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| PolishRoots® Polish American Historical Assn Archives |
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Sister M. Aurea Stempin CSSF Externally, buildings, such as the church, rectory, school, convent and the recreation center comprise a parish. Yet the human element behind the brick wall is more important: namely, the reasons necessitating a parish in a particular locale, the hundreds of human hands employed to place brick upon brick, the triumphs and failures encountered in the organization, growth and development of a parish. The Polish parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary located on Amherst Street in the Black Rock area of Buffalo, New York, consists of beautiful buildings; but its history reveals the struggles of Polish immigrants whose efforts erected the massive structures. The origin of Assumption Parish was connected with the history of Polish immigration. This had its group beginning in 1854, and its number was increased by the disastrous uprising of 1863. The Polish insurrection, Bismarck's Germanization, and difficult economic conditions caused a wave of emigration from each section of tripartitioned Poland to the United States.1 Thus began the mass influx of the peasantry and laboring classes into this country. The Polish farmers, laboring under oppressive conditions, left their land to seek a livelihood with freedom on foreign shores. Many headed for the Western and Middle sections of America. The majority, however, especially the younger element, remained in the cities where large factory-centers were located, work was available, and living conditions somewhat less exacting.2 It was for this reason that Buffalo held an attraction to many immigrants. The federal and state censuses show that in 1850 there were thirty-four Poles who had settled on the east side of the city where they had established a permanent Polish colony. By 1875, the number of natives from Poland increased to 516 most of whom resided on Ash, Spruce, Walnut, Sycamore and Genesee Streets.3 It was this group that formed the embryo of the first parish of Buffalo's Polish-American community, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, located on the corner of Peckham and Townsend Streets. Beginning with 1878, the Polish immigration rate began to increase so rapidly that the small parish doubled its membership. The desire of Father John Pitass pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish from 1873 to 1913, to have all the Polish immigrants in Buffalo as his parishioners was shattered by a faction which separated in 1886 to found Saint Adalbert Bishop and Martyr Parish on Stanislaus and Rother Streets.4 Henceforth, Father Pitass, aware of the rapid expansion of the Polish settlement, sacrificed his original plan and even aided ventures to organize other parishes.5 The Polish immigrants continued to populate other parts of Buffalo. They found the Black Rock area of the city satisfying, and as early as 1882 they formed a small Polish colony in that locality.6 The history of Black Rock began in 1801, and with the steady growth of steam power and shipbuilding the settlement soon began to outstrip its neighboring village, Buffalo. Black Rock was at this time centered around what is now Ferry Street. Situated at the immediate outlet of Lake Erie into the Niagara River, on a high bluff underlaid by an extensive body of coninform limestone, the village received its Indian name "Kistangoi" (Black Rock).7 The rock itself was some two or three hundred feet long, extending into the river and forming a natural wharf. It was later destroyed during the construction of the Erie Canal.8 At a very early date, Black Rock erected a harbor which for some years had been the only one at the eastern extremity of Lake Erie. It was the rendezvous of Lake Erie mariners during the first two decades of the nineteenth century. When in 1819 Buffalo announced its intention of erecting a harbor at that place, those who had landed interests in Black Rock, or were engaged in growing commerce, bestirred themselves. During the following years, keenest rivalry existed between Black Rock and Buffalo.9 When Buffalo built its harbor by state loan in 1820-21, it gained a considerable lead.10 In fact, it had grown so rapidly in every direction that the extension of the municipal boundaries became necessary, with the result that a new city charter was granted in April 1853 by the provisions of which the whole of Black Rock came within the city limits.11 Nevertheless, Black Rock retained its traditional name while it continued to thrive and prosper as an intergral part of Buffalo. In the early 1870's the Poles, who had already settled in large numbers on Buffalo's east side, began to populate the Black Rock section near Amherst and Grant Streets.12 By 1875, thirteen Polish persons had settled permanently and formed the initial Polish colony in Black Rock.13 The number of newcomers continued to increase at a rapid tempo. The majority of the Poles came from Silesia and the Grand Duchy of Posen, which had fallen under German occupation. The people were compelled to undergo Germanization. Some accommodated themselves to the prevailing conditions; others clung tenaciously to the language, culture and faith of their forefathers. Because the Silesian Poles spoke German, they adjusted readily to conditions in Buffalo, which was then predominantly a German-populated area. Understanding the language, they affiliated with the German churches in the area, such as St. Louis', St. Mary's, St. Michael's and St. Francis Xavier's.14 The majority of Black Rock Poles continued their membership in St. Francis Xavier Church.15 The early settlers had a long walk when they attended church services. They trudged over mud-filled streets of which only the more important had plank strips. The Poles' old country dress, consisting of long coats and four-cornered hats, must have presented a sight to Buffalonians as the Poles joined them in hearing Holy Mass.16 It was customary to hear Easter Sunday Mass, however, at St. Stanislaus Church. Then, the Poles walked oftentimes barefooted through muddy thickets, because they felt the driving urge to unite with their "Brothers" in order to praise God in their native prayer and song. After Mass, they socialized in typical Polish manner with dancing, singing, drinking and gossiping.17 When the second wave of Polish immigrants settled in this area, they came principally from other parts of partitioned Poland. They spoke only Polish. They were Austrian and Russian Poles. Not speaking or understanding German, they were forced to endure many difficulties.18 Then there was prejudice to overcome! Street fights between the two national groups were a daily occurrence. Children and teen-agers resorted to shameful name-calling. The Germans opposed Polish encroachment on what they considered their labor priorities.19 At this point, the need of a church and school of their own became a definite necessity. For this reason, thirty Polish families met in the school hall of St. Francis Xavier Parish where the decision was undertaken for advancing the enterprise.20 This meeting marked the initial step in the formation of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Land was purchased from the firm of Palen and Burns in 1888. Lots forty-seven to fifty-six of the "Parish Tract" situated on Amherst, Germain and Peter Streets were purchased for $2,310.00; lots forty-eight to fifty-one were a gift of Palen and Burns to the church.21 With zeal and energy, the Poles advanced the project on Sunday, September 8, 1888, when the cornerstone was laid. A multitude of spectators witnessed the ceremonies. Various church societies formed the procession which was divided into five sections. The first was headed by a band and composed of the Knights St. George, an organization of St. Francis Xavier's Church; the Knights of St. Louis of Seven Dolors' Church, and the St. Francis and St. Joseph Societies of St. Francis Xavier's Church. The second section was a combination of various societies of St. Stanislaus Church. One of the outstanding and colorful features of this group was the Polish Hussar regiment with uniforms of brilliant red coats, bright blue trousers and sparkling white helmets. The third and fourth divisions consisted of church societies of St. Adalbert, St. Stanislaus, and Seven Dolors parishes. The last section, under the command of Marshal August Kozsunta, was formed by the Polish Uhlans in blue uniforms. When the entire procession reached the site of the future Assumption Church, the Right Reverend Stephen Ryan, Bishop of the Buffalo Diocese, accompanied by several priests appeared on the scene. Reverend Szranchski, of Dunkirk, New York, delivered an address, after which the ceremony of lowering the cornerstone took place. The liturgical ritual then followed. The wine and oil were poured out, censers swung to and fro, and the blessing with holy water completed the ceremonies.22 Reverend Theofil Kozlowski was appointed first pastor.23 Through his efforts, the church was incorporated November 21, 1888, with the title of "The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish." The co-incorporators were Right Reverend Monsignor William Gleason, vicar-general of the Buffalo Diocese, Leo Piotkowski and Joseph Knauth, laymen.24 January 1889 marked the completion of the construction of the church. The plain red brick edifice, fifty by one hundred fifty feet with sixteen inch walls for the first story and twelve inch walls above; served a twofold purpose. The upper floor was the church proper and the ground floor was the school.25 The new building was formally dedicated Sunday, January 6, 1889, by Bishop Ryan in the presence of a great assemblage. Poles from all parts of the city were in attendance, and their societies with the distinguished Uhlan military organization added pomp to the ceremony. To complete the procession, several bands arrived by special trains to provide martial music. The church was filled to capacity with parishioners and spectators. Father Stefan Szymanski preached a sermon in Polish and then Bishop Ryan spoke in English. The dedicatory ceremonies which followed were of simple character.26 Eight months later, Sunday, August 18, 1888, Bishop Ryan consecrated the new bells of the church.27 Their resounding peals echoed the joy of Assumption parishioners who were now able to worship God in a church of their own. The first pastor, Reverend Theofil Kozlowski, was a priest equal to the task of administering the rapidly expanding parish. Young, ambitious and intelligent, he cherished dreams of advancing the growth of his newly formed church. To facilitate his difficult ventures, the parishioners spared neither time, energy nor money to help him attain this objective.28 It was no simple task! Black Rock Poles were engaged as common laborers. Construction of sewers, repairing streets, dockwork, and railroad freight work earned them fifty or seventy-five cents daily, with which ,they had to support their families and contribute their share for maintenance of the church. In industry, a frequent sign "Poles need not apply" closed the factory doors to many an impoverished father and his family.29 Admission to the Buffalo Malleable Iron Works, the North Buffalo Box and Heading Works, the Niagara Car Wheel Works, and the Queen City Milling Company was granted to only a limited number of Poles. The two and one-half gold and fifty cent silver piece was considered a "rich man's salary". Women, too, sought jobs, usually in saloons or boarding homes; the saloons were comparable to present cafes which served warm meals to factory workers.30 Once established, the older parishioners began to induce those they left behind in Poland to come to Black Rock. Relatives, wives, sweethearts and children began to enter the community. As the number of newcomers steadily increased, boarding houses became common. Beds were set up in each room of the house in order to accommodate as many as thirteen to fifteen men. Women kept house, washed clothes and served simple, meager meals of soup, meat and bread. Boarders paid two dollars per month for these services. Some sent their remaining money to Poland, while others spent it on whiskey.31 With the cooperation of his struggling parishioners, Father Kozlowski was able to manage and maintain a church and school in spite of difficult circumstances. He diminished a considerable portion of the $17,000 debt by soliciting subscriptions and donations and sponsoring parish fairs.32 Among the outstanding active laymen upon whom the pastor relied were Valentine Mioducki and John Patrzykowski and Casimir Baroniak, first trustees, and Joseph Knauth, co-incorporator.33 Having a church of their own, the Polish settlers made it an intimate part of their daily lives. The first baptism administered by the pastor, that of Michael Platek, son of Peter and Agnes Stasiak, was a momentous occasion.34 The exchange of marriage vows between Michael Sidler and Agnes Rodak in the presence of Father Kozlowski attracted a considerable number of parishioners who were anxious to witness the first marriage ceremony in their church.35 The reception of First Holy Communion, always a festive celebration in Polish churches, homes and hearts, was at Assumption a jubilant affair on its initial occasion. Three children adorned in white attire were led in procession into the church and there received the Holy Eucharist for the first time into their innocent hearts.36 The parishioners, having satisfied their patriotic and religious hunger by organizing the parish and erecting their church, started at once to take care of the education of their children through the parochial school. They themselves had no formal education and were illiterate; nevertheless, and maybe in spite of this they wanted their children to be educated as were the children of other national groups in the neighborhood. The four class rooms located on the ground floor of the church building were filled to capacity with eager children. The course of studies included religion, arithmetic, writing, Polish language, and English reading. The first school masters were laymen—Klawiter, who was also the church organist, Beszczynski, Nowacki, and Zawadzki.37 The school became a bond between the old and new generations, for it preserved the traditions of the old country and introduced the language and customs of the new country. The parochial school served as a valuable instrument for the Black Rock Polish colony as regards self-preservation and self-development. The establishment of Assumption Parish opened new fields of social activities, widened the sphere of interests, and called for more social cooperation among the Black Rock Poles. Various societies had been formed for religious and social benefits. Group organizations endeavored to produce a Christian manhood and womanhood capable of religious and civic leadership. On October 26, 1888, the first of such organizations, the Society of St. Joseph, was formed for the men of the parish.38 In 1891 the Our Lady of the Rosary Society for women of the parish was organized.39 At the turn of the century, a youth group organized itself under the name of Polish Cadets of Buffalo. A multiplicity of other societies followed: St. Ann, St. Anthony, St. Casimir, St. Cecilia, St. Hedwig, St, John the Baptist, St. Stanislaus, Children of Mary, Lirnik, and Osada Societies came into existence.40 These organizations called for enthusiasm, self-sacrifice and generosity in campaigns of prayer and action as well as in fund raising programs. As the societies grew in number and strength, they became pillars of support to the pastor and church. Between 1891 and 1901, four different priests served as pastors of Assumption Parish. It was unusual for any parish to be directed by that many pastors within a decade. For some unknown reason, this was the situation at Assumption. Reverend Victor Zaręczny replaced Father Kozlowski in 1891, and for one year was responsible for the spiritual welfare of the parishioners.41 He was followed by the Reverend James Wojcik of Minnesota, who became the third pastor and steered the course of Assumption activities for two years.42 Shortly after he took charge of the parish, he built a rectory adjoining the church. Father Wojcik was succeeded by Reverend Adam Marcinkowski. 43 In 1901, Reverend Louis Chodacki assumed the pastorate over the rapidly increasing number of parishioners. For thirteen years, Assumption was blessed with the untiring zeal and active leadership of this priest.44 His wit, keen sense of humor, unselfish interest in each parishioner, and deep, ardent piety drew people to God and kept them loyal to the church. The love he shared for his flock knew no bounds; the poor he pitied and often time distributed bread to those in need; the erring he corrected with understanding and the loyal he praised with sincerity.45 His outstanding achievements, however, lay in the field of education. Realizing the fruitful work of the Felician Sisters at St. Stanislaus and St. Adalbert Schools, he petitioned Mother Mary Monica, the provincial superior, for Sisters to teach at Assumption School. His request was granted and in 1902 Sister Mary Eustachia and Sister Stanislaus Czechowska staffed the school, at which time 147 pupils attended classes. The two Sisters commuted daily from St. Stanislaus Convent.46 In the meantime, the construction of a six thousand dollar brick convent on Peter Street was begun.47 The structure was completed, blessed and opened for use January 10, 1904. That same year, a third Sister was added to the teaching staff due to the increased registration of pupils.48 In time, the four classrooms were found inadequate to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding school population. Consequently, in 1903 Father Chodacki purchased more land on the corner of Amherst and Germain Streets where the basement for a new church was constructed. Services were held there, and the old church building was converted into a school.49 Father Chodacki, a man of vision and foresight, planned on building an average-sized church. He realized that eventually people would be moving away into newly formed communities, and the need for a large church would be futile. However, the parishioners stubbornly insisted on a magnificent, elaborate and massive structure.50 Father Chodacki refused to comply with their demands and on March 4, 1914 he resigned his pastorship.51 With sorrow and keen disappointment, the disillusioned pastor left Assumption to administer St. John Kanty Parish. Shortly after, for several months, he rendered spiritual services to delinquent boys at the Working Boys' Home.52 Due to shattered health and broken nerves, he requested a leave of absence from the Buffalo Diocese in order to recuperate. He left for the Scranton Diocese, and after one year returned to Buffalo where he continued his priestly services.53 Assumption Parish was again blessed with an energetic and dedicated pastor in the person of Reverend Ladislaus Hordych. Here was a priest who had experience and a praiseworthy record of previous accomplishments. He was the organizer and first pastor of Transfiguration Parish in Olean, New York, and St. Josephat Parish in Cheektowaga, New York.54 Immediately after his installation as pastor of Assumption in the spring of 1914, he wasted no time in moving ahead at an accelerated pace. Desiring to please the parishioners, he first tore down the church foundation built by Father Chodacki and in its place constructed larger and stronger one which would support the massive edifice the parishioners demanded. With eighty-three thousand dollars in the treasury left by Father Chodacki for the construction of the new church, Father Hordych was able to begin work immediately.55 To expedite the construction, the enthusiastic parishioners carried away the broken stones and debris with their bare hands and hauled the rubble in their carts and wagons. This work was done between the hours of four and seven in the morning and after work at night.56 Sunday, August 16, 1914, marked the blessing of the cornerstone by Bishop Colton. The episcopal party was met at Soldiers Place by an escort composed of mens' and boys' societies. Ten bands furnished music for the long march. When the procession reached Amherst and Germain Streets, the ceremonies commenced. Reverend Alexander Pitass delivered the main address, and Bishop Colton added a few congratulatory words. Finally, the Bishop terminated the solemn occasion by blessing and laying the cornerstone.57 Within a year, the construction of the present Assumption Church was completed. Designed by Karl and William Schmill, it was constructed by C. H. Everet. The new church of brick and stone with its old world architectural twin clock towers topped with seven-foot crosses dominated the Black Rock skyline. Romanesque in style and of cathedral proportions, it inspired admiration. Seating about sixteen hundred persons, it was built of tapestry brick, twelve inches instead of the usual eight inches in length. The vari-colored brick (hence the term "tapestry") was technically called Norman brick. Ohio Sand Stone constituted the trim; slabs of Medina sandstone formed the front steps leading to the interior of the church. The words, Ave Maria gratis plena Dominus tecum benedicta to in mulieribus (Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee) inscribed in the white stone above the main entrance doors completed the facade of the structure. The roof of the church was tiled in Spanish style. Scattered among the regular tiles were blackened "Fire-flash" tiles that gave an unusual color effect to the roof as a whole. The external beauty of the structure was enhanced by its interior. The church had three colorful rose windows, one high above the split organ choir loft and the remaining two at each end of the transepts. Two rows of fifty highly decorated stained glass windows crowned the inner splendor of the church. The lower large stained windows imported from Europe, depicted incidents of the life of Christ and the Saints. The terrazzo aisles moved forward toward the white wooden high altar. A five-foot statue of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary adorned the center niche high above the tabernacle door. Statues of Saints, Peter, Paul, Cecilia and Stanislaus Kostka graced the smaller altar niches. Stately angels, kneeling at either side of the altar, completed the simple yet beautiful Sacred Table. From the tabernacle, the eye was carried upward to the oak paneled dome, a fitting grand canopy for the Lord's throne. An elaborate sanctuary lamp was suspended from the center of the seventy-foot high dome. Two smaller white wooden side altars dedicated to St. Joseph and the Sacred Heart completed the sanctuary. Splendid chandeliers, lowered from the oak ribbed ceiling and the six solid brick pillars along each of the two side aisles, added grandeur to the church. The artistically carved pulpit, built-in confessionals, and simple altar rails, all of fine oak, perfected the house of God.58 The church also had pealing bells to communicate parochial fetes and wakes. Assumption's twin clock towers housed seven carillons and three swinging bells whose clear tones resounded far and wide. Having completed the church, Father Hordych incurred heavy debts. But within seven years, the mortgage was paid in full; the ceremony of "burning the mortgage" took place on Peter Street in the presence of an enormous crowd.59 Father Hordych's next undertaking was the construction of a new school. The number of pupils was increasing rapidly, and the need for a more spacious building was inevitable. Plans to build a larger school soon materialized, and it was decided to move the brick convent from Peter to Germain Street and to erect the school on Peter Street.60 It was quite a feat in those days to transfer a building, since it was customary to tear down rather than to move buildings. Crowds of curious people gathered to witness the spectacle. The convent was raised on heavy beams, roped to two horses and was slowly hauled across the street to its new place. Loud cheers and joyous plaudits greeted the conclusion of the venture.61 June 29, 1924, marked the blessing of the school cornerstone. Within a year, the construction was completed, and in September, 1925, a total of twelve hundred pupils registered for admission to the new sixteen room, fireproof, ventillated building. Since the school could accommodate only eleven hundred pupils, one classroom remained in the old building. This division prevailed until the meeting rooms in the basement of the new school were converted into classrooms.62 After eleven years of services to the parish, for unknown reasons, Father Hordych resigned his position as pastor. He was then appointed pastor to the Polish people at Assumption Parish in Albion, New York. In 1939 he resigned this post and entered the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual, St. Anthony of Padua Province, where as Brother Benedict he made his profession in 1940. After completing his novitiate, he was stationed at St. Anthony Convent as assistant at Corpus Christi Parish in Buffalo. In such a manner, Father Hordych, chose to spend the remaining days of his life.63 The magnificent Assumption Church and School will always tower as striking monuments of his vigorous leadership and skill in steering the fate of over three thousand Catholic Poles in Black Rock.64 --------------------- *This essay is based on the author's unpublished Master's Thesis, A Historical Development of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Buffalo, New York, from 1888 to 1963, completed in June 1964 at Mount Saint Joseph Teachers College. 1. Ks. Wacław Kruszka,
Historya Polska w Ameryce
(Polish History in America), (Milwaukee, 1937), vol. I, p. 310.
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with permission from the Polish-American Historical Association.