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A Chronological History of Christianity I Ancient History II Medieval History III Renaissance History IV Modern History
The History of The Faith Community of St. Casimir In 1868, small
groups of Polish immigrants sought refuge here in Baltimore and arrived at the
Broadway pier in Fells Point. Some of these Poles and their offspring were to be
future Casimirites. The fate of many of these Poles was sad since they wandered
about seeking shelter and many were exposed to inclement weather and faced
disease and starvation. However, in spite of their hardships, these Poles had
faith in God and were thankful to Him for their safe arrival in America. By 1870, a community of Poles had already formed in the Fells Point section of Baltimore. These Poles, predominantly Roman Catholic, sought to build a church of their own. In about 1877, they organized the Saint Stanislaus Society whose purpose was to secure funds in order to build a church. It was not until 1880, that the Reverend Peter Koncz, a refugee from Russia, organized the first Polish parish in the city of Baltimore under the patronage of Saint Stanislaus Kostka. At first, services were held in a home located on the southwest corner of Bond and Fleet streets. Later, as the parish began to grow, Father Koncz began to build a church and provided school facilities.
Fr. Peter Koncz
St. Stanislaus Kostka Church
Reverend
Thomas Morys As more Poles arrived, the Polish community began to expand into a section of Baltimore called "Canton." It was then realized that a distinct unit could now be established which would serve the expanding community. Reverend Thomas Morys, the pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, purchased from the "Canton Company" a tract of land sixty feet wide and three hundred and thirty feet long located in the center of O'Donnell Street, between Kenwood and Lakewood Avenues. Soon after, a combination, two-story structure, made of red brick became the church and school building. The first floor of the building comprised five spacious classrooms while the church proper occupied the upper floor. It was constructed at the nominal sum of $35,000.00. On November 9, 1902, this new church under the patronage of Saint Casimir was solemnly dedicated to God in a special ceremony performed by His Eminence, James Cardinal Gibbons.
1902
St. Casimir Church (photo taken in 1926) Initially, the Felician Sisters of Lodi, New Jersey were entrusted with the education of the children, but in 1921, they were succeeded by the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph of Hamburg, New York who continued to administer the school until 2002.
Reverend
Charles Kotlarz Lack of accommodations
forced Fr. Kotlarz to commute daily from St. Stanislaus to Canton to celebrate
Holy Mass for the rapidly growing congregation, which formed the nucleus of St.
Casimir Parish. Shortly however, a house was purchased on the corner of
O'Donnell and Binney Streets, which was to serve with some alterations as Fr.
Kotlarz temporary residence. The parish began to grow as more and more Poles arrived in Baltimore and settled in the Canton area. These Poles suffered loneliness and pain, also separation and insecurity. Father Kotlarz tried hard to make them feel at home. The church was the place where families were joined together. It was the church that gave character and distinction to the neighborhood. The Poles built their own church and it placed a little of the country they left behind.
Reverend
Joseph Dulski In the same
year, October 23, 1904, Reverend Joseph Dulski was appointed pastor. He labored
here faithfully for two years. Slowly his health began to fail him, and he asked
the Cardinal to relieve him from Parish work. The Cardinal reluctantly accepted
Fr. Dulski's resignation and on March 4, 1906, appointed Reverend John Mard the
third pastor. Father Mard, however only remained for only three months. On May
22, 1906, he left Baltimore. In accordance with an agreement reached in 1905, between His Eminence, James Cardinal Gibbons, and the Very Reverend Hyacinth Fudzinski, Provincial of the Friars Minor Conventual of St. Anthony's Province, St. Stanislaus Parish was to be forever administered by the Franciscan Fathers. By the same token, His Eminence, having no priests of the Polish extraction in the diocese, decided to entrust St. Casimir Parish to the Polish Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual from Buffalo, New York. Formal acceptance took place in June 1906, and in the following months, services were rendered by two assistants from Saint Stanislaus, Father Eusebius Pelc and Father Anthony Romanski.
Reverend
Josaphat Bok, O.F.M. Conv. In January 1907, Saint Casimir had its fourth pastor and first Franciscan pastor the Reverend Josaphat Bok. At this time, the parish was comprised of two hundred and eighty families with an equal amount of children attending its school. A substantial debt burdened the parish and economic conditions during the ensuing years were not too favorable. Nevertheless, Father Josaphat, with the help of God and the generosity of his parishioners, was able to meet all financial obligations so that by 1914, the construction of a new church was seriously contemplated and the plans were drawn. Unfortunately, World War I broke out and the shortage of materials and labor, coupled with high costs, prevented the realization of these plans. During Father Josaphat's administration, the parish grew to five thousand souls and seven hundred and eleven school children. The parish debt of $35,000.00 was paid and a surplus of $50,000.00 was in the parish treasury. Father Josaphat, feeling the ravages of time and work, requested a leave of absence to recover his health. He was granted his request. A year later, October 28, 1921, he was called to his eternal reward. His remains are buried in the Franciscan vault in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
Reverend
Benedict Przemielewski, O.F.M. Conv. S.T.D. Father Benedict Przemielewski O.F.M. Conv. S.T.D., the fifth pastor, began his administration in September 1920. The future seemed bright to Father Benedict. He not only found substantial financial assets, but a very large congregation. In the beginning, Father Benedict was constantly encouraged by his parishioners to build a new church. However, obstacles hindered the realization of this project, since now the school enrollment increased to such great proportions, that it was impossible to accommodate the children in the seven classrooms. Incidentally, five of the classrooms were on the first floor of the church building and two classrooms were in a private house on Kenwood Avenue. In addition, there was a need of better living quarters for the Sisters. Father Benedict purchased four private homes on the northeast corner of O'Donnell Street and Kenwood Avenue to serve as the school. The homes were reconstructed into one large building consisting of six classrooms, three on the first floor and three on the second. This entire building cost $22,000.00 to reconstruct.
St. Casimir's Old School (photo taken in 1926) After the completion of the school, consideration was then given to the Sisters' Convent. Two private homes were purchased, remodeled and an addition built, making a large a comfortable convent. This Project cost $29,929.30. With the school and the convent buildings taken care of, Father Benedict began to consider seriously building a new church.
Convent (Photo 1926) New Church Lot (1925) In 1924, Father Benedict called on the Lamdin, Palmer, and Willis Firm to draw up plans for such a church. Within a year, His Excellency, Archbishop Michael Curley, approved these plans. Eight months later, what Fr. Benedict termed, "a temple worthy of God" the new Saint Casimir Church began construction. On August 30, 1925, the lot on which the church was to stand was formally blessed in a special ceremony by the Very Reverend Justin Figas, the Provincial of the Franciscan Friars of Saint Anthony Province. The Following April 1926, the cornerstone of the new church was blessed by His Excellency, Archbishop Michael Curley.
Construction of the new church 1925-1926 The new Saint Casimir Church was erected in the early fifteenth century Renaissance style. It displayed the profound knowledge of Father Benedict in this field. He took part in the designing of Saint Casimir Church and the Saint Joseph Cupertino Novitiate in Ellicott City. The church is two hundred and twenty five feet long, seventy feet wide and has a seating capacity of one thousand four hundred, thereby making it one of the largest churches in the eastern United States at that time. The exterior of the church is of Indiana limestone. The twin bell towers stand one hundred and ten feet high. They were to dominate the entire structure by directing the gaze of passers-by heavenward. In the niche of each tower are statues, which stand nine feet high, one of Saint Francis of Assisi and the other Saint Anthony of Padua. The church, large as it is, has no supporting pillars in its interior, so that a view of the altars is visible from any part of the church. The cost of the new church was set at $349,165.00. A main altar, an altar rail, a new pulpit and other improvements were to be made. It was estimated that the church when completed would cost $500,000.00.
Interior of St. Casimir's Church 1926 On Christmas
Eve, 1926, at Midnight Mass, the new church was filled to capacity. The church
bells rang, the organ pealed, filling the church with rich resounding notes of
joyful Polish Christmas Carols. Appropriate furnishings, church bells, new pews,
stained glass windows, etc., were rapidly supplied by the now inspired
congregation as lasting memorials to their sacrifice and generosity. In 1926, this
beautiful church found merit by the Artistic and Architectural Societies, which
honored Father Benedict by presenting him the medal given annually in
recognition of beautiful edifices. The
long-awaited day set for the dedication ceremony finally arrived. Sunday, April
3, 1927 the church, large as it was, was filled with members of the clergy,
religious, parishioners and visitors. Various parochial societies, including the uniformed organizations, took part in the procession before and after Mass. Little boys and girls, dressed in costumes of Poland acted as an escort of honor to His Grace, Archbishop Michael Curley.
Dedication
Mass April 3, 1927 His Excellency first blessed the exterior of the church and then the interior. He sprinkled every confessional; all the altars and every statue with holy water while the choir sang the Litany of the Saints, psalms and prayers. His Excellency, the Archbishop was tremendously impressed by the faith and devotion of the people of St. Casimir's. He gave expression to his feelings in an address of congratulations at the end of Mass. The original church was remodeled to serve as the parish hall.
Parish Hall 1927
St.
Casimir School and Gymnasium (1935) In 1937, Father
Benedict ordered from the P. Tomassi firm in Italy a replica of the altar
designed by the famous Italian Renaissance artist, Donatello, for the Basilica of Saint Anthony in
Padua, Italy. This altar was especially designed to enhance the beauty of the
"Pieta," a masterpiece executed in bronze. The top and center of the
altar is adorned by a likeness of a huge bronze crucifix beneath which stands
the Blessed Virgin. Six bronze statues are placed on the top of the altar: (from
left to right) Saint Louis,
Bishop, Saint Casimir, Saint Francis, Saint Anthony,
Saint Daniel Deacon of Padua, and Saint Prosedocim. Two large bronze plaques, inserted in the
altar, represent miracles from the life of Saint Anthony. The completed altar
cost $20,000.00. Father Benedict served as Pastor of St. Casimir Church for nineteen years during which he had done much for the betterment of the parish, in particular, and the city in general. In 1939, Father "Ben," as the people affectionately called him, resigned from parish duties to take up a new assignment.
Reverend
Jacob Cholewka, O.F.M. Conv. In 1939, a new
pastor, Father Jacob Cholewka, Succeeded Father Benedict. Father Jacob was faced
with a tremendous parish debt of $230,000.00. Nevertheless, he decided to have the interior of
the church redecorated. Artistically, plans were sketched to cover the vacant
spaces with characteristically significant murals: the main plafond (ceiling
mural) representing the triumph of the Franciscan Order, the "Blessed
Mother" side, paintings representing the history of the Roman Catholic Church in America, and
the "Sacred Heart" side, representing the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland.
One of the murals on the choir represents Saint Cecilia and the Angels, copied
from paintings by the great master Michaelangelo. The cost of this work was
enormous, but with the help of his generous parishioners, Father Jacob
liquidated all parish debts. On January 6, 1940 his Excellency Bishop Michael Keyes of Areopolis consecrated the new main altar, which was ordered by Fr. Benedict in 1937. It was especially dedicated to St. Casimir of Poland. The relics of two saints, both martyrs for the faith, St. Clemens and St. Gregory, were inserted into the altar stone for veneration during Holy Mass.
During Father Jacob' administration, the rectory and Sisters' convent were renovated and all buildings were now equipped with oil furnaces. The parish now numbered five thousand seventy souls and eight hundred ninety two children attended the school. In 1948, unfortunately, illness overtook this zealous priest, cutting short his constructive career and was given a new assignment.
Rectory (1950)
Reverend
Aloysius Sobus, O.F.M. Conv. Father Aloysius Sobus was appointed the seventh pastor as of August 1948. During Father Aloysius' administration, the church hall was redecorated in preparation for the Golden Jubilee and the school was repainted. A more efficient public address system was installed in the church and cushioned kneelers in both the church and Sisters' convent were also installed. Although the parish was operating on a sound basis, Father Aloysius was faced with the "Canton" section of the city undergoing a change. Some of his parishioners were moving to the suburbs. At this time it became apparent that the old school buildings had served their purpose and that, new facilities in line with modern standards were required. Therefore, plans were drawn to build a new school. Generous contributions poured in and a new school was blessed by Archbishop Keough in 1955. On September 24, 1961, Father Aloysius, after a long illness, was called to his eternal reward.
St. Casimir School
Reverend
Ernest Wieprecht, O.F.M. Conv. Following the death of Father Aloysius, Father Ernest Wieprecht, a long-standing and beloved associate of his, was appointed the eighth pastor of Saint Casimir. During his administration, Father Ernest was considering renovating the parish hall. He began with the installation of fire escapes in order to meet fire regulations. Due to the fact that Father Ernest was to be reassigned as Pastor of Saint Stanislaus parish, the renovation of the parish hall did not materialize. His transfer to Saint Stanislaus became effective on August 20,1963
Reverend
Modest Darwaszewski, O.F.M. Conv. Father Modest
Darwaszewski succeeded Father Ernest as the ninth pastor. He found the parish
operating on a sound basis with a substantial sum in the parish treasury. It was
indeed apparent that the parish rectory was in poor condition. Father Modest
then contracted a firm to construct a modern rectory and a meeting room, which
was completed in 1965. Following the construction of the rectory and the meeting
room, the interior of the church's side walls were redecorated and the entire
floor of the church, excluding the sanctuary, was carpeted. On June 17, 1965, for the first time in the history of Saint Casimir Church, Cardinal Shehan ordained six Franciscans to the Priesthood, one of whom was a son of Saint Casimir parish, Father Casper Niedzialkowski.
Reverend
Joseph Piasta, O.F.M. Conv. Father Josaphat Piasta became the tenth pastor of Saint Casimir in January 1967. During his time vast liturgical changes were taking place in the church. Vatican II, ushered in under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, was initiating a deep renewal among the people of God. Since the Mass was to celebrated in the vernacular and facing the congregation, Father Josaphat obtained a beautiful portable altar to match the furnishings of the sanctuary. The Masses were now being said in both English and the Polish languages. In accordance with the wishes of the Second Vatican Council, Father Josaphat initiated a change in the corporate structure of the parish. A parish council was formed and its purpose was to give the laity a collegial voice in parish affairs. Noticing that the sidewalks about the church and parish hall were in need of repair, Father Josaphat had all the sidewalks paved. It was during his administration that the parishioners, wanting to bring life again to Saint Casimir, began holding social dances and dinners. The present hall was in need of extensive repairs after being neglected for so long. Father Josaphat considered building a new hall, but instead, called for help from the Holy Name Society men and remodeled the upper hall with modern restrooms and reconstructed the stage. Following this, the Sisters' Convent was renovated and the school building painted.
Reverend
Gerald Kedziora, O.F.M. Conv. In 1973, Father
Josaphat, because of failing eyesight, resigned the pastorate and was succeeded
by Father Gerald Kedziora who previously had been an assistant at Saint Casimir
for twenty years. Since Father Gerald was familiar with the parish, he knew the
problems yet to be solved. His immediate task was to install a modern kitchen in
the lower hall, which included all new appliances and a dumb waiter to move the
food upstairs to the main hall. The cost of this project amounted to $33,000.00.
As in all parishes throughout the Archdiocese, financial problems arose; due
especially to the utility rates which doubled and the school expenses that
skyrocketed. New fundraising procedures were instituted to meet continually
mounting expenses. Following this, a company was contracted to install new oil
burners in the church, school, and Sisters' convent. In January 1975, the school
merger between Saint Casimir and Saint Stanislaus Kostka was approved by the
Parish Council. The School was known as the Father Kolbe Lower and Middle
School. Kindergarten through fourth grades were placed at Saint Stanislaus and
the fifth to the eighth grade at Saint Casimir. With
the 75th Jubilee Year approaching, the Parish Council in 1976 began plans for
the coming Jubilee Year. The Men of the Parish Organization paneled the entire
lower hall rooms and corridor. In addition, a new rest room for the ladies was
installed in the lower hall. Thanks to the generosity of the Bolewicki family, a
new organ was installed in the church in memory of Joseph and Lillian Bolewicki. Throughout the Jubilee year, many social functions and liturgical services were held. They were enthusiastically supported and attended by parishioners young and old. The Parish Banquet was held at the Eastwind Ballroom on October 30,1977. The following week on November 6, a Mass of Thanksgiving with Cardinal Shehan in attendance was concelebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Borders, his Auxiliary Bishop Austin Murphy, and approximately seventy priests. A stirring homily was delivered by the Very Reverend Marion Tolczyk, Provincial of the Franciscan Friars. The church was filled to capacity.
75th Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving
The years 1978 to 2006 will be posted to this site soon.
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