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St. Hedwig Parish History. Diamond Jubilee Church of St. Hedwig 1871-1946, Milwaukee, WI., p.11-30. CAP at Orchard Lake.

CHAPTERI.TheFirstTwenty-fiveYears

IT is human to commemorate — to mark by anniversary a period of time — to celebrate in festival and thanksgiving an achievement, a victory won, or a beginning made.

St. Hedwig Parish has now reached that period of its existence where it is conventional to pause and review the past, appraise the present, and to give thanks to Almighty God Whose Divine Providence has guided its destiny for the past seventy-five years. The parish, with its church, school, rectory, and Sisters' convent, stands as a monument commemorating the deeds of a hard-working, self-sacrificing, religious people. The early parishioners, most of who have gone to their eternal reward, by their sincerity and deep faith made possible the founding of the second Polish Catholic parish in the city of Milwaukee.

The early history of St. Hedwig parish does not contradict the saying that beginnings are difficult. Then, too, like most beginnings it was obscure. Not to make this sketch a labyrinth of probable and less probable opinions, only the data obtained from the most reliable sources is presented; and that without the subtleties of historical criticism.

In 1865, approximately, there was established a colony of people between Brady Street and the Milwaukee river. These early settlers were for the most part Polish Kaszubas, and the co- lony was often referred to as the "Kępa Kaszubów," meaning the "Islet of Kaszubas", because its people came from Puck, a fishing village on the island of Anova in the Baltic Sea. The need of establishing a parish for these Polish-speaking Catholics of the east side of Milwaukee was clearly realized before the last quarter of the nineteenth century. This was when the city of Milwaukee, with a population of 72,000 was twenty-five years old, and when Wisconsin as an incorporated state had not yet observed its silver anniversary. These Polish Catholics, not hav-ing at their disposal the convenience of twentieth century transportation, journeyed on foot to the south side of the city where they attended services at St. Stanislaus Church, the mother of Polish Catholic parishes in the city. Some occasionally worshipped at St. Mary's on Broadway and Kilbourn, or at St. John Nepomuc, the Bohemian church on the west side of the city. St. Stanislaus Church, a simple remodeled building established in 1866, was located on the site of present Fifth and Mineral Streets. Previous to this time Catholics of Polish descent were served

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by Rev. John Polak who was permitted to conduct services, at stated intervals, in the mother tongue at Holy Trinity church which was established by and for the convenience of the German speaking Catholics of the South Side.

In 1870 the parishioners of St. Stanislaus decided to build a new church on the corner of Fifth and Mitchell Streets. It was at this time that the majority of the Polish Catholics of the East Side, approximately 40 families, also decided it was advisable and most opportune to establish a church in their own territory. And so it was.

The beginning of St. Hedwig parish goes back directly to the day these East Side settlers sat down on the steep banks of a deep ravine at Brady Street and Franklin Place and debated the purchase of the muddy lots upon which they met. Upon the advice of August Rudziński, a south-slider who was most active in the project, three lots were finally obtained — two bought and one donated — in the spring of 1871. Work immediately began on the construction of the new church. All concerned took part. Some visited the scattered homes in the vicinity in quest of the necessary funds, some made extensive trips outside the city in search of materials, oth-ers were engaged in the more difficult task — carried on during the day and far into the night —- nf digging the foundation for the new building. So intense was the work and so splendid the cooperation that within a remarkably short period of time the church was completed. Records reveal that the new edifice, built at a cost of $11,000, was a sizable wooden structure with a brick facing. The architecture was predominantly of the Romanesque style. The entrance was on Franklin Place. Old photographs reveal the presence of a picket fence along the front and down the north side of the church. The predominant interior feature was the two rows of pil-lars stretching the length of the building. Exteriorly the triple-tiered tower, rising high above the sparsely populated district and surmounted by the cross bore witness to the fact that the Kingdom of Christ had spread to new fields.

The first Bishop of Milwaukee, John Martin Henni, blessed the new church and appointed the Rev. Peter Koncza as its first pastor. Rev. Koncza, a Lithuanian immigrant from the Province of Vilno, was a newly ordained priest, having completed his studies at the ecclesiastical seminary at St. Francis, Wisconsin. This young priest accepted his assignment and offered the first Holv Sacrifice of the Mass in the new church on the feast of St. Hedwig, October 17, 1871.

Father Koncza did not remain long with his flock. In 1873 he was transferred to Chesterton, Indiana from which point he served the faithful at Otis who had in that year completed the construction of the first Polish Catholic church in that state.

The first rectory, a small wooden structure, was located north of the church and, like the church, faced Franklin Place. It was later moved to the rear of the church where it faced Brady

Street. When the first brick rectory was constructed, the old rectory was bought by Mr. Albert Landowski and moved to the northeast corner of Hamilton and Pulaski Streets where it stands today. Though remodeled to some extent, the building is substantially the same. Its present address is 1148 E. Hamilton Street.

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The building of St. Hedwig parish contributed greatly to the progress and development of the locality. Other buildings quickly appeared on the onceempty streets, deep pits and water- filled holes were leveled, gardens with multicolored flowers became numerous. In a word, what had formerly been a wild, swampy area was transformed into a most desirable locality by the hand of the industrious Pole who now was to establish himself firmly on the northeast side of the city, and who in traditional Polish fashion was to center his life about the new church he had built.

The generous offering of the early parishioners made it possible to equip the church with the appointments necessary for divine services. Among other things, side altars were obtained and put in their proper places. Carpenter-built pews, the rental of which was a source of revenue for the upkeep and the heating of the building, were installed. Financially the heating problem, however, was not too great. An old stove, used only on Sundays, supplied the warmth for the church. Its inadequacy was soon realized for a furnace was later installed in the basement. This supplied heat through a lone register which was set in front of the Communion rail. That this system, too, was unsatisfactory is evident from the fact that the women of the parish made it a practice to come early and to stand, with rosary in hand, on or around the register where they would absorb enough heat to carry them through the divine services. In order to be able to conduct services in true liturgical fashion a pump organ, which was to serve its purpose for many years to come, was purchased. A small bell was bought and hung in the tower whence its clear tones summoned the faithful to the various services, rang out the angelus, and announced the departure of those who had been called to their eternal reward. All appointments imple-menting and attendant upon the correct performance of the sacred liturgy were of necessity modest and unpretentious but commensurate with the dignity of their function.

The exact number of families that were charter members of St. Hedwig Congregation is not known, Simple deduction, however, points to a rapid growth. Early baptismal records reveal the names of most of the first families many of which are the progenitors of present parishioners. The following alphabetical list bears the names of the fathers of families which appear in the first five years of these records:Jacob Adamczyk, Joseph Adamski, Andrew Beem, Thomas Bejma, Henry Bergoi, Michael Blaczynski, John Bloczynski, Adalbert Bruski, John Brożek, Ignatius Buclaw, Paul Cieminski, Jacob Czarnecki, John Czech, Francis Czerkowski, Jacob Czupa, Andrew Dich, Anthony Dobrogowski, Stanislaus Dobrowski, Matthew Dorszynski, Andrew Dzieminski, Adalbert Erdmann, Francis Felize, Casimir Frymark, Henry Garsomski, John Gierszewski, Michael Gierszewski, Jacob Glaza, Stephen Hak, John Hejna, Stanislaus Hejna, Francis Herbetowski, Christian Herman, Adalbert Hildebrand, Adalbert Janikowski, Martin Jareczek, Frederick Jankowski, John Jankowski, John Jaster, Francis Jażdżewski, Anthony Jonas, Joseph Kiedrowski, John Keffler, Martin Killa, John Klassa, Casimir Klopotek, Thomas Klopotek, Lawrence Knitter, Albert Knyter, Matthew Kocz, Francis Kotecki, Joseph Kowalik, Joseph Koźmiński, Francis Krauza, Jacob Kromczynski, Theophil Kruger, John Krymka, John Krymkowski, Valentine Kulpinski, Andrew Lakomecki, John Lanczyk, Adalbert Landowski, Anthony Las, Francis Lepak, Michael Lepak, Anthony Lipski, Adalbert Liter-ski, August Literski, lohn Literski, Jacob Łukaszewski, Simon Łukaszewski, August Lukowicz, John Lukowicz, Joseph Majer, Joseph Matek, Joseph Mancikalski, Michael Meiler, Martin Micynek,

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Peter Milkowski, John Milkowski, Anthony Mroczynski, Anthony Mroski, Adalbert Murkowski, Paul Narlock, Michael Nikrod, Joseph Nowak, Joseph Odya, Adalbert Orczykowski, John Orczy-kowski, Anthony Ordyk, John Ostrowski, John Paikowski, Michael Pawelski, Theodore Pawlicki, Paul Peplinski, Vincent Peplinski, Michael Pestka, John Pierszewski, Valentine Piotrowski, Andrew Podlasinski, Peter Polcyn, Valentine Popka, Carl Priskorn, Joseph Puczynski, John Rewolinski, Albert Rogala, Julius Rozek, Thomas Rozek, Joseph Ruszk, Maximilian Ryński, John Schmidt, John Sielski, Paul Sikora, Adalbert Sizakowski, Andrew Skiba, Peter Skrzyński, Anthony Sledz, Francis Sonnenberg, Stephen Spica, Martin Stachlewicz, Carl Stenka, Joseph Stosik, Martin Sumińs-ki, Anthony Stroika, Adalbert Szakowski, Joseph Szczepański, Stephen Szczepański, Matthew Szczęsny, Paul Sztancel, Simon Tobijanski, Andrew Trecinski, Ignatius Trzebiatowski, Michael Tskier, Thomas Ulik, Stanislaus Wadzinski, Lawrence Wanta, Michael Waserski, Joseph Wajer, John Weltrowski, John Weranka, Jacob Witbrod, Stephen Worzala, John Wróblewski, Stephen Wyrowiński, Francis Wysocki, Martin Zenkiewicz, Andrew Zieminski, Valentine Zygmanski, Adalbert Zyski, Martin Zywicki.

The baptismal records show that the first person baptized in St. Hedwig church was Helen Cecilia Odya, daughter of Joseph and Agnes Banaszenski. The godparents were Vincent and Machalina Porinski. Father Koncza administered the sacrament on November 19, 1871. The first marriage was witnessed on January 9, 1872. The participants to the contract were Jacob Czupa and Mary Kulas. The first funeral service was that of Ignatius Machut, son of Andew and Margaret Skwierawski. The first permanent organist was Francis Krauza who was engaged by the parish when but twenty years of age. Mr. Krauza offered his services to the parish until 1885 in which year he died leaving behind a young wife and five children.

Since the parish was not a corporation from the beginning, no list of early officers is avail¬able. The old timers who are still with us, how¬ever, mention John Jankowski, Francis Sonnenberg, Ignatius Buclaw, Joseph Kiedrowski, Martin Stachlewicz, John Paikowski, Ignatius Trzebia towski, Joseph Wajer, John Brozek and others as being extremely active in parish affairs.

The successor to Father Koncza was the Rev. Xavier Kralczynski, O.F.M., Cap., who came to St. Hedwig's in 1873 and remained until 1875. Father Kralczynski was born in Poland in 1806. Af-ter completing his classical studies, he entered the Capuchin Order in Warsaw. His first priestly years were spent in teaching, but later he was made the superior of the mission band of his Province. His labors as missionary in Poland were blessed with gratifying results; some of his countrymen in Milwaukee remembered that Father Xavier had often preached in the open to crowds numbering 20,000. But the crushing of the Polish insurrection by Russia put an end to his missionary labors in his native country, and after the occupation of Warsaw all monasteries were suppressed. Father Xavier was thrown into prison. Finally freed and seeing that the res-toration of his Order was not in sight, he journeyed to Rome. With the approval of the Father General he offered his services to the Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith, ready to work anywhere for the salvation of souls. Assigned at first to the mission in Turkey, the plans were suddenly changed in favor of America. When he arrived in Milwaukee, he joined his broth-er Capuchins and was affiliated to the Commissariat, but since he was unacquainted with the

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German language, Bishop Henni offered him a field of labor among his own countrymen. He was given charge of the Polish parish in Manitowoc, and in 1873 was assigned to St. Hedwig church in Milwaukee.

It was during Father Kralczynski's pastorship that the first parochial school was established. Two reasons may be advanced for the building of the school. First, there was no other Catholic school within convenient walking distance of the parish. Secondly, there was always a close connection between the faith of the Pole and his language. The Polish faith was a mature faith, Christianity being brought to Poland in the tenth century. From that time to the present the people had always clung tenaciously to the true faith which found expression in the beauti-ful language of the country. A school where the new generation could learn the faith in the mother tongue, pray in the vernacular, and sing the traditional Polish hymns, would effect a spiritual bond between its pupils and the Catholic fatherland. As long as the language of the Pole was retained in his adopted country, his faith for the most part would remain unshaken. So convinced were the early settlers of this fact and so solicitous were they for the spiritual welfare of their children, that, although they worked hard for their daily bread, part of the earnings had to go for the construction and maintenance of a school. And so the first school was built — a small wooden structure, painted brown. It was located on Franklin Place next to the rectory. The first teachers were Mr. Francis Krauza, the organist, a Mr. Baska, and a Miss Peplinski. Soon after, the School Sisters of the Notre Dame were engaged by the parish. The first nuns were Sister Malarja of Polish descent, Sister Evalda of Irish descent, and Sister Fabi-ana of German descent. Statistics are not available on the number of children who attended the school in these early days. The sisters lived in their own house, a modest frame structure, built next to the school. This building stands today at 1731-A N. Franklin Place. It is the cottage on the property directly adjacent to the rear of the present Sisters' convent.

St. Hedwig parish, with its church, rectory, school and Sisters' home, all facing Franklin Place in the order named, was now well established. The rapid growth of the parish would later necessitate a reconstruction of the entire plant, but the needs of the people for the present were adequately taken care of by what had been built.

The attention of the early members was now turned to the organization of a society that would extend both a spiritual and financial aid to its male members. Thomas Klopotek was the motivating force behind this movement, and on February 1, 1874, at a meeting held in the school, the society was formally organized under the name of "St. Adalbert Society". Its first officers were Thomas Klopotek, Theophil Krueger, and Ignatius Buclaw as presidents; Stephen Szczepański, John Schmidt, and Albert Zyski as secretaries and treasurers. Later the presidency was assumed by Francis Niezorawski who held that office for many years. The constitution sets forth the purpose of the society in the following words:

In order that our Polish Roman Catholic people might be united with a bond of brotherly love, and to practice the corporal works of mercy, namely, to visit and help the sick, to aid the widows and orphans; and furthermore, to cultivate the spirit of brotherhood, unity,

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and good morals, for the welfare of the body and the soul, we have banded ourselves in the name of St. Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr, as a fraternal organization.

Fifty-six men were enrolled in the society the first year it was founded. This number grew from time to time. In 1899, when the society observed its silver jubilee, 240 members were on the list.

The society was financed originally by an initiation fee of five dollars. This amount was increased to ten, twelve and fifteen dollars depending upon the age of the new member. Besides this tax, there was a monthly membership assessment of twenty-five cents. A sick benefit of four dollars per week was paid by the society to eligible members; in case of death, burial expenses were met by the organization, and a sum of two hundred dollars given to the family of the deceased.

Though not strictly a church organization, St. Adalbert Society, the forerunner of numerous other societies, played an important role in the life of the parish. It took a prominent part in all parish celebrations, requested its members to receive the Sacraments on four specified Sundays each year, contributed regularly to the financial needs of the parish, made donations of various appointments necessary for divine service, and extended financial aid to promising students. The society observed its Silver Jubilee on April 23, 1899. That was a red letter day for the organization and for the parish. Archbishop X. Katzer cancelled two appointments in order to pontificate at St. Hedwig church and personally distribute Holy Communion to the members of the society. Reverend Hyacinth Gulski preached a sermon on the history and the importance of the organization. Societies from the various Polish parishes participated in the event. A celebration was concluded by a fitting evening program presented by the members of St. Cecelia Choir in the school nail. The society prospered for approximately ten more years when its membership gradually began to dwindle to a few members, necessitating its discon-tinuance.

In April, 1875, Archbishop Heiss appointed Father Kralczynski to the pastor ship of St. Stanislaus parish, and Father Rodowicz who was pastor there came to St. Hedwig parish. The former did not remain long at his post for in December of the following year, after preaching a sermon on the necessity of being prepared for death; he succumbed while making his way back to the parsonage.

Reverend John Rodowicz was the third pastor of St. Hedwig Congregation. Few are the facts concerning the life of this clergyman. He was, however, a native Lithuanian Pole who lived under the Russian domination of his country. His staunch patriotism as a priest who sought justice for his people made him the target of per-secution. Forewarned by his friends that he was being spied upon and that exportation to Siberia was to be his lot, Father Rodowicz escaped from the country and went to Monachium, the capita! of Bavaria. While there he attended the University of Innsbruck. He later came to the United States and settled in Milwaukee in 1870 in which year he was appointed pastor of St. Stanislaus parish. During his pastor ship Father Rodowicz built the present church. After five years of priestly labor on the South Side, he came to St. Hedwig parish where he remained for eleven years. While at St. Hedwig Father Rodowicz made frequent trips to St. Francis Seminary where he taught Polish to the seminarians. He

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died in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1896.

The building projects undertaken by Father Rodowicz in his new post were the construction of a new school and a new parsonage. The old wooden school house had served its purpose. It was not only too small for the increasing number of pupils, but it also began to disintegrate. Old parishioners remember the heavy wooden beam that was placed against the north wall to keep it in position. Rather than demolish the school, however, it was decided to sponsor a raffle at one dollar a ticket. The school was won by Mr. Francis Miszewski who later sold it to Mr. Joseph Polczynski for fifty dollars. The latter owner moved it to the corner of Brady Street and Arlington Place where it stands today, enlarged and brick-faced, catering to the tavern patrons of the locality. During the building of the second school, classes were conducted in the church.

This new school, a two-story brick structure with a basement hall was built on the site of the old. It served its purpose for many years, after which it was remodeled into a Sisters' home. After the present Sisters' convent was built, this second school building was demolished.

In 1879 the oldest extant society of the parish was founded. The women noting the success of the St. Adalbert Society, which was for male members only, banded themselves together to form the Rosary Society. The first officers were Mrs. Mary Osmanski, Mrs. Mary Schmidt, Mrs. Mary Kiedrowski and Mrs. Catherine Stormowski. That the organization grew rapidly is evident from the fact that the original death insurance was raised from twenty-five to fifty dollars despite the fact that the monthly membership assessment was only ten cents per member. The Sisters of the Rosary dedicated themselves to the singing of the rosary in church, the Christian education of children, the cultivating of brotherly love and friendship, and the practicing of the virtue of charity by refraining from all gossip. The Rosary Society was most generous in its donations to the parish as is evident from observations made elsewhere in this historical narrative.

After the completion of the school, the attention of the pastor was turned to the rectory. This wood-framed building, located immediately behind the church, no longer presented the convenience of a home to its occupant. Rather than to remodel the house, it was decided to build a new rectory. Two lots were purchased from the Orczychowski and Witbrod families who then lived on Racine Street. The first elaborate plans of the architect were modified, and a two story brick structure was built on the site where the present rectory stands. This parsonage was completed in 1884. The first rectory was moved a block north where it now stands at 1148 E. Ha-milton Street.

The organizing in 1885 of the Joseph Ignatius Kraszewski Society indicates that a serious attempt was made to introduce cultural interests among the early members of the parish. The purpose of this society was specifically to give the members an opportunity to study the life and works of Kraszewski, the famous Polish author, and to acquaint themselves with the general literary movement of Poland. As a secondary objective the society sponsored educational plays and social entertainment. Like the St. Adalbert Society, this organization also extended financial

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aid to sick members, helped to defray burial expenses, and gave aid to widows and orphans. At its height the Joseph Ignatius Kraszewski Society numbered 160 members. The society does not exist today. There is no record indicating the reason for its discontinuance.

An unfortunate incident occurred at this time to mar the good name of the fast-developing parish. Just as the evil spirit entered Paradise and destroyed the holy relation that existed be-tween God and man, so too did he find ways and means to disrupt the harmony and unity that existed between pastor and parishioner. Two factions arose among the people. Each sought to control not only the church but its rector as well. In the ensuing confusion the peace of St. Hedwig parish was disturbed by quarrels, calumniations and accusations. This placed the pastor in a very precarious position. He attempted time and time again to effect reconciliation among his parishioners but without success. Finally, with the permission of Archbishop Heiss, Father Rodowicz resigned his pastor ship, leaving his disobedient and obstinate flock in October 1885'. The obstinacy of the people forced the Archbishop to retaliate by placing the parish under interdict. The church and the school were both closed on September 20, 1885, thus leaving the parishioners without a priest and the comforts of divine services. The school children were directed to attend the old Cass Street School for the time being.

The parishioners realized their misfortune in due time, however, and acknowledging their mistake, petitioned the Archbishop to send them a new pastor. His Excellency, seeing the true repentant spirit of the people and desiring to put an end to the quarrels and dissensions which arose without cause, entrusted the parish to Reverend Clemens Rogoziński on December 11, 1885. The interdict had extended over a period of eighty-one days.

Father Rogoziński was born in Russian-dominated Poland in 1835. He entered the Order of St. Bernard at Lowiecz and was ordained a priest in 1861. Sent to Warsaw, the young levite took active part in the insurrection to liberate Poland from Russian suppression. The attempt was unsuccessful; most participants were either put to death or exported to Siberia. Father Rogo-ziński, however, escaped into Galicia where he intended to settle permanently. Fate decreed otherwise for he was arrested as a political prisoner and jailed for eleven months. At the end of this period, he was given a passport and directed to leave the country. Journeying to Paris, he remained there for some time administering to the spiritual needs of his exiled fellow-country men. Not satisfied with his lot, Father Rogozinski left Paris for America. While at Amsterdam he met Bishop Dubois of Galveston, Texas. The bishop invited him to work in his diocese. Ac-cepting the invitation, Father Rogozinski spent four years in Texas taking charge of German and Bohemian missions. Desiring to labor among the American Poles, he came to Wisconsin and was assigned to the pastor ship of St. Michael parish at Beaver Dam. Later he became the pastor of St. John the Baptist Church at Princeton, Wisconsin. Here he built the beautiful par-sonage which still is in use today. Finally, Father Rogozinski came to Milwaukee where there was a dearth of Polish priests and accepted an assignment as assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus parish. Failing in health, he received permission to return to Europe for a few months' sojourn. It was while in Europe that the parishioners of St. Hedwig parish appealed to Archbishop Heiss to lift the interdict upon the parish and to send them a new pastor. When Father Rogozinski

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returned from his European trip the Archbishop, by agreement of the two disturbing factions, appointed him as rector of St. Hedwig's. The appointment took effect on December 11, 1885.

The appointment of Father Rogozinski as the fourth pastor of St. Hedwig's besides being Epis-copal was also providential. He possessed a courage, determination and sternness that soon put an end to all parish dissensions. Both parties became reconciled and together with the pastor again worked for the spiritual and material good of the parish.

With peace and harmony restored, Father Rogozinski immediately turned his attention to the building of a new church. The original church had been constructed to accommodate 200 fam-ilies. The rapid growth of the locality apparently had not been foreseen, for at this time there were approximately 600 families attached to the parish. The steady flow of Polish emigrants to Milwaukee populated not only the east side of the city but also overflowed into the north side where purchasable land was to be had at a cheaper price. These North Siders walked to St. Hedwig's to attend services and sent their children to the parish school. In the spring of 1886 a meeting was called to discuss and remedy the situation. Those from the 13th ward were in favor of cutting themselves off from the east side and building a church in their own territory. The older settlers of the east side, however, favored the construction of a new and larger church. After a heated debate the opinion of the latter prevailed and it was decided to keep the parish intact. It was further decided to keep the old church until the new one was built. This procedure necessitated the selection of another site. The records on file at the Office of the Register of Deeds show that the corner lots on Brady and Racine Streets were deeded by Joel and Mary Parker of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1871 to Bishop Henni. On April 29, 1886 Archbishop Heiss deeded the property to St. Hedwig congregation.

Parish funds were not sufficient to finance the construction of a new church. A loan had to be floated. In order to receive the protection of the state in this matter, the parish became a corporation on March 5, 1886 with the following officers: Archbishop Michael Heiss, Monsi-gnor L. Batz, the Vicar General, Reverend Clemens Rogozinski, Mr. Ignatius Buclaw, secretary, and Mr. Frank Sonnenberg, treasurer. The incorporated parish, now having a legal guarantee, could contract the debt necessary to erect the church.

The contract was left, and in August, 1886 work began on the foundation. The building project was in the hands of contractor Francis Niezorawski, a parishioner and city alderman. A month later, specifically on September 5th, Msgr. Batz blessed the cornerstone. One year later Arch-bishop Heiss blessed the newly-built church. Msgr. Hyacinth Gulski, pastor of St. Hyacinth parish preached an edifying sermon. Priests and people from the entire city attended the ceremonies.

The events leading up to the building of the new church have been stated briefly and sim-ply. A detailed account, however, would have to tell the story of the dissenters—those who claimed that the project would be a failure. But there was no such word as failure in the lex-icon of Father Rogozinski. His stern determination, coupled with the generosity of optimistic parishioners, brought the work to a successful completion. The erection of the church was not without tragedy, being marked by the death of Mr. Peter Worzala who was instantly killed

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in a fall from the scaffolding.

The church as it exists today, though its exterior has been darkened by the passage of time, is substantially the same church built fifty-nine years ago. Few changes have been made. Its external appearance is much like that of the first church, the style again being Romanesque. Its length is 153 feet; its width 65 feet. The height of the church from the ground to the tip of the cross is 162 feet. Standing in front of the church, one sees the main entrance flanked by two smaller entrances. Above the center entrance, cut in stone, is the Latin inscription "Ecclesia St. Hedwigis," meaning "Church of St. Hedwig." The cornerstone on the right shows the date 1886. Above each side entrance is a large three- sectional window. Four clocks, five feet in diameter, the gift of non-Catholic, Mr. J. lung, are set in the tower whose interior lodges three massive bells, Maria, Klemens and Jadwiga, which were purchased by donations. These original clocks, however, have been repaired and were partially replaced in 1941. Entering the church, the observer finds himself in a large vestibule from which three doors lead into the church proper. Once in the church, one experiences the peace, quiet and comfort which it’s beautiful interior emanates.

The ceiling is divided into twenty large beamframed squares, each containing a smaller appropriate painting or decoration. Interior redecorations have caused the removal of all original paintings. The side walls of the church are broken by fourteen long, vertically divided colored windows each of which bears the inscription of the donor. Starting on the Gospel side and proceeding counter-clockwise these names are: St. Adalbert Society, John Jankowski and Wife, J. Niemczyk and Wife, Young People's Society, John Sobieski Society, Mary Baska, St. Hedwig Parish, Knights of St. Casimir, Adalbert Trzebiatowski and Wife, August Osmański and Wife, Young Ladies' So-dality, Joseph Połczyński and' Wife, Francis Niezorawski and Wife, Joseph Kraszewski Society. The angled windows in the sanctuary behind the main altar were presented to the parish by the Rosary Society. Four sections of pews, sufficient to accomodate 1150 worshippers, are mounted on a six-inch elevation. In 1941 the rear pews were removed to permit passage from aisle to aisle without going into the vestibule. Additional space, enough to accomodate 300 people, is found in the choir loft where pews from the old church have been installed. The two manual organ of 32 stops was a later addition to the choir loft, being purchased by the parish in 1900 at a cost of $6,400. The original wood-carved Stations of the Cross were purchased by the parish in 1889 at a cost of $1,200. These stations were later removed, sent to St. Michael church in Berlin, Wis., and replaced by the carved wood stations found in the church today. The pulpit, the canopy over which was also removed in 1941, and the confessional, both wood-carved, were installed from the beginning at a cost of $900.00.

The sanctuary is constructed on an elevation of two feet. The main altar, set in an apse and constructed in the Roman style, has a height of sixteen feet. The mensa, beneath which is a high relief of the Last Supper, is supported by four columns. On either side of the tabernacle, which was a gift of the Czaja Family, there is an adoring angel. In the niches built into the ex-treme ends of the altar are the statues of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The two rear panels of the altar depict in low relief the biblical stories of the sacrifices of Abraham

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and Melchisedech. The altar together with its panel reliefs and statues are all fashioned out of wood. The four pieces of statuary were donated by the Westphal Family and the Society of the Apostle ship of Prayer. The two angelic candelabra on each side of the main altar, a later addition, were the gift of the Adalbert Wera Family.

Originally, the sanctuary ceiling displayed a heaven of stars surrounding an oil painting of St. Hedwig which rose high above the main altar. The side walls of the sanctuary apse dis¬played huge paintings of Pope St. Clement and St. Adalbert, the Apostle of Poland. The stars and the latter two paintings were removed upon redecoration of the church in 1941. Directly off the main altar, entrances lead into the priests' and the servers' sacristies.

The two side altars present a striking contrast to the main altar. They are larger, have a greater width and extend to the ceiling. The Blessed Virgin Mary Altar on the Gospel side, with its he-roic wood-carved statue of the Mother of God and its minor statues and oil paintings depicting events in the life of the Blessed Mother, was purchased by the Young Ladies' Sodality. The shrine of the Mother of Perpetual Help was affixed to the altar in 1934. The St. Joseph Altar on the Epistle side, built in conformity with the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has a heroic carved wood statue of St. Joseph. Other wood-carved statues and reliefs and oil paintings center their theme around the life of the foster-father of Christ. This altar was the gift of John and Joseph Skwierawski. Each side altar was purchased at a cost of $1,200.00.

Completing the sanctuary appointments are two large pedestal statues. To the right of the Blessed Virgin altar is a replica of the famous Pieta; to the left of the St. Joseph altar is the Holy Family group. Above each of these respectively are the statues of St. Anthony, donated by the Francis Niezorawski Family, and St. Francis of Assisi, the gift of the Third Order of St. Francis. The wood-carved sedilia which graces the sanctuary was made by the Moroder Studios of Mil-waukee and added to the church in 1932.

The church was originally decorated and all paintings effected by the Polish artist, Zugotynski. In the beginning it was lighted by one hundred gas jets and heated by steam proceeding from a boiler installed in the basement. In the basement, too, cemented in the foundation, the cor-nerstone of the first church bearing the date 1871 is located.

After Father Rogoziński completed the building of the church, he turned his attention to the construction of a new school. The present school building was small, damp, and unpractical. It no longer could accommodate the numerous children who sought admission. At a meeting called for this purpose, suggestions for remodeling the old church into a school were rejected. The greater majority voted for the construction of a school in the" 13th ward. At the advice of the Archbishop, however, who personally inspected the school building and declared it to be unpractical and unsanitary, it was decided to demolish the old church and construct a modern school on its site. The old church accordingly was torn down and in its place a large three- sto-ried structure, 80 feet long and 50 feet wide, was erected. Corridors in the form of a cross led to eight well-lighted and well-ventilated classrooms on the lower two floors. The entire third

12

floor was given over to a hall which was equipped for meetings and social entertainments. The parish office was located in the basement behind a screen enclosure. Here the parish committee met to transact official business.

The Sisters' home with its lot, neither of which was parish property, was purchased by the congregation in 1890. The small wooden house was moved to 1731-A N. Franklin Place where it stands today and the old school building put in its place. On its new site the school was remo- deled into a new home for the Sisters. It was equipped with a small chapel for the convenience of the nuns. A flower garden and several trees added an aspect of beauty to the dwelling.

The value of the church property at this time, the land and building included, was estimated at $100,000. The parish debt was $25,000 contracted with financial institutions and private indi-viduals. Revenue to defray expenses, meet interest, and decrease the debt was obtained from pew rent, church assessments, school tuition and society-sponsored entertainments. Annual parish expenses averaged $5,000; the assets were $7,000. The difference was used to meet the interest on the church debt and to decrease the indebtedness. The parishioners gladly paid their annual assessment of $25.00; some gave more. The names of all special benefactors were inscribed in the "Golden Book" kept in the parish archives. From time to time certain individuals made outstanding donations to the parish. Mr. John Jankowski, on the occasion of his silver wedding anniversary, presented the parish with a gold-plated chalice. Mr. Joseph Polczynski donated a monstrance which is still in use today.

In January 1890 the parish received its first assistant pastor, the Reverend Idzi Tarasiewicz. He was the first of thirty-two priests to be assigned to the parish in .that capacity up to 1946.

On September 20, 1893 there came to St. Hedwig parish an individual who was to associate himself with the life of the congregation for a full half century. This was Mr. Joseph Bejma. He was born on February 26, 1869 in a small village near Poland. At the age of sixteen, after having received his elementary education in his homeland, he came to America and settled in Milwaukee. Mr. Bejma worked for some time at the Edward P. Allis Company to earn money for the furtherance of his education. When the opportunity came, he entered Pio Nono Normal School where he majored in Liturgical Music. After his graduation in 1893 Mr. Bejma assumed the position of organist and choir master at St. Hedwig church. During the interim between Mr. Krauza's death and Mr. Bejma's appointment several other organists whose names are not known supplied the liturgical music for the divine services. As director of the choir, the new organist was instrumental in organizing a company of good singers, and his choir flourished so well that people came from different parishes to listen to the beautiful rendition of the vesper psalms each Sunday afternoon. Between his duties as organist, choir master, and teacher in the parochial school, Mr. (Bejma found time to stage musical programs and operettas in the school hall for the entertainment of the parishioners. Many clearly remember the great success of "Genowefa" back in 1923.

Besides the societies already reported in this historical narrative, several other societies were organized. Data which is not too extensive reveals that the St. John Kanty Society was foun-

13

ded in 1887; The Society of Jesus and Mary in 1890; Knights of St. Casimir in 1893; St. Joseph Society, The Apostleship of Prayer and The Sacred Heart Society in 1894. Each society had its own particular badges, banners and uniforms which were used at various church functions and celebrations. The main purpose of these organizations was to extend financial aid to sick members and help to defray funeral expenses.

In 1893 the division of the parish took place. Parishioners living on the North Side in the 13 th ward were inconvenienced by the distance that had to be traversed in order to attend divine services. The children, too, had a long walk to school. Time and time again these people at-tempted to segregate themselves from the east-siders in order to erect their own church, but they constantly met opposition at the parish meetings. Discouraged, they finally appealed to Archbishop Katzer who gave them permission to build their own church and school. All families living north of the Milwaukee river were ordered to attach themselves to the new parish. Upon Father Tarasiewicz fell the task of organization. St. Hedwig Congregation donated $6,000 as compensation to the new parish which was to be called St. Casimir Congregation. Once founded, the parish grew so rapidly that within two years it surpassed its mother church in membership.

In 1895 Father Rogoziński founded the Young Ladies' Sodality. This organization is the second oldest extant group in the parish. Its first officers were: Miss Antoinette Kaminki, prefect; Miss Pearl Podlaszewski, vice-prefect; Miss Angela Orczykowski, treasurer; Miss Frances Gierszewski, secretary. The record of this sodality is most remarkable. Apart from its spiritual activities the society showed an excellent spirit of generosity toward the parish. Among other things it made the following contributions to the parish: two brass candelabra, two brass framed, velvet co-vered kneelers, a hand carved statue of the Blessed Virgin, the Christmas crib used in the church today, and the wood carved altar in the present Sisters' chapel. Miss Antoinette Kamiński, the sodality's first prefect, is still active in the organization today.

In 1895 St. Hedwig parish looked forward to the completion of its first quarter of a century. Twenty-five years had passed since the humble beginning was made, but these years were replete with the blessings of God. The parish now possessed a splendid church decorated and furnished in a dignified manner, a fine school equal in its educational advantages to the best in the city, a fairly substantial parsonage and a Sisters' convent which adequately served its purpose. The parish committee accordingly set itself to the task of preparing for a grand celebration.

A Jubilee Booklet was prepared by Rev. Ladislaus Mscisz, an assistant to Father Rogoziński at this time. In memory of the occasion, a beautiful chalice made in Paris, France was bought at a cost of $700.00 and presented to the parish. The contributions for the chalice were made by the parishioners. Mr. Francis Niezorawski and the Young Ladies' Sodality contibuted $100.00 and $50.00 respectively. The Knights of St. Casimir purchased a silver ciborium at a cost of $100.00. One thousand silver and aluminum souvenir medals were struck. One side of the medal showed an etching of St. Hedwig church; the other bore the inscription: 25 Anniversary of St Hedwig Parish, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 18, 1896.

The Silver Jubilee was observed in conjunction with the patron feast, St. Hedwig, October 18,

14

1896. Archbishop Frederick X. Katzer celebrated a Solemn Pontifical High Mass. Rev. Hyacinth Gulski preached an unusually eloquent sermon. In the afternoon the Archbishop administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 216 candidates, while Rev. Wilhelm Grutza, pastor of St. Josaphat church, gave an appropriate instruction. Priests from all the city parishes took part in the church services, as did outside societies and parish organizations. The day's celebration was concluded in the evening with an amateur show and social in the school hall.

The first quarter century account of the history of St. Hedwig parish may be brought to a close with the following data:

Baptisms administered 4,898Marriages witnessed 776Families attached to parish 570Number of individual parishioners 4,217Number of children in school 550Number of teaching sisters 8

PARISH PRIESTS:

Rev. Clemens Rogoziński, Pastor Rev. Ladislaus Mscisz, Assistant Rev. Bronislaus Celichowski, Assistant

PARISH OFFICERS:

Mr. John Jankowski, Treasurer Mr. M. Bachinski, Secretary

CHAPTERII.AfterTwenty-fiveYears

The joy and festivity that accompanied the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of St. Hedwig parish were well earned. In a comparatively short period of time a small band of Polish Catholics, in an attempt to keep up with the developing locality, had built two churches, three schools, two parsonages, and two Sisters' homes. Their fervent faith and great spirit of sacrifice had drawn God's blessing upon their work. In the course of the years death invaded the ranks of the early settlers, but their sound Catholic faith did not cease to exist. It lived with undiminished vigor in the newly founded homes of their sons and daughters. For those first years the building activi-ties, though not yet fully completed, occupied the greater share of attention. In the coming ones the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the parish was to grow in intensity. The congregation, however, had not yet reached the height of its numerical strength. The future would bring an increase in the number of families, a pupil enrollment that would necessitate the building of an addition to the school, and an increase in the staff of Notre Dame Sisters whose work in the parochial school deserved the highest praise.

In 1897 the first son of the parish was ordained to the priesthood. This was Reverend Maximilian

15

Dorszynski who celebrated his First Solemn High Mass at St. Hedwig's on June 27, 1897. Father Dorszynski was the forerunner of 16 other young men of the parish who were called to labor in the Vineyard of the Lord.

As far as available records show, the first daughter of the parish to enter the sisterhood was Sister M. Rosanne Frymark. Seventy-one other girls followed in her footsteps. Sister Rosanne applied for admission at the Notre Dame Convent in 1889, took the vows, and labored for many years in different school missions.

The death of Father Rogozinski in 1901 was a distinct loss to the congregation. Coming to the parish when its status was most uncertain, he gained the confidence of his people. Courageous and determined, Father Rogozinski availed himself of the opportunities that made it possible for him to go down in this historical narrative as the "Builder of St. Hedwig's." The funeral service for the beloved pastor was conducted in the church he erected, and the body was laid to rest in St. Adalbert Cemetery.

The successor to Father Rogozinski was Reverend Boleslaus Celichowski who had worked with his predecessor as assistant pastor for three years. Father Celichowski was born in Iwno, Poland in 1872. At the age of fourteen he came to Milwaukee with his parents. Resuming his education here, he attended Marquette Academy and then completed his course of studies for the priest-hood at St. Francis Seminary. He was ordained priest on June 18, 1898. His first assignment was at St. Hedwig parish, first as assistant and then as the fifth pastor. Father Celichowski retained the pastor ship of this parish until 1909. From 1909 to 1915 he held the same position at St. Casimir parish. In 1915 he was appointed pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius church which posi-tion he has held without interruption to this day.

The first problem that faced the fifth pastor of St. Hedwig's was one that concerned the school. Although built with an eye to the future, the school could no longer accommodate the increasing number of pupils. In order to meet the situation in the most economical and quickest way, Father Celichowski partitioned the hall on the third floor of the school thereby creating four additional classrooms. The added accommodations proved sufficient for the time being although another readjustment had to be made in the future.

The remodeling of the school left the parish without an adequate hall, the basement of the building being used for that purpose. Father Celichowski had intended to put up a new struc-ture on the grounds specifically for social gatherings and entertainments, but the plans never materialized.

The Third Order of St. Francis was established in the parish on July 6, 1902 by the Rev. Romuald Byzewski, O.F.M. After conducting a three days' retreat in which the purpose of the organization was explained, thirty members of the parish enrolled themselves in the society. The first officer was Miss Antoinette Kaminski who from the beginning to this day has acted in the capacities of president, secretary, and treasurer. At one time the order numbered 60 members; today its membership is at thirty-three.

16

On December 12, 1907 a unique event took place in St. Hedwig church. This was the ordination to the priesthood of Joseph Platta, a son of the parish, by His Excellency Archbishop Sebastian Messmer. The incident was unique in that it was the first and only service of its kind ever to be conducted in the parish church.

In 1908 Father Celichowski began the construction of the third and present rectory. The par-sonage, built in 1848 by Rev. Rodowicz, was now too small to house its occupants: the pastor, two assistant priests, and the housekeeper. Besides it had no adequate facilities for conducting the routine parish business. The old rectory was sold to Mr. Andrew Ulik and moved to 1900 N. Warren Avenue where it stands today. During the construction of the new parsonage the pastor and his assistants temporized by taking up quarters in the school building. On the site of the old dwelling there accordingly arose the home which is used by the parish priests to-day — a spacious, fifteen rooms, twostory, and brick structure. In subsequent years a rear sun porch with a south east exposure was removed to permit the enlarging of the pastor's study which is located on the first floor. The new rectory together with its furnishings represented a cost of $23,000.

In 1909 Father Celichowski was transferred to St. Casimir parish and Reverend Hyacinth Gulski was named his successor.

Father Gulski was born on November 28, 1846 in Chelmno, West Prussia. He received his early education in the city of his birth. At the age of nineteen he entered the Order of Reformed Conventuals and was ordained priest in 1873. His first sacerdotal work was performed at La-bawa and Byslawek. This was at the time of the Kulturkampf, the name given to the political struggle for the rights and self-government of the Catholic Church, carried on chiefly in Prussia. Bismarck, an enemy of Rome, believed in a State Church. As a Prussian official he maintained that the Church should not only be under the supervision of the State, but should positively serve the purpose of the State. In the ensuing persecution, Father Gulski escaped to Holland where he remained for two months acting as a convent chaplain. On the advice of friends he sailed for America, arriving in Milwaukee in 1875. Archbishop Henni, whose subject he now became, sent Father Gulski to Berlin, Wisconsin, as pastor of St. Stanislaus parish. After eight months at Berlin, he was transferred to St. Stanislaus, Milwaukee. Here he served as assistant to Father Kralczynski. After the latter's death, on December 24, 1876, Father Gulski became the pastor of the parish. Here he remained until 1883, at which time he became the rector of St. Hyacinth parish which he founded. In recognition for services rendered to the Church, Father Gulski was made a Domestic Prelate to His Holiness Pope Pius X in 1908, with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor. He was the first Polish priest of the Archdiocese to be thus honored.

In 1909 Msgr. Gulski was appointed to the pastor ship of St. Hedwig parish. He was welcomed amid great joy and festivity. The parishioners were well acquainted with their new pastor long before his present assignment. He had frequently visited St. Hedwig's on special occasions and had preached numerous inspirational sermons to the people. God had endowed him with a special talent for oratory and music - he was known as the golden-voiced preacher and singer

17

throughout America. These gifts, coupled with his great generosity, amiability, and cordiality gained for him the confidence, respect, and honor of his people. His presence at St. Hedwig parish, however, was not long-lived. A recurring sickness sent him to bed and on December 24, 1911, the same day on which his former pastor, Father Kralczynski died, he was called to his eternal reward. The funeral services were held at St. Hedwig's, and Msgr. Gulski whose name will always recall pleasant memories to that who knew him, was laid to rest in a place of honor in St. Adalbert cemetery.

The only opportunity for any improvement on church property that Msgr. Gulski had during his short stay was the redecorating of the church. It was during his time that the Orphan Aid Society was organized. This took place on June 9, 1910, with the assistance of Mrs. Augusta Gierszewski, Mrs. Anna Rampkowski, Mrs. Mary Niezorawski and Miss Antoinette Kaminski. When an announcement was made in the church that this society was being established, 240 women joined. The first officers elected were: Mrs. Mary Nierorawski, president; Miss Julia Sonnenberg, recording secretary; Mrs. Martha Worzala, financial secretary; Mrs. Augusta Gi-erszewski, treasurer.

The purpose of the society was to raise funds for the St. Joseph Orphanage, South 18th Street and West Euclid Avenue. At the beginning, these funds were raised by conducting picnics at the Schlitz Grove on Humboldt Avenue. In addition to this, the Felician nuns at the Orphanage brought their children to the school hall once a year to stage a show. All receipts were given to the orphanage.

The present membership is 122 and funds are raised by a good-will collection. The present of-ficers are: Miss Anna Brzeziński, president; Mrs. Martha Worzala, vice-president; Mrs. Barbara Kritner, secretary; Mrs. Mary Paikowski, treasurer. It was during Msgr. Gulski's time, too, that the St. Hedwig Court No. 1426 of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the St. Cecelia Court No. 860 of the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters were instituted. Msgr. Gulski's successor as pastor was the Reverend Michael Wenta.

Father Wenta was born on September 29, 1877 in Poland. When a child he came to America with his parents and settled in Milwaukee. He received his elementary education at St. Stanislaus and at St. Josaphat schools. Seeking higher education, Father Wenta matriculated at Marquette University. Completing his work here, he entered the ecclesiastical seminary at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he pursued the philosophical studies. He then entered St. Francis Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1902. Father Wenta's first assignment was at St. Vincent parish where he remained for three months as an assistant. In 1903 he became pastor of St. Michael parish in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he built a new church and parsonage. In January 1912 he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Hedwig church. While at St. Hedwig's, specifically in 1925, he was made a Domestic Prelate to His Holiness Pope Pius XI with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor. He was the first alumnus of Marquette University to be thus honored. Msgr. Wenta remained at his present post for twenty-four years until 1935 when he was transferred to St. Stanislaus church. While at this south side parish he made many improvements in the church and the rectory. Death came to him on April 14, 1940 after having delivered a sermon in St. Mary Częstochowa

18

church on the occasion of Father Knitter's twenty-fifth anniversary as pastor of that parish.

Those who knew Msgr. Wenta remember him as a scholar of no mean repute. He was well read and himself possessed a catalogued library of over 2000 select volumes. This library was considered to be one of the finest private collections of books among the clergy of the country. His great amount of knowledge was evident in the inspirational sermons, which he preached to his people each Sunday and on special occasions. His oratorical talent was not confined to parochial preaching, however, for Msgr. Wenta was frequently called upon to speak at other church celebrations, jubilees, and secular occasions. He often substituted in this capacity for Archbishop Stritch who recognized his outstanding ability and selected him to fill appointments which he himself could not keep.

Msgr. Wenta developed the spiritual, charitable, cultural, and social features of the parish. Through his own efforts, the efforts of his assistant priests and missionary fathers who conducted retreats and missions from time to time, he intensified the religious spirit of his parishioners; he formed societies based on the principle of sacrifice and of love of God and neighbor; he was intensely interested in the parish school, and through his efforts its educational advantages were placed on a level that was second to none; he encouraged his assistants to foster social activities among the young people of the congregation.

The first society sponsored under Msgr. Wenta's promotion was the parish conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The society known by this name is an organization of Catholic laymen, established in 1833 at Paris, who dedicated themselves to the service of the poor. The help of those in need was undertaken as a spiritual duty belonging to the integrity of the Christian life. The spiritual character of the service of the poor was the distinguishing mark between this organization and the ordinary philanthropic society. Msgr. Wenta saw the need of such a conference in the parish, and realizing that the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Soci-ety was the work of the Catholic Church, called a group of men together on January 28, 1914 and explained the function of the society to them. Two weeks later, on February 11th in the presence of the officers of the Central Conference, the society was formally established. This was the first Polish conference of its kind in the United States. Of the twenty-three parishio-ners present the following were selected as the first officers: John Weiher, president; Constant Larkowski, vice-president; Joseph Brefka, secretary; August Kosidowski, treasurer. The society has functioned from that day to the present without interruption. It celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1939. Only God knows what tremendous good has been done through its members who voluntarily and without remuneration have visited the homes of the parish poor distributing alms and offering moral assistance wherever needed.

In October, 1914, Msgr. Wenta organized a parish branch of the Holy Name Society. This orga-nization, dedicated to the work of promoting a proper reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus, dates back to the days of the thirteenth century and the saintly Dominic. Since that time the society has swept the world. Its influence has been especially felt in the United States during the past forty years. The pastor, realizing the great spiritual benefit the Holy Name men would receive, forthwith established a parish branch. At its height the society numbered 400 mem-

19

bers. No records of the organization are available up to 1941. This should not be construed as a reflection on the character of the past officers, for those in charge worked diligently to interest their fellow parishioners to join their ranks. According to veteran members, however, the first officers were: Vincent Facholski, president; Joseph Skwierawski, vice-president; William Maikowski, secretary; Albert Trzebiatowski, treasurer. The society was reorganized in 1941, and today adheres faithfully to all rules and regulations laid down by the Central Office.

In this same month and year the Children of Mary Sodality was also organized. Under the promotion of Father Mikołajczak, an assistant pastor, 180 school children were enrolled into the new organization. Badges were blessed on December 6, and on this day the children were solemnly and formally received into the society. The sodality banner was blessed on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th. Adult parishioners made the day more festive and impressive by acting as sponsors. An outstanding social feature of the sodality was the annual outing at Waukesha Beach or some other picnic grounds.

It was not long after this that the trying days of the First World War arrived. Though at first maintaining a position of neutrality, the United States finally entered the conflict. Among the many men enlisting from the parish was Father Mikołajczak. He went to Camp Tylor, Kentucky, where he received his commission as U. S. Army Chaplain in May, 1917. Overseas in France he served with the 128th Infantry, 32nd Division. He saw active service throughout the entire bat-tles at Chateau Thierry, Meuse, Argonne, and with the army of occupation in Germany. While in Europe Chaplain Mikolajczak was stationed with many of the "boys" from St. Hedwig's. At the conclusion of the war, in 1919, he was reassigned to his prewar position at St. Hedwig parish.

Unfortunately, the parish "Honor Roll" has been mislaid or destroyed. It is not possible to tell how many names appeared on it although, according to the veterans themselves, the number was large. After the war the Stoltman Post of the American Legion was founded in the parish. It was so named in honor of a son of the parish who had been one of the first to make the su-preme sacrifice for his country. The post, however, did not function long, being absorbed into the General Hahn Post of the 13th ward.

A distinct contribution to the decorum and dignity with which the church services are con¬-ducted is the work of the ushers. St. Hedwig Ushers' Society was founded in June, 1918, under the direction of Msgr. Wenta. The first officers were: Rev. Francis Zynda, moderator; John Paikowski, president; Albert Trzebiatowski, vice-president; Albert Frymark, secretary; William Maikowski, treasurer. For the past twenty-eight years the Ushers' Society has been fortunate in having a splendid corps of young men willing to give themselves to this work of the church. They have always striven to be prompt and courteous in the task of seating the people and in taking up the offerings of the faithful. Besides this the society has frequently participated in various parish activities and has lent a helping hand by means of bazaars and bingo and card parties to defray church expenses.

In June 1920 Msgr. Wenta organized his fifth society — one that was always near and dear to his heart — namely, the Altar Society, which was established under the patronage of St. Mar-

20

tha. Before any organization was formed in the parish equipped to discharge the numerous tasks that the service of the church requires many good women strove to supply the simple needs of the day. Yet the pastor saw the advisability of founding a society that would dedicate itself primarily to the fostering of the spiritual life and secondarily to the embellishing of the services of the church by providing vest¬ments, linens, flowers, and all the things that make more fitting the celebration of the Divine Mysteries. At the time of its inception the Altar Society had an enrollment of 116 members. Its first officers were: Mrs. Augusta Gierszewski, president; Mrs. Mary Frymark, secretary; Miss Martha Czaja, treasurer. Dinners, suppers and card parties without number have provided the revenue with which the ladies have supplied the many sanctuary needs of the parish. The annual banquets of the society revived many pleasant memories for its members.

The year 1921 saw the establishment of a senior group of acolytes under the name of the St. Gabriel Society. The need of such a group of Mass servers was clearly realized. Members of the Holy Name Society served at their Communion Mass on the second Sunday of each month. Though anxious to be near the altar, these men were not organized as a servers' society. To Father Mikolajczak, commissioned by Msgr. Wenta (who at this time left for an extended Euro-pean trip with Bishop Rhode of Green Bay) fell the task of organization. On the evening of July 1, 1921, thirty-two young men who realized the spiritual advantages offered by a society of this kind, met in the chapel of the Sisters' convent where the group was formally organized. The first officers were: Rev. John Mikolajczak, president; Roman Belling, vice-president; Albert Gill, treasurer; Joseph Rzepinski, secretary. When the pastor returned from his European sojourn, he was greeted by the members of the newly organized society.

Outstanding among the charter members of the society was Mr. Edward Kosobucki who, though engaged in a private business for a livelihood, led the society in patience, generosity, and self- sacrifice as its president for a period of sixteen years. A second notable charter member was Mr. Joseph Rzepinski, the oldest acolyte in point of service at St. Hedwig's. He began serving Mass at the age of eleven — back in 1910 — and has continued to do so without interruption to the present day.

One may appreciate and yet not fully realize what this organization has meant to the parish. No monument is necessary to commemorate its years of service, for the deeds of each acolyte are written in the book of God which will be opened and read on Judgment day.

A well organized apolitical society was not the only surprise Msgr. Wenta received upon his return from Europe. He had been the first pastor at St. Hedwig's to own an automobile. This was housed in a tin garage located just behind the rectory. While the pastor went from city to city admiring the architectural genius of the Europeans, Father Mikolajczak supervised and personally lent a hand in constructing, at a cost of $1,600, the one car brick garage that stands on the premises today.

In 1921 St. Hedwig parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The event was not observed in any outstanding manner. No Jubilee Booklet was prepared to record the events of the preceding

21

years. No parish dinners or programs were arranged to commemorate the occasion. The success achieved by years of sacrifice and toll, however, was observed by a Solemn Pontifical High Mass of Thanksgiving on October 23rd. His Excellency, Archbishop Messmer, was the celebrant. He was preceded by a large group of priests who entered the church in solemn procession to the strains of the impressive "Ecce Sacerdos Magnus." At the Pontifical Mass Rev. Joseph Rainer, rector emeritus of St. Francis Seminary, acted as presbyter assistant; Rev. Boleslaus Celichowski and Rev. Joseph Knitter assisted as deacons of honor; Rev. Francis Zynda and Rev. Francis Cisze-wski were the deacon and sub-deacon of the Mass; Rev. Dr. August Brieg, acting rector of St. Francis Seminary, was the master of ceremonies; Rev. Anthony Wisniewski and Rev. Stephen Ulik were the acolytes. The sermon was preached by His Excellency, Bishop Paul Rhode of Green Bay. Liturgical music was rendered by the parish choir under the direction of Mr. Joseph Bejma. The Notre Dame Sisters at the parish effected the church decorations for the occasion.

After the Mass a jubilee picture was taken of the prelates and visiting priests. This was followed by a banquet for the clergy in the school hall. The celebration was concluded by a solemn vesper service at three o'clock in the afternoon.

This second-quarter account of St. Hedwig parish may be brought to a close with the following available data:

Baptisms administered 5,700Marriages witnessed 1,344Confirmations administered 3,204Burials 2,303Converts to the faith 40Number of children in school 976Number of teaching Sisters 21

PARISH PRIESTS: Rev. Michael Wenta, pastorRev. John Mikołajczak, assistant Rev. Clement Kamiński, assistant

PARISH OFFICERS: Mr. K. Ulik, secretary Mr. Ig. Majkowski, treasurer Mr. Joseph Skwierawski, consultor Mr. Al Frymark, consultor Mr. John Paikowski, consultor

22

LIVING FOUNDERS OF THE PARISH: Mr. John Sonnenberg Mr. Albert Trzebiatowski

CHAPTERIII.AfterFiftyYears

In the first epoch of St. Hedwig parish, as in the case of every incipient parish, the building activities claimed the predominant share of attenon. The second epoch was the period of or-ganization. The third epoch was more or less a combination of the two preceding periods plus a remodeling program that gave a modern air to the interior of all church property.

At the time of the Golden Jubilee Msgr. Wenta had spent nine years at St. Hedwig's. Fifteen yearrs of work still awaited him before his transfer to Si Stanislaus church. During this time a few new parish organizations appeared, but the emphasis was placed more on the intensification of the activities of the existing societies. The building projects called for a new Sisters' convent, an addition to the school, and an additional garage. Finally, the period closes with extensive repairs and improvements to church, school and rectory.

The first important task that was on the agenda when the parish passed the fifty year mark was the construction of a new Sisters' convent. The large number of pupils attending the parochial school brought a comparative increase in the number of teaching Sisters. In 1874 when the first school was built there were three nuns en-gaged in the work of teaching; in 1921 there were twenty-one Sisters attached to the third school. The second school building which was remodeled into a home for the nuns no longer proved adequate for that purpose. Accordingly plans were made, property secured, and construction begun on the Sisters' convent which is used by them today. The building, a large, three-story, brick structure was completed in 1922. The home with its well-planned arrangement of rooms is reputed to be one of the finest par-ish convents in the city. On the first floor are located the parlor, music room, kitchen, dining room, laundry, and store room; on the second floor are the individual rooms for the Sisters, the study hall, a sewing room, the Sister Superior's office, bath rooms, and a large enclosed porch; on the third floor are found additional single rooms, bath rooms, and another enclosed porch. The beautiful chapel with its wood carved altar and Stations of the Cross, its stained glass windows, and choir loft is also located on this floor. A high spacious garret which may be easily rearranged into living quarters runs the whole length of the building. The convent has its own heating system. There is also a lawn along the south side and in the rear of the building. This is enclosed by a picket fence and by lilac trees to insure privacy for the Sisters. The entire cost of the project was $60,000.

In 1923 the St. Hedwig Alumni Association was organized under the supervision of Rev. Francis Karwata, an assistant. The purpose of the society was to interest the young people in church work and in dramatics. Sixty-five interested young parishioners were present at the first meet-ing. The society enjoyed four years of intense activity during which it presented six stage plays outstanding of which were: "The Call," "The Whole Town's Talking," and "In The Next Room." Due to the lack of a parish hall most of these plays were staged at St. John Cathedral Auditorium.

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The St. Hedwig Dramatic Club, an offshoot of the older element of the Alumni Association, was organized in 1928. The Club functioned for three years. Its outstanding stage productions were: "A Second Childhood," and "An Adopted Cinderella." Father Valentine Janasik, who was later succeeded by Father Zynda, served as the first moderator of the organization.

In 1929 another major problem faced Msgr. Wenta. The lack of an adequate hall on the prem-ises brought untold inconvenience to the parish. After giving the situation serious study, it was decided to build an addition onto the north side of the school, eliminate the classrooms on the third floor, and reconvert that space into the hall which originally occupied the entire floor. The creating of a hall was not the only reason why an addition to the school was planned. Studies of the statistics on enrollment reveal that from 1917 to 1920 the school reached its highest point in registration. During each of these four years there were one thousand or more pupils attending classes. The year 1919 marked the peak in registration — 1129 pupils being enrolled. From that time on there was a steady decline in the enrollment. The decrease may be rightly attributed to the disintegration of the parish. Young married couples moved to the North Side. In order to keep the school children as long as possible Msgr. Wenta planned to establish a high school in the parish. It was with this in mind that the new, three-story, brick addition was attached to the old school building. The temporary brick facing on the north side of the addition indicates that future expansion was contemplated. The plans of Msgr. Wenta, however, never materialized and the school always served the elementary grades exclusively. The construction of the addition and the remodeling necessary for the parish hall was effected by Vincent Pacholski, contractor, at a cost of $32,000.

The availability of a hall intensified the social activities of the parish. Under the leadership of Father Joseph Cieciorka, who was assigned as an assistant to the parish in 1930, a new life was instilled into the younger set. This energetic priest reorganized the Alumni Society, introduced athletics—especially basketball—on a large scale, supervised society-sponsored socials, and produced many stage plays. His work was continued by Rev. Father Sleva who succeeded him in 1933. Under the supervision of the latter the Alumni Society became the Catholic Action Club. During the four years of its existence this group, composed of 150 members, was most active. The school hall was put to constant use. Besides a spiritual program, part of which was a monthly Communion Sunday, the Club sponsored socials, amateur shows, basketball games, wrestling and boxing matches, supervised the graded school athletic program, and supplied all the equipment for the same. The society's main endeavor, however, was in the field of dra-matics. Through the efforts of Mr. Anthony Killa and Father Sleva who alternated in directing the plays, the society built up a reputation that always assured the financial success of each production. Some of the outstanding plays presented by the dramatic section of the Catholic Action Club were: "The Air Raid," "Smiling Through," "The Miracle," "Oh, Professor," "Done in Oil," and "Sister Beatrice". Through its dramatic efforts the club gave the parish $2,500. The dramatic presentations, however, had a higher merit than that of raising money. They were an excellent training in public speaking and they nurtured in the players, as well as the audience a beautiful Christian sentiment and noble ideals. After four and a half years of intense activity the Catholic Action Club ceased to function when

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Father Sleva, the moderator, was sent to the Catholic University by Archbishop Stritch for post graduate work in philosophy. The Society then served as a nucleus for the Catholic Youth Or-ganization.

In 1933 the language problem, debated several times before, again made itself felt. The younger set in the parish represented the third generation. They manifested a preference for the English language. The numerous apartment buildings that sprang up in the vicinity were inhabited by English-speaking Catholics who attended services at St. Hedwig's.

The parish was feeling more and more the fate of all old city parishes organized on national lines — the constant infiltration of other nationalities, especially the Italian. It was therefore considered advisable to introduce English sermons at two of the Sunday Masses. Though the "old-timers" objected to this procedure, Msgr. Wenta was convinced that the changing circum-stances warranted this mode of action.

The church tower was struck by lightning during a severe storm in July, 1934. All the clocks were stopped, and the cross which had surmounted the tower for the previous twenty-nine years was knocked to the ground. A new copper ball and cross were fashioned and placed in their respective positions. Before the ball was raised to the tower, many interesting things—medals, coins, documents, etc.—were deposited in it by the assistant priests and spectators.

In June, 1935, Msgr. Wenta was transferred to St. Stanislaus parish. This came as a shock to the parishioners for they had become attached to their beloved pastor. In one more year he would have celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his pastorate among them. The untold good that he had accomplished at St. Hedwig's cannot adequately be recorded in the pages of this book. Respect-ing the wish of the Archbishop, Msgr. Wenta reluctantly took leave of his people. He returned, however, the following week to be the guest of honor at a parish banquet. In appreciation for his services the parishioners presented him with a new automobile—a Dodge Coupe— to replace the aged Chandler whose inordinate thirst for gasoline and whose antique appearance drew many an uncharitable remark from pastor and parishioner alike.

The successor to Msgr. Wenta was Msgr. John Mikołajczak. This appointment to the parish was his third—being assigned there as assistant pastor on two previous occasions. In coming to St. Hedwig's Msgr. Mikołajczak came to people among whom he had labored for nine years.

The eighth pastor of St. Hedwig parish was born on June 13, 1887. He was one of fifteen children. Having received his elementary education at St. Hyacinth parochial school, Father Mikołajczak entered St. Francis Seminary in 1920 where he completed his classical, philosophical, and theological studies. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Messmer in St. Hyacinth church on January 25, 1914. The ordination date was advanced one half year because of the ill health of the ordinand's mother who died shortly after. Two weeks later his father was killed in a railroad accident. The first two burial services conducted by Father Mikołajczak were those of his moth-er and father. Following his ordination Father Mikołajczak served as an assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus parish, Milwaukee, under Bishop Kozłowski. After nine months he was transferred to St. Hedwig's to serve as assistant under Msgr. Wenta. It was while at St. Hedwig parish that

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he enlisted in the army to serve in World War I. At the conclusion of the war he returned to St. Hedwig's. This was in 1919. On December 22, 1923 Father Mikołajczak was appointed pastor of St. Michael parish in Berlin, Wisconsin. Here he built a new church at a cost of $70,000. Besides erecting the new church the parish made many improvements on its other buildings and on the grounds through his efforts. Archbishop Stritch appointed him Dean of the Berlin district on June 22, 1932. On Christmas day, 1934, Father Mikołajczak was given the ecclesiastical honor of Chamberlain to His Holiness Pope Pius XI with the title of Very Rev. Monsignor. He also held the office of Department Chaplain of the American Legion from 1934 to 1935. He was Chaplain of the George Washington Post of the American Legion after coming to Milwaukee. On June 7, 1935 he received and accepted the ap¬pointment as pastor of St. Hedwig parish.

Msgr. Mikolajczak's stay at St. Hedwig's was not long-lived. He came with an unmatched enthu-siasm and a burning desire to better the spiritual and temporal condition of the parish. Ill health, however, created an obstacle, and many of his plans were never put into effect.

The new pastor's first concern was to take a detailed census of the locality in which the parish was situated. This census revealed the presence of many English-speaking families in the dis-trict who were not affiliated with any parish. These were all given the privilege of becoming members of St. Hedwig's, and from this time on the parish files began to show the names of non-Polish families.

The second concern of Msgr. Mikołajczak was one ¡.hat involved the school grounds. This was a gravel covered area and at times became very dusty. The broken foundation of the old Sisters' home jutted from the ground creating a dangerous hazard for the playing children. The entire school ground was macadamized in 1936 at a cost of $1,835, thus giving the church property a more presentable appearance and making it possible for the school children to have a suitable paying area. The macadamized school grounds were also socially advantageous, for outdoor dancing was frequently conducted on the premises.

The church, too, occupied the attention of the pastor. The heavy slate covering on the roof caused it to sag in places. This situation was corrected. In the process a workman toppled from the roof, hit the macadam surface below, and was instantly killed.

The heating system of the church was also defective; the janitor experienced difficulty in sup¬-plying the proper temperature to the interior of the building. The radiators were accordingly readjusted, a new steam line installed, and a stoker placed in the boiler room. Finally, Msgr. Mikołajczak frequently spoke of redecorating the church interior—it needed this badly—but this work was left to his successor.

The pastor also saw the need of improvement and repair in the school building. The floor of the school hall was weakened by constant use. It was decided to discontinue all basketball games, dancing and socials, and to repair and redecorate the hall and to confine its future use exclusively to programs. The classrooms and corridors were also in need of immediate attention. Celotex was put on the ceilings of the rooms, new floors laid, and the entire interior painted.

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During his pastorate Msgr. Mikołajczak took an intense interest in the activities of the Young Ladies' Sodality and saw the potentialities for good inherent in that organization. He accordingly formed a Sodality Mission Circle in the group. The members busied themselves in making altar linens, vestments, and cassocks which were turned over to the Mission Association of Catholic Women. The enthusiasm of the young women in this work permitted them to establish a most remarkable record.

In 1938 the health of Msgr. Mokalajczak began to fail rapidly; periodical hospitalization became necessary. Yet there was one more project, for which the assistants of the parish will ever be grateful, undertaken by him. This was the construction of a threecar garage adjacent to the Sisters' convent. The contract was left to Mr. John Westphal who built a browncolored brick structure with concrete floor and overhead sliding doors at a cost of $3,375. A small grotto which houses a terracotta statue of the Blessed Mother was built into the west wall of the garage for the edification of the Sisters.

Despite the many improvements and repairs affected during the pastorate of Msgr. Mikolajczak, the year 1939 brought an end to the parish debt. For the first time in its history the members of the congregation could breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their financial obligations had been conscientiously met.

On Sunday, September 10, 1939, at the age of 52, the eighth pastor of St. Hedwig's was called to his eternal reward. Death came to him at St. Mary's Hospital. The earthly remains of this priest of God lay in state in the parish church where it was viewed by the hundreds who came to pay their last respects. The funeral service was conducted by Msgr. Wenta. Archbishop Stritch preached the sermon. Bishop Rhode of Green Bay was in attendance. Burial was made in St. Adalbert Cemetery. The blessing and dedication of a memorial monument in honor of the de-ceased was held on Sunday, November 10, 1940 at the cemetery under the sponsorship of the George Washington Post. Thus passed a good and noble soul, but the memory of him remains vivid in the hearts of those who had the privilege to come under his influence.

The successor of Msgr. Mikolajczak was Rev¬erend Felix A. Goral. Father Goral was born at Wis-consin Rapids on November 20, 1881. At the age of ten he moved to Milwaukee with his family and resided in Bay View. He obtained his elementary education at St. Josaphat school. In 1895 he entered the Polish seminary at Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he completed his classical studies for the priesthood. Five years later Father Goral began his philosophical and theolo¬gical training at St. Francis Seminary. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Messmer on June 18, 1905, and celebrated his First Solemn High Mass at St. Josaphat Basilica. His first assign¬ment was to St. Casimir parish, Milwaukee, where he remained as curate until March, 1907. He was then given a similar assignment at St. Hyacinth church where he remained for two years. A third assignment as assistant pastor to St. Vincent parish took effect on September 24, 1909 where he remained until appointed pastor of St. Michael parish, Berlin, Wisconsin, on March 13, 1913. At Berlin where he was stationed for ten and one half years Father Goral successfully busied himself with the difficult task of de-creasing the parish debt. Plans were being formulated for the construction of a new church when the Archbishop transferred him to St. Stanislaus parish,

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Racine. This was on December 8, 1923. He remained at the Racine parish for nine years during which time he completed and furnished a new parsonage, remodeled and enlarged the Sisters' convent, and installed a new heating system in the school and church. On September 29, 1932 Father Goral was given the pastorate of St. Joseph parish, West Allis. Here he remained seven years to the day, guiding the destinies of a parish that was indebted to the extent of $96,000 and eightyone percent of whose members were on County Relief. Notwithstanding the time and conditions of the Depression, he made many important repairs, remodeling, improvements and substantially decreased the parish debt. On September 29, 1939 he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Hedwig parish.

The first major task which devolved upon Father Goral was to plan an extensive program of repairing, remodeling, and improving all church property. The parish was now debt free. In order to achieve this objective the predecessors of the present pastor had confined their at-tention only to the absolutely necessary repairs and improvements. Many things remained to be done. In spite of the great outlay of money necessary for this work the parish would not be encumbered to any extent since its revenue was sufficiently large enough to warrant the expenditures. Acc