St. Joseph's Church

At times when dangers from neighboring countries were threatening, there always emerged great leaders, men of faith and courage, under whose leadership the Polish nation achieved victory and renown. Even when their hope of independence was almost lost, the nation would rise frequently in battle to show the world their desire and right to exist as a free nation along with other free countries.

Poland suffered many sacrifices, losses of life and land in defense of her faith. Jagiellonian legions fought for their faith in Grunwald. Jan Sobieski, with his army, fought at Vienna to defend the Catholic Church from her enemies.

Recognizing the spiritual merits of the Polish nation, Pope Pius XI, then the reigning pope, called Poland the most faithful daughter of the Catholic Church. Her countrymen scattered throughout the world in search of subsistence and brought with them their loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church. As proof of their fidelity to their faith, numerous churches sprung up in Polish settlements along with many confraternities, societies, and parochial schools.

Divine Mercy, St. M. Faustina Kowalska

At this point, we are attempting to sketch briefly some important and interesting events that led to the founding of St. Joseph's Parish.

The first Polish settler who came to Gardner was Jan Kulczyk. Having landed in New York City on April 2, 1892, he arrived in Gardner the following day. Not finding any Polish people, he had to stay temporarily with strangers. Later other Polish people arrived: Jan Kijek, Peter Piascik, Paul Cychol, Francis Wiski, and Roman Kulczyk. (We also were able to obtain the surnames Wisniewski, Doda, and Ciak.)

As elsewhere in America, so too in Gardner, whenever an immigrant Polish person arrived, he sought a job and willingly adjusted to living conditions here. Having relatives in Poland, he tried to bring them to America by sending them money and passports.

In 1903 the Polish settlement in Gardner had members who were thinking of organizing benefit groups and societies. The first such group was the Z.N.P., founded in 1903. A few years later there emerged the idea of establishing a local society of fraternal aid. After many meetings and deliberations, the Society of St. Joseph was established on March 2, 1906. On September 11, the charter was granted paying its members five dollars weekly to help anyone with a sickness or crippling disability.

The administrative board of the Society of St. Joseph consisted of the following members: Anthony Hryniewicz, president; Jan Bak, vice president; Matthew Kodys, financial secretary; Eugene Kwiatkowski, recording secretary; Roman Kulczyk, treasurer; and Stanley Tkaczyk, marshal. To encourage regular attendance it imposed a penalty of twenty-five cents for each unreasonable absence.

When our early Polish settlers considered themselves strong in number and with adequate finances, they were ready to establish and maintain a parish church.

On May 5, 1907, a committee made up of Eugene Pliskowski, Stanley Hryniewicz, Roman Kulczyk, and Matthew Kodys purchased a plot of land on 358 Pleasant Street. The property consisted of a dwelling house with a few farm buildings and an extensive piece of land. It was purchased for $3,500 from the Donahue Estate heirs. After obtaining permission from Most Reverend Bishop Thomas D. Beaven of Springfield for establishing St. Joseph's Parish and applying to him for a Polish pastor, the people of Gardner welcomed Reverend Julius Rodziewicz as their first pastor on December 6, 1908. He celebrated his first Mass in Holy Rosary Church. Thereafter, the homilies were rendered in Polish and Lithuanian to win over their Lithuanian brothers and sisters to their parish. Almost immediately Reverend Julius Rodziewicz removed some buildings and took initial steps to level the ground in preparation for laying the foundation of the church.

Since funds for initial building purposes were insufficient, it was planned, with the permission of the pastor, to send solicitors to neighboring parishes. Adam Pacocha, Jan Baren, and Alexander Wiktorski drove frequently to Clinton, Worcester, and Bellows Falls, Vermont. The first collectors in Gardner were Anthony Piascik and Matthew Kodys.

When Reverend A. Krzywda was pastor, two plans were drawn up: one for a larger church and the other for a smaller. The former was adopted. Most Reverend Bishop Thomas D. Beaven guaranteed the contractual sum of $30,000 toward the general construction of the building, excluding the cost of altars, organs, and other church furnishings. Gardner Savings Bank granted the loan. John Donahue became the architect, and a Mr. Samson became the contractor.

During World War I, a Committee of Assistance was formed, headed by the pastor, and a sum of over $22,000 was collected for national and various assistance programs. Polish bonds were purchased for $36,000. Twenty men from our parish enlisted in the Polish army, and twenty-two in the American army. Despite trying conditions during World War I, we pressed forward spiritually and materially. For our American freedom and democracy, four of our young men gave up their lives in World War I: Francis Bukowski, Adam Filter, John Sokol, and Sigismund Pisinski.

In World War II, many more men sacrified their lives: John Bekerowski, Louis Cyganiewicz, Anthony Hajkowski, Anthony Jasinski, Wenceslaus Kaczan, Joseph Kopicko, Chester Kosakowski, John Kulczyk, John Lendo, Henry Musnicki, Edward Picold, Edward Pilkovsky, Henry Pitkiewicz, Joseph Plona, John Sieminski, Joseph Simkiewicz, Albert Stomber, Victor Tarmasiewicz, and Casimir Pieloch.

In the beginning it was very difficult because little money was collected, contrary to expectations. The need for equipment and furnishings was great. To help the cause, the Society of St. Joseph contributed $250 from its savings to purchase three front windows along with chasubles and other necessary supplies.

The Ambo

Reverend Chlapowski succeeded Reverend John Mardyrosiewicz and paid off the debt in 1915. He brought in a pulpit that was one of the oldest types in New England. He also brought in two beautiful, old-time confessionals from St. Joseph in Webster. One side altar, which served for many years as the main altar in Holy Rosary Church, was donated to Reverend Chlapowski.

St. Joseph's had great needs but no funds. The parish income, including admission fees and collections, barely covered the interest, insurance, heating, lighting, and other expenses. There was only the building with pews, one altar, and simple church vestments. Later, radiators which were overlooked at the time of the initial construction were extended to the choir loft.

Gradually, the walks around the church and rectory were paved and trees and shrubs were planted. Later, the rectory was renovated with new floors and furniture, and a concrete garage was built.

For the 25th anniversary of the parish, the interior of the church was repainted, and the altars and Stations of the Cross were renovated. Everything was refurbished: chalices, ciboria, monstrance, and church vestments. According to the calculations of architects, building experts, and Reverend Chlapowki, the parish property was assessed at $110,000, excluding the cost of the cemetery acquired in 1933. At this time, the mortgage amounted to $13,800.

Reverend Chlapowski purchased the land for the cemetery in 1933 and built the new parish rectory in 1942. After 35 years of selfless and dedicated service, Father Chlapowski died on August 20, 1950.

Reverend Walter Radzik, who was acting administrator from May 17, 1950, was appointed pastor by Most Reverend Bishop John Wright. The new pastor assumed his pastoral duties on September 4, 1950. He organized the Holy Rosary Sodality and formed the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, the CYC, and the Polish American Veterans of Greater Gardner and Auxiliary. A Memorial Mass, sponsored by the Polish American Veterans, is held on the Sunday before Memorial Day. All local veterans' organizations are invited to attend. He was chaplain of all these organizations, chaplain of the Polish American Veterans of Massachusetts, director of the Polish American Congress, and director of the Polish Catholic Schools in Orchard Lake, Michigan.

During his term as pastor, Father Radzik was instrumental in the renovation and repainting of the church: installing church bells, repainting the rectory and classrooms, and embellishing the church grounds. All these improvements cost the parish $50,000. In addition, all old debts were paid off. On June 1, 1955, Reverend Henry S. Banach came to our parish as an associate pastor to Father Radzik.

On May 31, 1957, after addressing the Polish American Veterans the previous day, Father Radzik passed away. It was a shocking and sad moment.

After Father Radzik's death, Reverend Banach was appointed administrator of the parish by Most Reverend Bishop Wright. As administrator, he assumed the duties and activities of his predecessor. He was the honorary member of the Polish American Congress and a speaker at all Polish events. Reverend Banach was an ideal manager of the parish and remained until 1959.

From our local Polonia, four men entered the priesthood and religious brotherhood: Reverend Henry Bednarczyk, Reverend John Cwalina, Reverend Leo Baltrucki, and Brother Sigismund Dowal. Three young ladies entered the religious sisterhood: Stella Plona (Sister Mary Laetitia), Jane Plona (Sister Mary Febronia), and Victoria Rachupka (Sister Mary Hyacinth).

Polish people in political life have held various state and local positions. Among them was the two-time mayor of Gardner and a lawyer of the Governor's Council, Michael G. Morze. He was the director of our 50th parish jubilee. There was also Joseph Renes, the Chief of Police, and several other professional people.

Associate pastors who have worked in our parish included: Reverend Maximillian Lewandowski (1933-1937), Reverend Alexander Struczko (1937-1945), Reverend John Kochanowski (1945-1950), Reverend John Szamocki (1952-1953), Reverend John Sliwoski (1953-1954), and Reverend Henry Banach (1955-1957).

Following the Golden Jubilee of our parish, Reverend Banach remained as administrator until the appointment of Reverend Joseph L. Niedzwiecki, on October 30, 1959. During this time, only normal upkeep was required because of previous extensive renovations.

Spiritually, the parish functioned according to the new, revised liturgy. The conversion from Latin to English and Polish was accepted slowly and sometimes reluctantly. Saint Cecilia's Choir was not as active since the whole congregation participated in the singing during services.

During Reverend Niedzwiecki's pastorate, the following curates were assigned: Reverend John Sliwoski, Reverend Chester Dziczek, Reverend Edward Nicewicz, and Reverend Casimir Kurzawski.

In the years following, our parish population decreased, as well as that of the Gardner community. Religious education classes for our high school and elementary students were held weekly, and continue to be taught by several teachers of the parish. Many of our children have had the opportunity to attend and graduate from college, subsequently relocating. Some of our young adults werved in the military during the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict. This was a sad period in our country as well as our parish.

Organizations, such as the Holy Rosary Sodality, have remained strong over the years. Members sponsor and Easter Supper (Swieconka) and donate the profits to the parish. The Polish Roman Catholic Union has sponsored the traditional Christmas supper (Oplatek). The profits from this supper are also donated to the parish.

Reverend Casimir J. Kurzawski was appointed pastor on June 30, 1978. ALmost immediately, parishioners were informed of the status of the church with the establishment of a church council. In the following five years, the parish saw many changed in the church structure. The tower was repaired and new bells were installed. Parts of the interior of the church and altars were repainted. An extensive renovation project of the lower church began in the spring of 1982 and was completed in the fall of the same year. The cost of the project was financed by parishioners through assessments, along with memorial donations.

Since 1979, the parishioners have held a Polish Festival to gain further revenue. Preparations begin early in the year, and an attempt is made to involve everyone possible. Mini Fairs have been held in the late fall, while bake sales are conducted periodicatlly. These have also proven successful.

Our parish cemetery has been enlarged and upgraded. The roads have been paved, and a water system installed. In October, weather permitting, the faithful join with the pastor in a procession around the cemetery to recite the rosary.

In March of 1982, we were privileged to host a replica of the painting of the Black Madonna as it made a pilgrimage through the Polish parishes of the Worcester Diocese. The icon had been blessed and dedicated to His Holiness Pope John Paul II for the diocese. While at St. Joseph's, the icon was enthroned on a specially decorated altar.

When we celebrated our 75th Jubilee, we were happy to have several new families from Poland join our parish. We hoped and prayed that they would assist us in continuing our beautiful Polish traditions.

On May 22, 1983, Father Kurzawski celebrated his Silver Jubilee with a concelebrated Mass, followed by an evening banquet in the church hall. More than 250 people attended, including parishioners, friends, visiting priests, and Father Kurzawski's family. Each guest received a small gift from Father Kurwawski.

Our Lady of Częstochowa

During the months that followed, more events took place. There was a Polka Mass with Dick Pillar's Orchestra playing traditional church music, with a Polka beat. This was the first Polka Mass in the Gardner area. On September 11, 1983, Reverend Kurzawski gave a replica of the Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, as his personal gift, to the parishioners of St. Joseph's Church. On November 20, 1983, Most Reverend Timothy Harrington and nine priests who had some affiliation with the parish as former assistants, pasters, or members of the parish who became priests. They included Reverends Lawrence J. Deery, Joseph Bielonko, Edward Nicewicz, John Szamocki, Peter Hamernik, John Kochanlowski, Leon Baltrucki, Henry Banach, and Casimir Kurzawski who concelebrated a 4:00 p.m. Mass. Reverend Banach gave the homily. A jubilee banquet followed the Mass with a capacity attendance.

During the years of 1984-1986, St. Joseph conducted their customary annual events, such as the Polish Festival, the Oplatek, and the Swieconka suppers, and the Mini Fair.

On September 15, 1985, our parish entered a Polish Heritage float in the Gardner Bicentennial parade. Those representing the parish were dressed in traditional Polish attire. On December 25, 1985, at Midnight Mass, the first Living Nativity was performed by the Religious Education classes in our parish.

For the first time, in 1987, St. Joseph's held a "Karniwal" to prepare for the coming of Lent. It included an elaborate buffet of Polish food, hors d'oeuvres, soups, salads, and desserts. Along with the buffet, there was a "Polish auction" and dancing.

In 1987, along with our regular annual events, we also had a Ham and Bean supper, pancake breakfast, and a whist party. The 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Holy Rosary Sodality was celebrated with a communion breakfast. The Sodality had its beginning in 1912 when a small group of men and women founded the orgnization, devoted to the daily recitation of the rosary. In 1950, it was reorganized to permit a larger membership. Today, it has an all-women membership. During November of 1987, St. Joseph's Church and Doctor Lawrence DuBuske co-sponsored a clothing drive to help families in Poland. A total of nine thousand pounds of clothes was collected and distributed throughout Poland. The clothes were collected for a month, sorted, boxed, and addressed in Polish. About twenty-five parishioners worked a total of 380 hours to sort and pack the clothes.

Some of the events held in 1988-1991 were: Oplatek Supper, Mardi Gras, Swieconka, Polish/Irish Breakfast, Jumbo Sale, Festival and Polka Mass, Bake Sale, and a Pancake Breakfast. During this period, stained glass windows were releaded, new stained glass windows were added in the stairway, and the exterior doors were finished.

On June 16, 1991, a farewell reception was held for Father Kurzawski. During his thirteen-year administration, he had made extensive renovations to the church proper, the lower church, and the cemetery. Instead of the four classrooms, we now have a new kitchen, two classrooms, and a large hall. The church hall is named for Father Kurzawski.

On September 8, 1991, Reverend Charles Borowski was officially installed as Shepherd of St. Joseph's Church. Parishioners were invited to a light meal in the church hall as Father Charley's guests. In the autumn of 1991, we had a Kapusta Fest and Blessing of Animals, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Prayer Corner

All the religious statues and the Stations of the Cross were refurbished furing Father Borowski's term as pastor. One confessional was removed, and the area made into a prayer corner. The statues of St. Theresa, St. Anthony, and the Infant of Prague were moved there. He started basic Polish classes. He reactivated Forty Hours Devotions and had potluck suppers for Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.

In 1992, our customary events were held, and a 120 Club and a Yard Sale were added. A parishioner, Joseph Gemborys, donated artworks he had painted of Pope John Paul II, Our Lady of Częstochowa, and the Mercy of God. A blessing and dedication were held for the latter on the afternoon of September 20. On November 30, the San Salvador Cross, a traveling cross, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage, and the ongoing evangelization of the New World, was brought to St. Joseph's by the Knights of Columbus. There is a similar cross in every diocese of the nation as commissioned by Pope John Paul II.

During the latter part of 1992, the "lobby" walls, ceiling, woodwork, and vestibule doors were renovated by parish volunteers. New light fixtures were hung and carpeting was laid.

A Lenten mission was held by Father DiOrio on March 15-17, 1993. A flagpole and monument wee dedicated in front of the church in May. The stone was dedicated in honor of all members of the Polish American Veterans of Greater Gardner, living and deceased. The flagpole was dedicated to the memory Lt. Col. Chester J. Davidowicz, the only soldier from the Gardner area to receive the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II. In September, 1993, Father Charley was tranferred to St. Pauls's in Warren and St. Thomas Aquinas in West Warren. On September 24, 1993, St. Joseph welcomed Reverend Francis Piechocki.

Father Frank passed away on August 8, 1994, in the parish rectory after a brief illness. Because of Father Frank's death, the Polish Festival was postponed until September 18.
Reverend Thomas M. Tokarz replaced Father Frank as our pastor. Father Tom was officially installed on November 6, 1994.

As in previous years, our regularly scheduled church events took place. Our first church newsletter was published in April of 1996. The newsletter comes out three times a year to keep our parishioners informed of current events. A chair lift was installed in the lower lobby of the church, for anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs. The cost of the chair lift was $12,670. The tabernacle in the church was cleaned and refurbished.

In 1997, part of the interior of the church was painted. In addition, the seconed row of pews in the front of the church was removed to make it easier for people to receive Holy Communion. New carpeting was installed in the church aisles and the sanctuary. A repository for the holy oils was also installed in the sanctuary.

After nearly forty years of dedicated service as our organist, Mildred Gabis retired. A retirement party for her was held on September 28, 1997.

In this anniversary year, our parish membership consists of 250 families. The liturgy has been enriched by additional altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, and lectors. The parishioners currently serving in these ministries are: Altar servers - Jacob Kelley, Andrew McCabe, Brianne McCabe, Kevin McCabe, Michael Yablonski, and Adam Zoldak; Eucharistic ministers - Estelle Haverty, Irene Kacki, Therese LeBlanc, Kevin McCabe, Barbara Yablonski, Edward Yablonski, and Michael Yablonski; and lectors - Jennie Comeau, Estelle Haverty, John Kazinskas, Anthony Safka, and Barbara Yablonski.

Our 90th Jubilee was celebrated with a Mass and a banquet on Sunday, September 20, 1998. Most Reverend Bishop Daniel P. Reilly and our pastor, Reverend Thomas M. Tokarz, concelebrated the Mass. Following the Mass, a banquet was held at the Westminster Country Club.

As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we have much to be proud of and thankful for. Foremost, we thank God for our many blessings. We thank our former pastors and early parishioners for their foresight, endeavors, and pains. May God grant blessings and perseverance to our pastor and parishioners to continue their noble work.

Ten years more history to come soon . . .