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St. Mary's East Eden History |
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On October 30, 1901, the Bishop increased the salary of the pastor of Eden to $800 annually along with the Christmas collection. The rectory was renovated in 1903. The church roof was repaired in 1904 and required 17,000 shingles on one side. A stone sidewalk was laid from the parsonage to the Church in 1906. Six statues were added to the altars: St. Joachim, St. Anne, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Anthony, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and St. Francis of Assisi. There are some of the statues presently in our church. In 1910, the cross in the cemetery was renewed. The iron railing was put between the cemetery and the unconsecrated ground. The school was known as Immaculate Conception in 1908 according to records. The south side Church and sanctuary roofs were reshingeled along with the rectory in 1912. The sacristy was renovated after a fire some time ago. Tony Lippert, age 92, recalls serving as altar boy for Father Kaelin. Social activities were held at Camp Mary Glen Hall.. Rev. Joseph C. Linsmeier succeeded Father Conrad Kaelin from 1912 to 1917. Father Linsmeier had a new tabernacle built by Anthony Antose, Joseph Wrobleski, a young parishioner then, remembers driving Mr. Antose to and from Hamburg weekends in Rev. Linsmeier’s horse and buggy. The interior of the Church as renovated in the most beautiful fashion and the new statues purchased in 1906 were placed on the side altars. New stained glass windows replaced the old windows and were donated by the parishioners and school children. A formal opening of the renovated church was held on July 14, 1913 with a solemn high Mass, grand music and inspiring ceremonies. Immense crowds came from Buffalo, Hamburg, New Oregon and surrounding areas. Visitors were picked up in Hamburg by teams of horse and buggy. Guest priests were: Rev. Joseph Hummel of Buffalo, a former pastor, Rev. Laurence Gyman, O.M.C., Superior of Corpus Christi Church, who preached in the Polish Language,. Revn. George Weber, rector of Seven Dolors, Rev. Anthony Borenfield, rector of S.S. Peter & Paul, Hamburg, Rev. Herman Zimmerman, rector of St. Mary’s, New Oregon, Rev. Max Miller of Lancaster, preached German and English, Rev. Fred Bank, Temporary rector of St. Nicholas, Rev. Linsmeier and the congregation extended their sincere thanks to all for attending this joyous celebration and invited everyone to the Church picnic to be held on August 6th. Throughout the early history, reference was made of a donation and building of a pulpit in the church. After discussing with our senior parishioners, a pulpit did occupy a place in our church in front of the left side altar. It was octagon in shape and had five or six steps. When the church was renovated and redecorated in our 1913, the pulpit was removed and placed by the school. The school children used it for playing games. When it became so deteriorated, it was then discarded. With the pulpit being in the sanctuary, the altar rail was farther in than what we remember. After the removal of the pulpit, a second floor was built with the two-step platform in front of both side altars and the altar rail moved out. The congregation renovated the rectory and St. Boniface Parish, Buffalo held a $2500 note at 4 ½ percent interest. The cemetery was embellished in 1916. Father Rung: Rev. Albert Rung on January 17, 1917, succeeded Father Linsmeier. A flagpole for the national emblem was erected in February, 1917. The following year, Barbara Haag collected money for a sanctuary lamp which still remains in the Church. Joseph Schintzious and Anthony Eder collected $25 towards the purchase of a Estey Reed Organ. Father Rung would make requests for donations for articles for the Church. The congregation would always respond. A request for a new chalice was made and the following young men contributed: Stanley Fintak, al Martynowicz, Felix Kaminski, Albert Castle, Joseph Dole, Joseph Castle, Leo Schintzius, Martin Castle4, and Michael Weiss. Father Rung had the donor names inscribed on the underside of the base of the chalice. The Church acquired the house and land of the Sisters of St. Francis from the Orphan Asylum in Buffalo for $700 in 1919. The 15 acres, Father Mertz bought in 1836, was sold with the approval of the Bishop fand the civil judge to Albert and Rose Castle for $1000.00 A mission was held the week of November 17, 1919, with Rev. Alois Engelhardt, C.S.S.R. of New York drawing a full crowd. The entire parish was solemnly dedicated to the Mother of Jesus. A large mission cross was solemnly blessed and erected during the significant ceremonies. At the closing of the week-long mission, the Holy Name Society was established with all men and boys over 16 years old enrolled. Sermons were given in German in the morning service and in English in the evening service. Today as we drive past the church property on East Eden Road, we see the Blessed Mother statue erected on the front lawn of the rectory. The Children of Mary and Mary Hummel, a former parishioner, had a card party in her home in buffalo. She donated pillowcases for a raffle. Proceeds from the benefit totaled $60 and the statue was purchased. Men of the parish constructed the stone base and erected the statue. Renovation was made to the Sisters’ convent. In 1923, work began on a church hall for social gatherings and the necessary paraphernalia to conduct dramatic entertainments. The building was built of concrete block and housed a bowling alley for a number of years. Leo Mammoser recalls sticking pins at the alleys. Bowlers were charged five cents a game. Clement Mammoser used a slip-slide (a hand scoop) drawn by horses to dig out the foundation. Work was completed in June, 1924 at a cost of $6607.63. The small hall, formerly used by the C.M.B.A. (Catholic Men’s Benevolent Association), was taken over by the parish in 1925 and joined to the school to accommodate the large number of students. In the very late 1930’s, the CMBA Hall was moved by Clayton Wittmeyer to its present site on East Eden Road. Today it is the home of Mrs. Eleanor Wehner. The roof and interior of the Church were renovated and electric lights installed. New Stations of the Cross were gifts of the following parishioners: Station I Mr. & Mrs. William Bauer, Station II Mrs. Mary Castle, Station III Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eggert, Station IV Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Feidt, Station V Mrs. Anna Haag, Station VI Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hummel, Station VII Mr. & Mrs. John Rebman, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Rebman, Station IX Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schintzius, X Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Stang, XI Mr. & Mrs. Ignaz Weiss, XII Mrs. Magdalene Wittmeyer, XIII Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wrobleski, XIV Mr. George Castle, Mr. Martin Castle, Mr. Lawrence Preischel, Mr. Joseph Schintzius, Jr. WAY OF THE CROSS OR “STATIONS OF THE CROSS” A series of fourteen wall plaques depicting the various significant times during the passion, crucifixion and death of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, which are used for recollection and meditation during the Way of the Cross services. Such services are held every Friday during the Lenten season at St. Mary’s Church. New carpets in the church aisles were installed. The Parishioners willingly contributed the sum of $2838. List of Donors: Lippert Bros., Rev. Albert Run, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Schintzius, Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Schwanz, Mr. & Mrs. Ignaz Weiss, Mr. & Mrs. John Rebman, Mrs. Mary Castle, Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Winkelman, Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Hummel, Mr. Joseph Schintzius, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Albert Bauer, Mr. & Mrs. Clement Mammose, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Rebman, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Rebman, Mr. & Mrs. John Wittmeyer, Mrs. Anna Haag, Mr. & Mrs. Dominic May, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Stang, Mr. & Mrs. William Bauer, Mr. & Mrs. George Benz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Borowiak, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Castle, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Castle, Mrs. Albert Dole, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dole, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eggert, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Feidt, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Fintak, Mr. & Mrs. John Haag, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. David Hoelscher, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Hojnacki, Mrs. Frances Kaminski, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Mammoser, Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Mammoser, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Martin, Mr. & Mrs. John Nowak, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Ossowski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Plandowski, Mr. Aloysius Preischel, Mr. & Mrs. Godfrey Rebman, The Schneider Family, Mr. & Mrs. Valentine Schwanz, Mr. & Mrs. John Smuder, Mr. & Mrs. John Swieckowski, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Winkelman, Mrs.Magdalene Wittmeyer, Miss Hattie Wrobleski, Eichler Bros. Mr. & Mrs. George Kwilos, Mr. & Mrs. S. Smeigielski, Mr. & Mrs. Goerge Feidt, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Stang, Mrs. Chester Hornberger, Mrs. George Miller, Mrs. Floyd Knoll, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Wittmeyer, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Preischel, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Henry Telaak, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Telaak, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dole, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Wittmeyer, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kaminski, Mr. & Mrs. George Wrobleski, Mr. & Mrs. John Missal, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Andres, Miss Louise Schintzius, Mr. Raymond Bauer, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wittman, Mr. & Mrs. August Eichler, Mr. Michael Wojtkiewicz, Mr. Albert Narbe, Mr. & Mrs. William Hojnacki, Fischer Boys, Mr. Joseph Bauer, Mr. & Mrs. William Wittmeyer, Mr. & Mrs. Preischel, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wrobleski, Mr. & Mrs. Szlochetka, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Fischer Special Donations: Missal Stand Miss Frances Crecker Altar Cards Mrs. Anna Haag Mrs. Magdlane Wittmeyer Brass Altar Crucifix The Misses Schneider Mrs. Matthew Feidt Mrs. George Deidt Miss Lucy Feidt Mass Vestments Sisters of St. Francis of East Eden St. Mary’s Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary on October 26, 1926 of the erection of the brick church. Rev. Henry Laudenbach blessed the new Stations of the Cross on Sunday evening October 24th. Msgr. George G. Weber, who resided in Boston and received his early education in East Eden from the then pastor, Father Resewski, celebrated the Solemn High Mass. Assisting were Rev. Albert Rung, resident pastor, and Father Conrad Kaelin, former pastor, Rev. W. Forms from Williamsville was the festive preacher. A priests’ choir under the direction of Rev. William J. Scheck sang the Mass. Fifty priests and past and present parishioners attended the Mass. Father Forms preached on the promise of Jesus: “Behold I am with you all days until the end of the world”. He referred to the fulfillment of the first families whose bodies no rest from their pioneer labors in the cemetery next to the jubilee church. Jesus Christ still reigns with the same faith and hope which was characterized our ancestors and prayed to by Catholics today. Msgr. George Weber, was after dinner speaker and Rev. Ludwig Winter, toastmaster. Msgr. Weber referred to his two years of apprenticeship and his wandering on these hills, on the difference between the past and present, and on the providence of God. He mentioned of his fine twin bother, Frank, for who, as for himself, a child’s coffin had been made and a cemetery lot determined, but he had survived and outlived his brother for 65 years. Father John Schaus, recounted the time when he and others from the hills attended the controversial sermon of Father Resewski. A Protestant preacher of the remarked to young Catholics that they should not believe everything told to them by their pastor. The Catholic priest was the winner; the Protestant preacher had to yield in the end. Father Kaelin, the 82 year old jublilarian, spoke movingly of his pastoral joys and sorrows. He made reference to the time he was a pastor when there were no automobile roads as there are today. Father Kaelin praised the present pastors both for the pastoral and literary accomplishments. Father Carsick, S.J., President of Census College, spoke of the three students who East Eden pastor, Father Resewski, had supported. They were industrious students who were educated as excellent clergymen for the diocese. It is believed that the three priests who attended St. Mary’s were Msg. Weber from Boston, Rev. Car Schauss from New Oregon and Rev. Winter from Eden. Father Rung thanks all the festive observers for making a simple, yet solemn celebration of the little church which has raised so serenely above nearby Lake Erie, and the pioneers and others sleeping quietly in our cemetery who have written their more than 75 year story with their living accomplishments. The little white garage standing long side the rectory was built during Father Rung’s time to house his Model “T” Ford. Today it is the storage building for our cemetery equipment. Father Rung should be credited for being instrumental in forming the Knights of Columbus, Hamburg Chapter, and also the East Eden Fire Company. The first double Wedding in our parish and first performed by Rev. Rung was that of the Hummel sisters Barbara and Mary on June 6, 1917. Father Rung purchased a prefabricated school to accommodate a larger enrollment. The school was situated on the East side of the Church Hall and was used until the forties when it burned. The Altar and Rosary Sodality was formed and the St. Anne Society was disbanded at this time. An Adult choir in the 1920‘s sang six different masses namely the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and Infant Jesus. Men in the choir were Stephen Hummel, Richard Schelble, Alois Dole, David Hoelscher, and Frank Stang. Women in the choir were the Hummel sisters, Amelia Schwanz Doles, Clara Schwanz, Marie Haag, Mr.s. Eggert, Hattie Schwanz, Magdalan Hummel Gates, Celia Eggert and Charlotte May. The choir members would sing solo. The school children would sing at the early mass everyday. The choir sang until 1933 when Alois Dole moved to Hamburg and other passed away. Mrgr. Rung said, “Fifty years in the priesthood is not an achievement but a gift of God.: Most Rev. Leo R. Smith described Msgr. Rung as “A priest as perfect as it was possible for him to be”. “One of the greatest blessings we have in the diocese is the priesthood of Msgr. Rung”. Rev. Edgar J. Kennel: Rev. Edgar J. Kennel, ordained in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Buffalo, June 7, 1919 , succeeded Rev. Albert Rung on May 13, 1933 and remained until his death on January 17, 1937. In 1934, the parish celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Congratulation letters were received from Herbert H. Lehnman, governor of New York, Congressman James M. Mead, 42nd District, Washington, M.M. McIntyre Ass’t Secretary to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, George J. Zimmerman, Mayor of Buffalo. A week long series of spiritual devotions were held to commemorate the anniversary of its foundation in 1834. Priests participated in the services were Msgr. George J. Weber, pastor of St. Mary of Sorrows Church, Buffalo who received his elementary education at St. Mary’s; Rev. Albert Rung, pastor of Blessed Trinity Church, Buffalo, and former pastor; Rev. Ludwin Winter, pastor of St. Louis Church; Msgr Edmund J. Britt, Chancellor of the Diocese and many prominent priests. Catechism was taught in our school both in German and English since the parish was mostly German. After Father Kennel left, it is reported, the German lessons were discontinued as other nationalities, namely the Polish were becoming predominate. The outdoor toilets that were in the back of the school were built from the usable wood from the house behind the convent after it was torn down. Joe Gates was the carpenter. After he finished the project, he wrote in the Boy’s toilet: “This little house is our own; so we will try and keep it neat and clean, so please be kind with your behind, don’t you see.” The two toilets have since been moved to the Frank Hoelscher residence and converted into a work shop. Father H. J. Gerlach: Father H. J. Gerlach then assumed his pastorate duties from January 17, 1937 to July 17, 1937 when he died in Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Lackawanna. In the short time that Father Gerlach was pastor, he ordered the specially cut linoleum for the Church floor. Rev. Francis Duggan, a priest in the Buffalo Diocese, served our parish after Father Gerlach died until Rev. Burchhardt was appointed. The rev. William Burchhardt. Assumed the care of the souls from August 1937 to July, 1945. Rev. Burchhardt, during his time, enlarged the school in 1938 and borrowed $1,865.92 at 3 percent from the Hamburg Bank. An amount of $1500 was still due on the rubber floor covering which cost $3060. The brick vestibule was added on the church in 1937. The parish had about 118 families and its financial condition was not good. The rector’s, teachers’, and housekeeper’s salaries were in arrears. Yearly revenue was $4500 of which $1500 was realized at the annual church picnic. The parish formerly received $1050 from the Orphan Asylum for the fifty foster children attending the school. Gus Eichler, John and Frank Hoelscher repaired the Church steeple around 1939. The center steeple post was showing signs of rot. The heavy weight of the cross made the steeple shift. After exploring the area, it was found that 11/2 feet of the center post had to be removed. To accomplish this, Gus Eichler erected a ladder in the belfry. He climbed near the peak and drilled two holes about two inches apart. Then he slipped two ends of a rope through the holes. He went to the outside of the tower and erected a ladder and tied off the ends of the rope to the ladder. After the ladder was secured, a block was hung at the top of the tower. Gus Eichler had a special 200 foot rope made to let the cross down. After examining the cross, they decided it would be more practical to put up a lighter cross, which they did and still stands today. Originally the steeple was 100 feet high from the ground. After removing the 11/2 feet of the post the present height from ground level is 981/2 feet. For twenty-five cents, entertainment was provided by the Young People of St. Mary’s in 1939 Their biggest and most publicized production was the three act comedy, “Mama’s Baby Boy” under the direction of Miss Catherine George, the pastor’s housekeeper. The cast of characters from the program were: Victoria Preischel, John Tracy, Albert Stang, Frances, Castle, Jane Krauss, Marie Mammoser, Caroline Castle, Herman Wittmeyer, Marian Haag, George Garneret, Genevieve Preischel. Rev. Alexander J. Jankowski: Rev. Alexander J. Jankowski, born in Poland, was ordained in 1920 and assumed his ministry in East Eden from 1945 until 1953. During his stay, he began the Bishop’s Committee. Very little renovation was done to the parish buildings with the exception it is reported that the decorations above the doors a the Main Altar were removed. Rev. Jankowski was noted for his reserved and quiet manner. ‘ Rev. Stanley Kulpinski (April, 1953-June, 1955) during his ministry at St. Mary’s was bestowed the title of Monsignor. Rev. Kilpinski was honored by the Labor Union of WNY on his 20th Anniversary in the priesthood and 16 years in the Niagara Frontier Christian management relations in 1954. During his pastoral administration, the congregation was enriched in faith through the many novenas, trichiums, the forty hours and May Day Rallies. The ladies of the parish began the tradition with the Marian Year to place fresh flowers each week on the Main Altar in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary Statue. This tradition has been carried on through the years and still today Second collections were for repairs and the purchase of equipment. The school basement was renovated and meetings were held as well as an examining room for the school dental hygienist. The room later became a classroom. Repairs were made to the right side of the church. The foundation needed to be strengthened and the bricks repointed. Aluminum windows were installed at the rectory and convent. Generous parishioners, church societies and friends made many donations, Mrs. Roman Czarcinski donated the votive light stand to be placed before the Sacred Heart Altar. Twenty school desks were donated by Rev. Collojoja of St. James’ Church in Jamestown. The Altar and Rosary Sodality donated $75 towards the sanctuary lights in the Church and the Sisters’ chapel. Two basketball stands for recreation were partially donated by the school children and the Catholic Youth Council. The Altar and Rosary Sodality sponsored a Christmas raffle to cover the expense of building a new vestment case. Mr. Felix Kaminski and one of his boys built a coat and hat rack in the sacristy. Social activities included dances sponsored by the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) which was formed by Msgr. Kulpinski, weekly movies for the children and parishioners held in the church hall, annual church picnics, bingo, card parties and baked good sales. By a special permission through the Bishop from the Apostalic delegate in Washington, D.C., Rev Kulpinski received the permission of celebrating three Masses on Sunday. Permission was grated until October and the first Mass at 6:30 a.m. was celebrated May 30, 1954. A roast beef dinner was served at the annual church picnic. Buses picked up Buffalo People at the Broadway Market for a 12 noon Mass and the picnic in the afternoon. Donations to the picnic included a ton of coal, half a barrel of flour, sugar, coffee, etc. The picnic receipts were $10,500 and the net was 7766.26. Rev. Kulpinski and some men of the parish recited the Rosary on the Rosary program TV hour, Channel 17. Two Catholic Youth Council members, Carol Schrader and Eileen Wittmeyer, served on the National Catholic Youth Convention Panel. Our parish was the only parish in the Youth Council Division to have a Catholic Youth Council. Our parish was also the first in the diocese to have a 4-H Club. Rev. Kulpinski suggested that St. Mary’s Church should have a shrine to the Sacred Heart. This parish was one of the first, if not the first parish, in the diocese that had the homes of its parishioners dedicated and consecrated to the merciful Sacred Heart of Jesus. The entire parish should be rededicated again to the Sacred Heart: “to Jesus through Mary” is the motto of the parish. Our Blesses Mother has prompted us to build a shrine in honor of Her Son that will face the traffic on East Eden Road in front of the convent. The cast stone statue measuring five feet in height was donated by the Wittmeyer family. A bronze tablet with the Wittmeyer name is inscribed and attached to the base of the statue. The Holy Name Society built the base from Stones collected on farms. The statue was erected in 1956. Harold Mammoser and Edward Kaminski donated the labor to erect the foundation and altar. The statue today stands at the south side of the Church. Rev. Thaddeus Zablotny served the parish for two terms. June 1955 to 1967 and 1970 to December 1983 when he retired. Father Ted will be remembered for his financial expertise especially his accumulation of a next egg to build a new church in the future. The parish before his coming was experiencing a poor financial condition. We cannot forget his “short and sweet sermons” and his reference to the children as “the little darlings”. Projects in 1955 included the attached breezeway and two car garage to the rectory. Blacktop was put around the school and walks. Mrs. Clara Dombrowski joined the teaching staff as the first lay teacher in our parochial school. Later, Carol Schrader and Elvira Burgen joined the teaching staff. The Eden Central School Board appointed Mrs. Mary Dole as our school nurse in 1955, The chimes we hear, during the Offertory of the Mass were donated by the CYO. Jerry Haag donated the labor and material for the installation. The monstrance, chalice and two Holy Communion patens were gold plated; a donation of the Altar and Rosary Sodality. During Father Ted’s time, the present decorative confessional in Church was brought in from another church in Buffalo, The confessional, presently stored in the Hall, was built to accommodate a visiting Polish priest who listened to confessions in Polish since many of the parishioners were Polish. New altar boy cassocks were purchased along with cleaning equipment for the Church by the Altar and Rosary Sodality. The church pews were varnished. Wood paneling wainscot was installed on the wall leading to the Choir Loft. The Sanctuary lamp, six large candleholders and a crucifix were reguilded for $129, a gift of the Altar Rosary Sodality. Joe Kwilos, many a time, painted the school building and did maintenance work for the parish. In 1961, the church was redecorated with the statues of the saints painted in the same décor. The beautiful mural of the Blessed Mother was painted on canvas in the Hall and then affixed to the Dome in the Sanctuary. The artist was Mr. Kawa. The parishioners staged an open house celebration in honor of Father Ted on his 25th Anniversary in the priesthood in 1961. During the 1960’s spiritual fulfillment was received through 40 hours devotions, novenas and the May Day Rally. Rogation Days, being a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in May, were celebrated with a procession before Mass with the singing of the Litany of all Saints. The Holy Name Society sponsored a Card Party and the Annual Turkey Raffle which has been since continued each year. Ladies of the parish baked delicious breads, pastries, etc. for their Bake Good Sale. The parish in 1964 purchased Joseph Wrobleski’s farm for $35,000. Future plans were to be the extension of the cemetery and building of a new church when time permitted. Two years later, the farm house, bar and 21/2 acres of land were sold to Stanley Wierzba for $15,000. The land today is leased to the East Eden Sportsmen who hold their annual tractor pulls and recently the horse pull. The Town of Eden has leased a small part for the baseball Diamond and the half basketball court in the Church parking lot at the new cemetery. Father Ted, in 1967, was transferred to St. Joseph’s Church in North Tonawanda. Rev. Stanislaus A. Sypniewski was assigned by the Bishop to succeed Father Ted. No significant accomplishments were made but a parish council was formed. Rev. Sypniewski retired in 1970. Father Ted returned for his second term in 1970. The parish was informed that the Sisters of St. Francis would be leaving after the closing of our Catholic School in 1970. The Home School Association had its name changed to St. Mary’s C.C.D. Association to reflect our present school and religious education program. The maintenance of the sisters’ Convent would be the sole responsibility of the parish. A general parish and Council meeting was held on April 21, 1971 to discuss the final plans for the use or disposition of the convent building. The final vote was in favor of leveling the convent and utilizing the space for much needed parking area. Schrieber and Winkelman got the job of leveling the convent. An auction was held. The sad day remembered by many parishioners was June 17, 1971, when the building, which was a landmark, was totally gone only a parking lot today. Many of us can remember attending early Mass in the Chapel on Holy Days. At the May 26, 1971, meeting, the Parish Council was expanded to include the heads of the Holy Name Society, Altar and Rosary Sodality, CCD Association and CCD coordinator. David Brehm and Mary Ellen Wittmeyer, both seniors, were selected to represent the youth of our parish on the Parish Council. The parish hall was remodeled in 1971 with the building of a new kitchen and bar on the East side. Tile was installed in the kitchen and bar. Tile was installed in the kitchen and bar. The tile cost $469, and Paul Wehner and Lloyd Schreiner donated their labor. The following year, the Hall floor was refinished for $159.50. After the annual church picnic in 1973, the old hall kitchen was demolished and a new storage room built. With the changes in the Mass made through Vatican II, a new altar table was required in order to have the priest say Mass facing the congregation. Herman and Dorothy Schmitt donated the beautiful white Formica veneer altar table which was built by Lloyd Schreiner. Plans were reviewed by the Parish Council to remodel the rectory. The rectory roof was reshingeled for $1165.20 and the windows and trim were painted for $376.38. The Altar and Rosary Sodality donated $100 towards the purchase of a new paschal candle and stand, presently used in the Church. Stanley Frydrychowski built a new outdoor crib to display the Nativity scene during the Christmas season. Ted Nowak renovated all the outdoor Nativity statues. The parish parking lot was blacktopped in 1975 for $7700. The blacktop in front of the Church and all cemetery walks were sealed for $343. Harold Mammoser and Euguene Dole patched the Church roof back to the belfry. The exterior of the church was painted. Our Blessed Mother on the Main Altar received a new cloak in 1975, compliments of Albert and Rose Castle. Nancy Wierzba Sickau was the artist. In the late 1970’s, Lucy Kaczmarek began assisting Father Ted with the parish recordkeeping, the preparation of the Annual Financial Report, and the Bingo and Game of Chance License Applications. A dedicated lady with energy to spare in taking care of the rectory and the church was Agnes Wojtulski, Father Ted’s housekeeper. Anges’ handicraft accomplishments were seen at the Church Picnic were her afghans were donated and raffled. She also ran the Card Party in the Rectory garage. Not only did Agnes sweep the walks during the summer, but during the winter, she would shovel the snow off the church steps. Her Lenten project was cleaning and polishing the candleholders, etc. She redecorated the rectory by doing all the wall papering and painting herself in the earlier years. The entire rectory Christmas tree was decorated with ornaments made by Agnes. Guest priests and the Bishops during the Forty Hours devotions and Confirmation were entertained in the rectory with a dinner prepared by Agnes and a few women of the parish. Agnes will be remembered for “giving of herself” to her God and neighbor. Rev. Clatus Snyder would substitute for Father Ted when he went to Florida on his annual vacation and when he went away on retreat. A new organ was purchased in 1983. Father Ted made a donation of $1000 towards the organ as a gift to the parishioners that he served for twenty-five years. The beginning of December, Father Ted retired and was sadly missed by his flock. Father John O’Shea was appointed administrator until Rev. James Grimmer was appointed pastor and assumed his duties on January 12, 1984. His mother, Mrs. Grimmer, lovingly joined him as his housekeeper. The congregation began to be motivated spiritually. Lectors, a group of dedicated volunteers, began to do the readings at all Masses. Al Zydel organized an adult choir. The Cheman family provided Folk singing at one Mass and are directing the congregation to sing along with them to give praise to the Lord. The first outdoor Mass was held on July 27th, 1985, with an excellent attendance. The faithful received a special spiritual feeling of being closer to God. Our thanks to Dorothy Zydel for organizing this eventful evening. A group of men and women have been involved in organizing a Renew Program. This program will officially began with parishioner participation this October. To assist and advise Father Grimmer on parish affairs, a Parish Council was formed. The parishioners elected nine members of the congregation in 1984 with three members for a one, two and three year terms. The Council also includes the trustees and president of each church sodality. Monthly and special meetings are held. Parish Council members also chair committees as: social action, building, finance, liturgy, religious education and the 150th anniversary. Parishioners are welcome to attend each meeting. A general parish and council meeting with a large turnout was held to discuss the Diocese involvement in the parish financial affairs. Many questions were raised regarding loans to the Diocese, ownership of parish property and the Diocese assessment formula. Anthony Franjoine, Controllor for the buffalo Diocese, was present to answer questions. The controversial general parish and council meeting of January, 1985 revolved around the disposition of the communion rail, a historical contribution by our ancestors. Rev. Walter Kern, assistant archivist for the buffalo Diocese, was guest speaker. The feelings of the entire parish were expressed in their vote to determine its disposition. The final result, a disappointment to many parishioners, was the removal of the communion rail. The vote was very close. Church renovation plans were began in January, 1985. The entire church was redecorated. The walls were painted an inviting yellow reflecting the feeling that God was shining His presence in the light of peace and contentment. The statues were redecorated to their original attire symbolizing church colors. The south wall was stripped, insulated and refinished. Pews and Kneelers were brought back to their natural finish. Kneelers were repadded giving a feeling of kneeling at the gates of heaven. The floor was carpeted in a blue, the color associated with the Blessed Mother and the quiet feeling of walking upon a cloud. The presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary and life is felt when observing the beautiful painted mural on the dome in the Sanctuary. Today our attention is kept throughout the Mass with the newly installed sound system. The candleholders were polished and refinished. The Bell in the Sanctuary was refinished in gold and received a new blue pull rope, compliments of Gertrude Walters who also had made curtains for the windows in the church sacristy and the hall. Many generous donors contributed to our renovation project with monetary gifts. Future plans for the church will include a modern heating system, a confessional and crying room, a lavatory and refurnishing the vestibule. A gas well was drilled on church property which will provide free gas to all the church buildings. Royalty checks are received from the gas sales. Recently, the parish leased a small area on Keller Road to the Town of Eden for a most welcome playground for the children in East Eden. Our prayers for vocations were answered in 1975 when John Skura, the son of Rose and the late Leo Skura, took his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and the name Friar Mark. On April 25, 1981, Friar Mark had become Brother Mark and was ordained Deacon. A year later on May 30, 1982, Father Mark was ordained a priest and celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary’s. He imparted his blessing on individuals, couples and families at a reception held in his honor. Tracing our history, our parish has had vocations to the sisterhood. Presently, one of our young parishioners, Cecelia Haier, the daughter of Harold and Miriam Haier, entered the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph in January 1982. Sister Cecelia took her first profession in the fall of 1984 and will take her final profession possibly in the fall of 1987. She has an associate of arts degree and is presently working towards her Bachelor of Sciences in Education. Sister Cecelia is presently stationed at St. Charles Baieomeo at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Looking back through our history, our ancestors have paved the way by their unselfish example of “love they neighbor”. Together they worked to build two churches and donated not only their worldly goods but themselves through their labor. They extended themselves beyond the call of duty to pass their enriched faith to future generations with the assistance of all pastors that swerved our church. They did not wait for someone else to do the job, but went willingly to help and contributed much to the history of the church. Many generations have attended our school and received their Sacraments here. Many students have successfully obtained the diocesan and regent’s diploma, a success contributed through the faithful and untiring efforts of the Sisters. Many graces have been received through the years but without Faith, Hope and Charity, nothing would be accomplished. “Faith is a magic tonic, for body, mind and soul; the motivating factor man needs to reach its goal”. “God made all of us a family; to love one another, forgive one another, work together, play together and worship together”. Across the top of a page in the Latin Script found in the rectory, the quote was written: “The mountains are in labor, a ridiculous mouse is born” from Horace. When the journal was first read probably by a former pastor, the text was immaterial only reflecting the history of the church. As it may have been difficult to translate the Latin script and took hours of toil referring to “the mountains are in labor:. “The mouse is born” or the efforts and information was of little value then. The Anniversary Committee has found the Latin Script invaluable towards the contents used to compile this book. Today the quote should read “The Mountains are in labor, a knowledgeable man is born. |
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