St. Mary of Czestochowa celebrates 100 years

At the turn of the 20th century many Poles were immigrating to America. The Stanley area was receiving Polish immigrants, who were mainly settling in the Junction area, located northwest of the city. Between the years 1900 to 1906, their numbers increased sufficiently that they began thinking of establishing their own church. While many of the Polish families attended St. Mary’s in Stanley, language was a barrier. Plans by the pastor in Stanley to enlarge his church to accommodate the increased numbers lead the Polish speaking members to desire a church that would be served by a Polish speaking priest.

In 1906, the Polish people of Junction formed a committee to plan for a church of their own. They decided to build the church in the middle of where the Polish people lived. Fr. Francis Pudlo, of Posen (the site of the former St. Hedwig’s Church east of Thorp), was called upon to guide them in the process that needed to be followed to gain the Bishop’s approval for a new parish and the building of a church. A petition requesting the approvals was signed and submitted d to Bishop James Schwehach of the LaCrosse. In short order the Bishop approved the new parish and that a church could be built.

The committee immediately started to plan for the financing of the new church. Parishioner’s pledges and obtaining a $600 bank loan with the signatures of the committee propelled the project ahead and to a conclusion. On December 8, 1907, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the new white framed church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Schwebach. St. Mary of Częstochowa was the new parish’s name.

One hundred years later on December 8, 2007 descendents, former parish members and friends of the parish gathered at Junction to once again celebrate and give thanksgiving for God’s blessings on the congregation and its members both living and deceased. Monsignor Edmund Klimek, Chaplain at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire was the Centennial Mass celebrant. In his homily Fr. Klimek recognized the work of former pastors, and living and deceased members, who have over the years dedicated themselves to maintaining the parish. He also provided encouragement for the continuation of that dedication in order that the parish building be maintained. In his homily he specifically recognized Fr. Jerome Kamala, who in 1949-1950 oversaw the building of the present church building. The cherished dream of the members at that time was for a new larger church, which was dedicated on July 9, 1950. Fr. Kamala is still living and resides in Arizona but is reportedly in poor health.

The parish’s Centennial Mass included special Polish and English hymns sung for the occasion by the parish choir under the direction of organist Bernice Symbal. Following the church service, attendees were invited to participate in a parish meal featuring many Polish favorites and desserts. Placemats picturing the first church and the present church were made special for the Centennial celebration.

Today St. Mary’s is a Chapel of Convenience under the administration of Fr. Keith Apfelbeck, pastor of St. Bernard’s-St. Hedwig’s in Thorp and is used for special celebrations such as Christmas and Easter Masses, weddings and funerals. St. Mary of Częstochowa Cemetery Association oversees the maintaining of the church building and the proper maintenance of the parish’s cemetery. Officers are Edward Chura, President; Bill Ciolkosz, Vice-President; Elaine Venet, Treasurer; Rita Derks, Secretary; James Ciolkosz, Building and Grounds Chair Tom Svmbal, Buildings and Grounds Vice-Chair; Julie Ciolkosz, Bernice Symbal, and Christine Niedzwiecki.

Transcribed by Leon Konieczny