy, Father James Leary. Members
of the Parish Pastoral Council were presented, and each one came
forward to greet Father Mike. Mary
Sierzega represented Holy Family School and Marie Ashton represented
the CCD program. Marie
C. Adkins and Helene Albright, as Cluster #54 representatives, came
forward to greet Father Mike. They
were followed by Patricia Lederer as the representative of the
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors and by Daniel Gnias as a
representative of all other parish committees and activities.
Father Mike recited an oath to serve the Church and the
parishes, and then he signed an official Church document, which was
witnessed by Louis Glowacki and Edward Pulaski.
A welcoming reception took place in the school auditorium
after the Mass.
Father Rzonca is a liturgist and musician at heart.
He initiated the 4:00
PM Saturday Vigil Mass that took the worshipping community
attendance from about 100 to over 300 people at this Mass.
He upgraded the sound system in church with new microphones
and an amplifier to further enhance worship during church services.
He established the parish’s first formal Finance Committee
and the Parish Outreach Committee to reach out to those in need in
the parish and in the neighborhood.
During the Centennial Year, he purchased an ambo for the
sanctuary for the Proclamation of the Word.
Holy Trinity Bingo, which started on January 14, 1981, closed
on November 10, 2003 after 23 years.
The proceeds from bingo were used to defray the parish’s
assessment for Holy Family School and St. Pius X High School in
Pottstown. Daniel Gnias
served as chairman of the Bingo Committee.
Over the years, many parishioners and friends of Holy Trinity
gave their time to work at bingo.
They include Judith Gnias, Leo Marosek, Mike Konkus, Joe
Brezski, Edward Symkiewicz, Rich Kern, Walter Chasnocha, Wally
Williams, Ray Gill, John Tomcho, Thomas Sierzega, Adelle Olbromski,
Joe Erwin, Donna Erwin, Jim Viola, Joe Gnias, John O’Neil, Scott
Dellaquila, Dan Stubanas, Joe DeNicola, Marie S. Adkins, Jason
Marosek, Ed Bartholdi, Leon Kochinsky, Dennis Gnias, Michael
Raniszewski, Jon Rudick, Bryan Shine, David Gnias, Dustin Gnias,
Christine Giera, Kathy Giera, Craig Williams, Jeffrey Williams,
Daniel Gnias, Jason Dellaquila, Mike Gibson, Lisa Coons, Michael
Summers, Jennifer Shronk, Trisha Gable, and Jim Matty.
In addition, many others helped out by staffing the kitchen.
They were Rose Chasnocha, Eleanor Szymkiewicz, Betty
Williams, Jean Luskoski, Mary Martin, Adelle Mancini, Madge Novak,
Nellie Omelko, Czeslawa Kern, Wanda Kabatt, Ann Strezlecki, Joanne
Rudick, Debbie Czapka, Barbara Weiss, Dawn John, Stephanie Sweet,
Cindy McNally, Michele Gadonas, Christine Heatwole, Bobbie Heatwole,
Ann Gnias, Connie Gappa, Ray Krasinski, Mary Ellen Sierzega, Ellen
Gibson, Cindy Somber, Cheryl Dungee, Laura Dungee, Amanda Hall,
Marylou Hall, and Barbara Patton.
The Centennial Year was a special year with activities
planned each month. Holy
Trinity Parish opened its Centennial Year on Sunday, January 5,
2003, with a Mass at 10:15 AM that was celebrated by Father Michael
W. Rzonca. After Mass,
Father Rzonca blessed the Centennial banner, donated by the Ways and
Means Committee. A
reception followed in the school hall.
On February 14, 2003, Father Rzonca celebrated a special
Valentine Mass at 5:00 PM. There
was an Anointing Mass and Reception on March 22, 2003, at 1:30 PM.
On April 5, 2003, the first annual Spaghetti Supper and
Silent Auction were held. The
proceeds were donated to the Centennial Fund.
Thanks to the efforts of many people, the fundraiser was an
overwhelming success. On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2003, the children of the parish
enjoyed the annual Easter egg hunt, organized by Cheryl Dungee.
The Ways and Means Committee held a Flea Market on April 26,
2003. On April 27,
2003, Divine Mercy Sunday was celebrated with services after the
10:15 AM Mass. On May
17, 2003, Helene and Bob Albright represented Holy Trinity Parish in
the Dogwood Parade. The
annual Memorial Day Mass at the cemetery, a tradition started by
Father Daniel, was scheduled, but the Mass was moved to the church
because of inclement weather.
Sunday, June 15, 2003, was the day the parish chose to
celebrate its Centennial because that day was Holy Trinity Sunday
according to the liturgical calendar.
The sun shone on the parishioners of Holy Trinity that day.
Priests gathered in the school; they included Monsignor James
McDonough, Vicar of Chester County; Monsignor John Galyo, pastor
emeritus; Monsignor Anthony Jaworoski; Father Michael W. Rzonca,
pastor; Father Kenneth Putz; Father Warren Rector, OFM; Father
Thomas Brennan; Father John Dinda; Father Bernard Lazor, OSA; Father
James McKelvey; Father Geza Pazmany, SchP; and Father John
Wendrychowicz. With the church bells ringing, they processed to the convent
where His Excellency Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua joined them.
The procession, led by an Honor Guard of the Knights of
Columbus from the Phoenixville Council 1374, continued to the
church. When the
Cardinal entered the church, Louis and Mary Glowacki presented him
with a basket of gifts from the parish, and Hannah Power and Ryan
Sears presented him with flowers and a spiritual bouquet.
Marie C. Adkins welcomed everyone to Holy Trinity Church and
to the Centennial Mass. The Centennial Choir, led by Barbara Kathman, the organist,
praised the Blessed Trinity through song as the procession entered
the church, and the Mass began.
Sister Marie Janeen Obara, OSF, and Janice Kabatt served as
lectors, reading from Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 and Romans 8:14-17,
respectively. Father Rzonca read the Gospel from Matthew 28: 16-20, and
Father Warren Rector, OFM, was the homilist.
Deborah Czapka read the intercessions.
Helene Albright, Edward Pulaski, Daniel Gnias, and Sister
Lourdine Bielawski, OSF, presented the gifts.
Father Joseph Watson was the Master of Ceremonies.
With the singing of “Serdeczna Matko,” a beloved Polish
hymn to the Blessed Mother, and “Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginela,”
the Polish national anthem, the Mass concluded. After Mass, Cardinal Bevilacqua greeted each Mass attendee
personally.
The Centennial celebration continued with dinner and dancing
at the Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville.
Marie C. Adkins, Centennial Chairperson, acted as Master of
Ceremonies. Monsignor
McDonough gave the invocation, and Father Rzonca gave the
benediction. Ray
Krasinski proposed the toast. After
dinner, Phoenixville Mayor Louis Scoda presented a proclamation to
the parish in honor of the 100th Anniversary.
Janice and Ted Kabatt read resolutions from Rep. Carole
Rubley and Robert Tigro, Phoenixville Borough Council President.
Father Rector, Monsignor Galyo, Monsignor McDonough, and
Father Rzonca offered remarks.
Father Rzonca then presented flowers to Marie C. Adkins for
her work as Centennial Chairperson.
Ray Krasinski made special presentations to Helen (Ciasnocha)
and Vito Lauritano, who were the longest-married couple present at
the dinner of all the couples married in Holy Trinity Church and to
Helen Fenyus, the oldest parish member present at the dinner.
Helene Albright also made a special presentation, along with
the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, to Father Rzonca in
honor of his 30th Anniversary of ordination. The program
ended with “Sto Lat,” a traditional Polish song of celebration.
The attendees enjoyed the memorabilia display that brought
back memories and anecdotes of life in the parish and enjoyed
listening and dancing to the Bill Koss Combo.
Parishioners wore red and white, Poland’s colors, on
“Wear Your Polish Colors” weekend on July 5 and 6, 2003.
For August, the anniversary month, members of the Monthly
Activities Committee prepared pamphlets of information on Polish
traditions. These
pamphlets were placed in the vestibule each week.
In September, a group of parishioners traveled to Our Lady of
Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown for the annual Polish festival.
They attended a Polish Mass and enjoyed traditional Polish
food, music, and dance as well as craft displays and carnival rides.
The parishioners enjoyed an Autumn Harvest pastry social on
Sunday, October 26, 2003, after both Masses.
This social was held to coincide with the Vicar’s visit to
Holy Trinity Parish and his celebration of the 10:15 AM Mass.
In November, the parish held a Thanksgiving Food Drive,
organized by Bobbie Heatwole, with the donations given to PACS
(Phoenixville Area Community Services).
In December, the children of the parish were treated to
Breakfast with Santa. During
breakfast Pookie the Clown entertained the children and then helped
the children greet the guest of honor, Santa Claus. The Centennial
Year closed with a Mass on December 28, 2003.
The Mass was followed by a reception in the school
auditorium.
As evidenced by its history, Holy Trinity’s journey has
been marked by strength and dedication of purpose, that were the
foundation on which the parish was built and on which it now depends
for its future. The
current members of this parish may feel an intense pride in the fact
that the qualities which helped build
this parish still exist in its members today as Holy Trinity carries
its traditions onward toward its bicentennial celebration. Sto Lat! Sto Lat! 02/19/2005
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