HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PARISH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART
IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

A translation, from the Polish, of a History of Sacred Heart Parish Found in the
Silver Jubilee Commemorative Booklet of 1929.

Sister-Teachers Founders of Parish and Charter Members 1904 Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals Associate Pastors Franciscan Fathers Pioneer Members 1934 Sisters of Sacred Heart School Sacred Heart School Class Photo about 1917-1919 Parish Statistics During Father Kaminski's Pastorate

Because there was employment in the gypsum mines, several Polish families settled in the southwest sector of the City of Grand Rapids, about three miles distant from St. Adalbert’s Church and School. This distance from the church and parish school created a great difficulty for all, especially for the school children. For that reason, already in 1897, steps were taken to establish a Polish Catholic parish in this area. Only in 1903, however, was the petition for the formation of a new parish presented to Bishop Henry Richter. As soon as the bishop looked into the situation, he gave his permission to build a new church and school. At this time there came to St. Adalbert’s Parish a young and energetic assistant whose name was Father Ladislaus Krakowski. The Most Reverend Bishop entrusted the task of establishing the new parish to Father Krakowski on August 17, 1903. The history of the establishment and development of this new parish attests how zealously and energetically Father Ladislaus Krakowski applied himself to the task at hand. From the very beginning the success of this project was assured by the very fact that the parish was entrusted to the almighty protection of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Conscientious and respected gentlemen were chosen to make up the parish committee. They were John Radlicki, Frank Sniatecki, Bob Pienta, Andrew Amborski and Joseph Miskiewicz. On October 1, 1903, a parcel of land, located across the street from a city park, was purchased for $1,900. In March 1904, the contract was set for the construction of an attractive building which was to serve church, school, and residence for the Sisters. The general cost was $11,645. On May 24, 1904, Bishop Richter announced by a formal decree, the division of Sacred Heart Parish from St. Adalbert’s. He set the boundary lines between the two parishes, i.e. Shawmut westward from Indiana, then north to Jackson, and westward on Jackson. At the same time, with the same decree, he appointed Father Krakowski to be the pastor of the new parish. Father Krakowski conducted religious service for the members of Sacred Heart Parish at St. Adalbert’s up until November 1904. On May 30, 1904 he left St. Adalbert’s rectory and took up residence with the confines of his parish. Page 257 On Thanksgiving Day, 1904, Bishop Richter blessed the new House of God in the presence of numerous clergy and laity from the city and beyond. He dedicated it to the glory of God and for the welfare of the people and for the salvation of their souls. The Word of God on this occasion was given by Rev. Edward Kozlowski, the pastor of St. Stanislaus’ Church in Bay City and later the second Polish bishop in the United States. The first floor of the building was set apart for classrooms and for the Sisters’ living quarters. The second floor was to function as a church. On the day of the dedication the parish consisted of only one hundred families. It must be noted that this building was constructed without the negotiation of any loan. This was due to the generosity of the parishioners and the energetic efforts of the Parish Committee, headed by the pastor. However, the motivating force behind this entire project was the spirit of harmony which existed among the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish. Not only the parishioners gladly made contributions for the building of the church, but there also were numerous individuals who provided items which were necessary for the church and divine service.   Joseph Michalowski The Side Altar Joseph Miskiewicz The Main Altar John Radlicki Monstrance John Czachorski Pix Andrew Szymczak Sanctuary Lamp J. Sonnenberg Stations of the Cross C. Greulich Chalice Jacob Pienta Cope and Dalmatic Frank Sniatecki Chasuble Casimir Krzyzanowski Cope Andrew Orlik Chasuble Martin Pawlowski Chandelier Albert Hernacki Chasuble Martin Ewert Chasubles John Myszka Chandelier A. Nowicki Priedieu (Kneeler) Stanley Dutkiewicz Candelabra (Page 258) Policarp Dorff Bell John Witucki Candlesticks Paul Lukowicz, Witkowski, Plewka, Bialorucki, Grzecka, Wojciechowski, etc. Other Items Sacred Heart Society Sacred Heart Statue Rosary Ladies and Young Ladies Altar Linens Rev. Edward Kozlowski One Lot Rev. Alexander Lipinski Gold Knobbed Cane Rev. Marianus Matkowski Gold Watch It is incumbent here to make mention of the respected and venerable pastor of St. Isidore’s, a true friend of the Parish of the Sacred Heart, the late Rev. Marianus Matkowski. During the initial days of the foundation of the parish, he especially aided the young Father Krakowski with his invaluable counsel in the latter’s difficult assignment which was beset with roadblocks. He encouraged him onwards. Honor to his memory! The new parish also found many sincere well-wishers in the parishes of St. Adalbert and St. Isidore. A list of these benefactors is found in the offerings. (6) To this very day, the parishioners of "Heart’s" (7) recall the names of these friends of theirs and gratefully they bless them. Father Krakowski, apart from building the school, built a parish-house and a home for the Sisters, and in 1903 (sic) he purchased more lots for $1500, so as to complete the parish property in such a way that it would comprise an entire city block. (8) After the construction of the school, rectory, and convent, Father Krakowski did not cease working. Already then, he began to gather funds for a permanent church. In 1904 (sic), there was already $1500 in the parish treasury, the beginning of a fund for the construction of the church. (9) In 1913, Rev. Edward Kozlowski was raised to the dignity of Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Bay City, one of the largest in the diocese, was without a pastor. Bishop Richter, evaluating Father Krakowski’s work and exemplary administration of "Heart’s", without the slightest hesitation, appointed him pastor of this parish which already consisted of approximately 1200 families. In January of 1914, the parish bade farewell to its beloved pastor who stood at its helm for eleven years. It bade him farewell, sadly for the people knew they were losing their founder, their zealous pastor, and their benefactor. Alas, one thought gave them great comfort and that was that their pastor was being singled out and was being honored for his exemplary work with a merited advancement. To this very day the people at "Heart’s" affectionately and gratefully recall the efforts and the zeal and the total commitment of Father Krakowski. The fact that the Parish of the Sacred Heart was formed and the fact that in so short a span of time, despite intense opposition , it has developed and has been so well administered, is acknowledged by all, after divine blessing, to have been the result of the dauntless energy and the indefatigable labors of Father Krakowski. Because of this , as a gesture of recognition, this area of "Heart’s" is proud, even to this day, to be known as "Krakowo" (Cracow). At the behest of Father Krakowski various societies were formed in the parish. A fraternal Mutual Aid Society, under the protection of the Sacred Heart, was founded on September 6, 1903. A Young Men’s Society, under the patronage of St. Ladislaus, was organized on May 22, 1904. The Ladies Rosary Society was established on January 4, 1904. A Young Ladies’ Sodality was formed in March of the same year. The St. Joseph Society was organized on July 22, 1906. The Parish choir developed beautifully under the direction of Messrs. Damsky and Furmankiewicz, and especially so under Maximilian Wojtalewicz. Bishop Richter appointed Rev. Joseph Kaminski, the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Alpena, Michigan, as Father Krakowski’s successor. Father Kaminski performed his first service on Candlemas Day, February 9, 1914 .(sic). (10) The people of Sacred Heart welcomed the new pastor affectionately and with good wishes for they already knew him as a lad who went to St. Adalbert’s School. They knew him as a student and seminarian, and they even remembered him as a chap who used to deliver groceries to their homes. Under Father Kaminski’s administration the parish developed even further. There was no need of the intense initial effort because the foundation had been firmly laid and the strategy for the future was well planned. The pastor’s responsibility was to maintain that which had already been built and with the development of the parish, as the need arose, to build. It so happened that the biggest need of the parish was the enlargement of the school. More and more families were moving into the confines of the parish, and with families there came children. A school is the lighthouse of a parish, and so with this in mind, under the guidance of the pastor, the people began to work in this direction. (Page 260) In 1918, an addition to the school of four classrooms was erected at the cost of $20,000. (11) Two years later, the second floor of the original school was transformed into classrooms. Since even this did not suffice, a temporary "Bungalow School" of six classrooms was erected with an outlay of $11,000. Presently the school is able to accommodate all the children of the parishioners. Since the accommodations for the Sisters were so limited, a private residence was purchased for $7,000 and remodeled to provide sleeping quarters for the teachers. In addition, six lots across from the church were procured to serve as a playground for the children. The crowning achievement of the parish – and one of which it may well be pardonably proud – is the magnificent church, the House of God. Already on February 29, 1920, at a parish meeting, it was unanimously agreed to build a new church. This building project was begun with dispatch. Bishop Edward Dennis Kelly blessed and laid the cornerstone in September of the same year. Initially the basement was completed, and on January 30, 1921, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Casimir Skory blessed it. From then on all services were conducted in it. The following year the superstructure was erected, and in the course of 1923, the interior was completed. Christmas of that year will long be remembered by the parishioners because at midnight the pastor officiated at the "Pasterka" (The Mass of the Shepherds) in the new church. It is difficult to describe the deep impression which the appointments of the sanctuary, the solemn ceremony, and the sermon had made on the parishioners. Marvelous, indeed, was the sight when the darkened church was illuminated and there came into view the beautiful new altars, tastefully decorated with flowers and palms. The same can be said for the pulpit, the Communion rail, the new pews, and the artistically executed Stations of the Cross. In a word, the entire church appeared in the full spendor of it beauty and magnificence. This church has been built in the style of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome. The coffered ceiling is masterfully executed. The pillars have been placed at the sides so that they do not obscure the altars and the pulpit. Experts have affirmed that this church can be considered one of the most magnificent, not only in the diocese, but in this entire area. This church will forever remain a monument of the faith and love and generosity of the people of "Heart’s". (Page 261) Four big bells, costing $6,000, have been lifted into the belfry. New pews have been placed in the nave. They cost $7,000. Three new altars, a pulpit, and communion railings have been installed in the sanctuary at a cost of $6,000. New vestments have been purchased for several thousands of dollars. The entire structure, with heating and plumbing and electrical work, cost $225,000. For a period of time the assistant priests from St. Adalbert’s helped Father Kaminski in his pastoral ministrations. Rev. Thomas Noa, a professor at St. Joseph Seminary, came as a weekend assistant from September 1917 to November 1921. At that time Rev. Roman Kosnik was appointed as resident assistant. He served until July 1923, when Father Noa again came and assisted until February, 1924. It was then that the bishop appointed Rev. John Szydlowski assistant. He served in that capacity until October 1925. Once more, Rev. Dr. Thomas Noa came and helped out until April 1926. The present assistant, Rev. Adalbert Narlock, came to the parish on April 3, 1926. Sacred Heart Parish has given three priests and one religious brother to the Church. They are Rev. James Czachorski, Rev. Casimir Krzywicki, Rev. Francis Lukowicz, and Brother Hyacinth (Edward Sniatecki) of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The following young ladies, daughters of parishioners, have entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame: Sister Mary Estra Szymczak Sister Mary Renalda Matulewicz Sister Mary Philonella Zomberg Sister Mary Reginalda Szymczak Sister Mary Irmina Pienta Sister Mary Melitona Gajerowicz Sister Mary Sulpicia Gajerowicz Sister Mary Aloisia Gajerowicz Sister Mary Nobilis Frankowski Sister Mary Bonawentura Ziomkowski Sister Mary Austiana Myszka Sister Mary Angela Radlicki Sister Mary Francella Nierzwicki Sister Mary Valeria Wachowiak Sister Mary Fulgentia Witucki Sister Mary Eleanore Witucki Sister Mary Halina Kaczanowski (Page 262) Sister Mary Antilia Plewka Sister Mary Auxentia Wojciechowski Sister Mary Rufina Bochniak Sister Mary Imeldina Antoszczak Sister Mary Clotilda Grzegorski Sister Mary Epiphany Myszka Helen Matel Pelagia Frankowski Blanche Sieminski MaryLukowicz The following young ladies have entered the Felician Sisters: Sister M. Bartel Szczepanski Sister M. Virginette Wiktorowski Sister M. Florence Chlebek Sister M. Beatrice Klejna   The Rectory Father Ladislaus Krakowski left St. Adalbert’s rectory on May 31, 1905 (sic), and took up residence in the confines of his own parish. A private house was rented, a goodly number of blocks distant from the church, and it was supplied with the most necessary furnishings. Such arrangements were not at all suitable. However, the pastor willingly tolerated this lack of accommodations for the proximately of his worthy and well-wishing parishioners mitigated this inconvenience. Not for long did the people allow their pastor to reside in property owned by others. Already in 1905, a commodious parish-house was built near the church at a cost of $5,000. The Sisters’ Home From the beginning, living accommodations for the Venerable Sisters were provided in the school building. Because of the fact that the number of children was constantly increasing, the school became too small. For that reason it was absolutely necessary to provide accommodations for the Sisters. The parishioners again gladly offered contributions for a new home for the nuns. A fine residence was built for them in 1906 (sic) at a cost of $9,000. The School The Sister-teachers, with Sister M. Cyril as superior, arrived in January 1905, from the Motherhouse of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There were 140 children enrolled in the school. (12) From its very beginnings the school consisted of eight grades. (13) In 1918, at the behest of Rev. Joseph Kaminski, an addition of four classrooms was made to the school at a cost of $21,000. In 1920 the second floor of the school, which up until that time served as a temporary church, was remodeled into class space. In 1925, a temporary school building, consisting of six rooms, was built for $11,000. Presently there are about 900 pupils being educated in the parish school. The curriculum embraces ten grades, i.e. eight elementary grades and two years secondary. The entire school includes seventeen classrooms in which seventeen religious, one lay person, (14) and the parish assistant, Rev. Adalbert Narloch, teach. The parish school is comparable in every respect to other schools. Of this the parishioners are convinced for they gladly send their children to the parochial school, and they make generous contributions for its maintenance. The following Venerable Sisters presently teach and work in the parish: Sister M. Genevieve, Sister M. Prudencial Sister M. Ursulina, Sister M. Antima Sister M. Orata, Sister M. Hippolita Sister M. Euthemia, Sister M. Romuald Sister M. Natalie, Sister M. Melanie Sister M. Marcella, Sister M. Anaclete Sister M. Theodore, Sister M. Donatilla Sister M. Carola, Sister M. Stanislaus Sister M. Eusebia, Sister M. Bellanda Sister M. Agnola, Superior Sister Mary Ambrosiana Miss Helen Merdzinski The following Sisters have taught here: Sister M. Cyril, Sister M. Cantia Sister M. Susanne, Sister M. Tita Sister M. Bronislaus, Sister M. Bogumila (Page 264 & 265) Sister M. Esdras, Sister M. Vladimir Sister M. Martin, Sister M. Marcela Sister M. Chester, Sister M. Protase Sister M. Lea, Sister M. Berteline Sister M. Ewaldine, Sister M. Victorine Sister M. Pientia, Sister M. Monalda Sister M. Amerine, Sister M. Armela Sister M. Parmenia, Sister M. Thilla Sister M. Orlanda, Sister M. Discola Sister M. Mamelta, Sister M. Hugonia Sister M. Momona, Sister M. Michael Sister M. Peter, Sister M. Salomea Sister M. Thaddea ,Sister M. Adelfina Sister M. Xaverine, Sister M. Clarana Sister M. Aquin The Present Value of the Parish’s Investments According to Expert Opinion The new church $225,000.00 School 85,000.00 Rectory 15,000.00 Convent 27,000.00 Property 26,000.00 New pews in church 8,000.00 Altars, Pulpit, Com. Rail 9,000.00 Bells 6,000.00 Organ 10,000.00 School seating, etc. 8,000.00 Rectory Furnishings 2,000.00 Convent Furnishings 2,000.00 Vestments and Linens 4,000.00 Total $427,000.00 Parish Societies The following societies exist in the parish: The Sacred Society St. Ladislaus Society St. Stanislaus Kostka, affiliated with the Polish Roman Catholic Union (Zjednoczenie St. Joseph Society, affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters St. Stanislaus Society for Boys The Rosary Ladies The Young Ladies Sodality The Third Order of St. Francis Mothers’ Club The Children of Mary The Parish Choir under the patronage of St. Cecilia Written by: Rev. Joseph S. Kominski Spring 1929 Translated by: Eduard Adam Skendzel December 29, 1975 Page 56 …Cukierski (Cukerski), a prominent pioneer Grand Rapids Polander and member of Sacred Heart Parish. It was under his aegis that John Ball Park became the most scenic and largest park of the city with many facets of interest, including the city zoo. It was this same Cukierski who eventually planned the beautiful Polish Catholic Cemetery in 1909, known since 1947 as Holy Cross Cemetery. It was this immediate, beautiful John Ball Park area, eventually to become a choice residential section, which Father Krakowski and his men had wisely chosen in September 1903 as the location of their new Parish of Sacred Heart. What vision on their part! Many of the old pioneer Polish families, as they improved their economic condition, left the older Wojciechowo area (The St. Adalbert’s Area) and built new homes in this section of the city. The Sacred Heart Society As mentioned, it was the laity who, as in the case of St. Adalbert’s Parish, founded the new parish of the Sacred Heart. It was their committee which visited Bishop Richter and proposed the idea of founding a new parish in the southwest sector of the West Side, citing the long distance of almost three miles and more as too excessive. This was quite a hike for their children of school age, especially in bad weather, and also made their attendance at Sunday Mass at St. Adalbert’s a real chore. To facilitate the establishment of a new parish, Father Krakowski and these pioneers founded the Sacred Heart Society on September 6, 1903, at the clubrooms of "The Society of St. Albertus" (St. Adalbert’s?) on the corner of Fifth Street and Davis Avenue, N.W. Initially, it was called a "Building Society under the Patronage of the Sacred Heart" (Towarzystwo Budownicze) and it was formed with the specific goal of erecting the first parish building. Within a year, after the achievement of its objective, this group took on the name of "The Sacred Heart Mutual Aid Society". Page 58 Thus began the "Society of the Sweetest Heart of Jesus." Of primary concern was a method to provided financial support to assist in the construction of Sacred Heart Church. Realizing that a building fund would have to be established and properly administered, the selection of an executive board became the first order of business. This newly-chosen group would ultimately claim the distinction of becoming the Society’s first administration. The first officers of this group which really was the genesis of Sacred Heart Parish were: President John Radlicki Vice-President Joseph Michalalowski Corresponding Sec. John Myszka Financial Sec. Peter Chlebek Treasurer Frank Sniatecki Visitor of the Sick Anton Nowicki Councilors Andrew Szymczak (-Trustees) Martin Ewert Martin Wiktorowski When this group became a Mutual Aid Society, the same officers were chosen with the addition of the following gentlemen: Additional Councilor Martin Nowakowski Standard-Bearer Joseph Sikorski First Marshal Casimir Krzyzanowski Second Marshal Peter Trepka Sergeant-at-Arms Valentine Szymanski Parliamentarians Albert Sawicki Thomas Malewicz The first efforts of these men, ninety-four strong by the end of 1903, were directed completely toward fund-raising activities. Records indicate that on September 5, 1904, the treasury had grown to a sum of $1,418.05. This represented the profits gained from dances, stage shows, and membership dues. These monies were soon turned over to the church as a form of financial support.   Page 59 and 60 Eventually the members directed their attention to the fraternal and protective aspects of their organization and to the construction of their own hall. This they did in collaboration with the little known St. Joseph Society in 1909, when together they built the hall at Park and Lane Streets under the name of Kosciuszko Hall. Not much is known about the St. Joseph Society’s beginnings. In Father Krakowski’s annual report to the Bishop for the calendar year of 1906, the name of this society appears for the first time. The St. Ladislaus Society The full name of this group of young men, then, was "The Alliance of Polish Young Men Under the Patronage of St. Ladislaus. It met regularly on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Its first officers were: Officer 1904 1905 President Joseph Michalowski A. Krakowski Vice-President A. Koter H. Wiktorowski Corresponding Sec. H. Witkowski St. Olejniczak Financial Sec. H. Bednarek J. Krasicki Treasurer W. Sawicki W. Sawicki Trustees N. Dominiak N. Dominiak A. Krakowski Fr. Malek J. Wisniewski J. Szczepanski Marshal W. Malewicz Visitator Fr. Baczkowski Standard Bearers M. Radlicki M. Szczepanski J. Lorencki The Ladies Rosary Society This society was founded on January 4, 1904, for the spiritual purpose of giving honor to the Virgin Mary and also for the practical purpose of caring for the altars. Its first officers were: Officer 1904 1905 President D. Witkowska D. Witkowska Vice-President M. Hernacka M. Hernacka Treasurer E. Amborska P. Michalowska Secretary A. Trepka A. Trepka The Young Ladies Sodality This society was formed in March 1904. Its first officers were the following: Officer 1904 1905 President Martha Amborski Leocadia Markowski Vice-President Eva Pienta Agnes Szymczak Secretary Julia Witkowski Mary Ann Ewert Page 60 (cont) Treasurer Anne Radlicki Agnes Myszka Leaders Chaplet 1 Leocadia Markowski Mary Ann Zomberg Chaplet 2 Helen Baczkowski Antoinette Radlicki Chaplet 3 Mary Amborski Stella Matukiewicz Page 61 The Founders of the Parish Who were the founding members of the Parish of the Sacred Heart? Who were the charter members of the parish, i.e., members from the very beginning when it was organized? In view of the fact that no such list exists in the parish archives, the minutes of the first meeting of the Sacred Heart Society do offer a comprehensive view of a goodly number of the founding families of the parish. However, this is not a complete listing because other charter parishioners may have entered the society at a later date and then, too, other individuals may have opted not to join this particular society although they were charter members of a new parish, perhaps unwillingly, when the division between the mother-parish and daughter-parish occurred on May 28, 1904. Andrew Amborski ,Andrew Orlik Peter Chlebek, Jacob Pienta Martin Ewert ,Anthon Plewka Albert Gajerowicz ,John Radlicki Stephen Grzegorski ,Karl Rainka Albert Hernacki ,Stephen Sierota Thomas Jendrzejczak ,Frank Sniatecki Valentine Kaminski, Joseph Szalkowski Martin Koter, Joseph Szczepanski Albert Kozlowski, Andrew Szymczak Rev. Ladislaus Krakowski, Valentine Szymczak Frank Maciejewski, Peter Trepka Thomas Malewicz ,Martin Wiktorowski Albert Michalowski, Valentine Wiktorowski Joseph Michalowski ,John Witucki John Myszka, Adam Wojciechowski Joseph Myszkiewicz, Frank Wojczynski Anthon Nowicki , August Zomberek Again , the roster of the charter members of the St. Ladislaus Society and its first officers gives names of individuals who also can rightly be called charter members of Sacred Heart Parish. Chaplain Rev. Ladislaus Krakowski President Joseph Michalowski Vice-President Andrew Koter Secretary Harry Witkowski Treasurer Albert Sawicki Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Nowakowski Page 62 The Charter Members were: Henry Bednarek, Walter Krasicki Walter Diski, Michaeal Przybysz John Dominiak, Martin Radlicki Nicodemus Dominiak, Anthon Sikorski Stephen Ewert, John Szczepanski Peter Holewinski, Ignatius Weszolski Stanley Koter, Max Weszolski Martin Kowalik, John Wisniewski Alexander Krakowski Even these lists cannot be considered complete since the names of charter families like that of Anton Lipczynski (who made the motion at the May 15, 1904 meeting of the Sacred Heart Society that the area be called "Krakowo" i.e. Cracow) and John Czachorski and Joseph Sikorski are not found on these rosters. The aforementioned surname can well be representative of others who were charter members of the parish, but whose names are not included on any extant roster. There are names like Pattok, Krutel, Kaczanowski, Dondajewski, Matel, Strenk, Hajnych, Lukowicz, Kraiewski, Krzyzanowski, Cywinski, Jankowski, and others that should be recalled. And we do know that there must have been other pioneer families since in his first annual report to the Diocese of Grand Rapids for the year 1905, which he signed on January 5, 1906, Father Krakowski lists 140 families as belonging to the parish. He lists 41 baptisms of the year which would indicate that most of these were young families in their child-bearing years. There is still another source that gives a listing of some of the evidently very active and very generous charter members of the parish who not only made contributions for the construction of the church, but who also provided items needed for Divine Service. Joseph Michalowski The side altar Joseph Miskiewicz The main altar John Radlicki Monstrance John Czachorski Pyx Andrew Szymczak Sanctuary Lamp J. Sonnenberg Stations of the Cross C. Greulich Chalice Jacob Pienta Cope and Dalmatic Vestments Frank Sniaatecki Chasuble Page 63 Casimir Krzyzanowski Cope Andrew Orlik Chasuble Martin Pawlowski Chandelier Albert Hernacki Chasuble Martin Ewert Chasubles John Myszka Chandelier A. Nowicki Priedieu (Kneeler) Stanley Dutkiewicz Candelabra Policarp Dorff Bell John Witucki Candlesticks Paul Lukowicz, Witkowski Other Items Welke, Plewka, Bialorucki Grzeczka, Wojciechowski, etc. Sacred Heart Society Sacred Heart Statue Rosary Ladies and Young Ladies Altar Linens Rev. Edward Kozlowski One Lot Rev. Alexander Lipinski Gold-knobbed cane Rev. Marianus Matkowski Gold Watch Page 71   1904 BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES AND FUNERALS The First Baptisms The Sacred Heart Parish registry of baptisms had its beginnings in the summer of 1904. The first three, because of their primacy deserve to be quoted as they were recorded by Father Krakowski. John Myszak, of Plaster Mills. Born June 5, 1904, to Michael Myszak and Paulina Gajewska. Baptized on June 11, 1904, with Martin Elwert and Agnes Krajewska as godparents. Helen Drzazgowska, of Dayton St. Born May 31, 1904, to Adalbert Drzazgowski and Anna Szymanska. Baptized on June 11, 1904, with S. Drzazgowski and Josephine Szymanska as godparents. Chester Dutkiewicz, of Watson St. Born May 30, 1904, of Lawrence Dutkiewicz and Anastasia Pawlowska. Baptized on June 12, 1904, with Anthont Dutkiewicz and Josephine Pawlowska as godparents. Page 71 & 72 The First Marriages The very first marriages in Sacred Heart Parish took place in St. Adalbert’s Church; the second was the first in the new church. Father Krakowski’s penmanship leaves much to be desired and at times is most difficult to unravel his handwriting. However, persistent deciphering has resulted in the following rendition of his first two entries in the parish register of marriages. Valentine Kaminski, son of John Kaminski and Anna ____, and Mary Wojtczak, daughter of Frank Wojtczak and ______. The witnesses were Florian Purzecki and Hedwig Wlodarek. It occurred on June 20, 1904, at St. Adalbert Church. John Lorencki, son of John Lorencki and ________. And __________ Maciejewska , daughter of Matthew Maciejewski. The witnesses were Frank Mallek and Mary Rakoczy. The First Funerals The first funerals took place in St. Adalbert’s Church. In 1904, there were seven funerals, six of which were infants. Frances Wierzcholska, aged 39. Died on May 27, 1904. Interment was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. John Berdych, aged 11 weeks. Died on Sept. 11, 1904, and was buried on Sept. 12, 1904, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. First Annual Report to the Diocese of Grand Rapids A synopsis of Father Krakowski’s first report to his bishop on the state of the parish for the first full year of its formal existence gives a good view of the condition of the fledgling parish. This report for the year 1905 was signed by him on January 5, 1906 Families 140 Confirmation 50 Baptisms 41 Marriages 12 First Communion 30 Funerals 9 Church goods acquired: Organ $1000.00 Altars 180.00 Sidewalks 131.40 School Seats 221.25 Convent Furniture 85.00 Societies: Sacred Heart 90 Men’s Rosary 15 St. Ladislaus 40 Women’s Rosary 75 St. Stanislaus 34 Young Ladies 60 Page 73 Father Krakowski refers to Sacred Heart Church as the eighth Catholic Church in the City of Grand Rapids: 1. St. Andrew 1833 5. St. Joseph 1887 2. St. Mary 1857 6. St. Alphonsus 1888 3. St. James 1870 7. St. Isidore 1897 4. St. Adalbert 1881 8. Sacred Heart 1904 On would wonder why SS. Peter and Paul’s is not listed. The St. Adalbert’s Golden Jubilee Book of 1931 records 1903 as the date for SS. Peter and Paul. Page 81 In September 1905, school reopened with forty new pupils with two boys and two girls in grade 8. However, it was only in June 1908, that there were any Grade 8 graduates. They were: August Mazurkiewicz John Bonczkowsi Anthony Gajerowicz Stanley Orlik Joseph Malewicz Wanda Nowicki Page 86 Polish Catholic Cemetery 80 Acres of beautiful rolling terrain, out Walker Road, purchased in July, 1909 for $7,800. Wencel Cukierski was commissioned to design a complete plan of roads and burial areas. Known as the Polish Catholic Cemetery until its name change after World War II, in 1947, to Holy Cross Cemetery. Dedicated on Octoer 24, 1909, by Bishop Peter Rhode, Auxiliary of Chicago. Page 118 Sacred Heart "High School " The school remained the object of Father Kaminski’s concern. Since Catholic Central High School on Sheldon Ave. was so far removed and since he wished to insure that more of the students receive a secondary education under Catholic auspices, a ninth grade was initiated in Sept. 1927, and a tenth grade in Sept., 1928. At the end of the school year there were approximately 900 pupils in the parish school, taught by seventeen nuns, one lay person, and one priest. Miss Helen Merdzinski, the first lay teacher ever to teach at Sacred Heart School, taught high school English while Rev. Adalbert Narloch taught French and Polish. There were twenty-three Sisters assigned to Sacred Heart School. Page 121   The Silver Jubilee – May 30, 1929 Page 140 The surprising and unexpected departure of a respected pastor brought sadness and nostalgic memories to his people. They wrote a resolution which well expressed their sentiments. "Whereas, the Rev. Joseph S. Kaminski, pastor of Sacred Heart Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, until his resignation in November, 1931, has faithfully and zealously laboured for eighteen years in the Church spreading the Word of God and peace and good will amongst his flock; and Whereas, the fruits of his efforts in our behalf, both in spiritual and temporal matters, have left an everlasting memorial of his faithfulness, devotion, and zeal in physical properties of the Church, as well as within our hearts, in the love and affection we bear him, Now, therefore, we a Committee of the members of the said Parish, in behalf of them all, desiring publicly to attest to the foregoing, do hereby declare our deepest and lasting appreciation and gratitude, and affection toward him for his long, untiring, and fruitful labours in our behalf in token of our high esteem and reverence justly deserved by him." (sic) John Lach John Olejniczak V. Boruta Szczepan Niewiadomski Stanislaw Palaszek Antoni B. Rosloniec Tomasz Bochniak Antoni Oracz Piotr Purczynski Lukasz C. Popielarz Frank S. Dominiak Vincent Gryczanowski Stanislaw Herda Franciszek Saganski Jozef Heinich Roman Androkowicz Stanley Batory Jakub Walendzik Stanislaw Golas Antoni Borek Page 154 Father Joseph Francis Karas It was Father Karas’ delightful task to welcome and to present Bishop Joseph Casimir Plagens (1941-1943) to the people of Sacred Heart upon the latter’s visit in 1941 after his arrival to Grand Rapids, as Bishop Pinten’s successor, on February 18, 1941. Father Karas formed the conference of the Society of St. Vincendt de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish in 1945. Died at age 52 in St. Mary’s Hospital on January 11, 1947. Page 161 The custom of giving a newly-born infant the name of the saint on whose day it was born, which had been widely followed by the rural population of Poland at the time of the early emigration, certainly was discarded.

ASSOCIATE PASTORS