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HISTORY
OF ST. STEPHEN’S
The first formal beginning to establish a parish for the Polish residents of the City of Oswego began on February 03, 1908. According the Daily Palladium of February 03, 1908, it was 
reported that at that time, there were 500 Polish residents in the city
and that “their number is on the increase”. However, this figure
is slightly exaggerated according to some individuals who were present
at the time and are still living. Prior to this time, however, some
of the Polish residents of the city attended religious services at St.
Peter’s Church where, on occasion, the Reverend Francis Rusin, pastor of
Sacred Heart Church of Syracuse, came and gave spiritual assistance to them.
Then, on February 06, 1908 in the basement of St. Louis’ Church, all interested
parties were invited to attend a meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing
a church.Father Rusin held meetings with these Polish residents of Oswego and urged them to organize societies which would later lead to the organization of a parish. His guidance in this matter during the early stages has earned for him the right to be called the organizer of the parish of St. Stephen’s. At that first formal meeting, subscriptions for the new church were started and, at that time, the hope was expressed that the group might purchase the West Mohawk Street School from the Board of Education to use as their church. On February 21, 1908, the committee in charge reported that several hundred dollars had been collected. That same day, this committee also looked over the Universalist Church building with the intention of purchasing it. The make-up of the committee is difficult to determine for many names appear in connection with it. However, the two principals seemed to have been John Michalski and Blazej Kata whose names also later appeared on the incorporation papers of the parish. These meetings were held under the direction of the Reverend Stephen Plaza who came from Syracuse every Sunday to offer Mass for these people. Mass was held for three Sundays in the basement of St. Louis’ Church. Then, on February 25, 1908, the third floor of the Hennessey building on East First Street had been leased for the new Polish church and was to be occupied at once. The lease was for three years at $350 per year. The church was to start with 500 members and Father Plaza was to become the first resident pastor. On Sunday, March 23, 1908, after Mass was offered to a large number present, it was decided to call the new church St. Stephen’s in honor of the new pastor, the Reverend Stephen Plaza. A handsome new altar was set up in the east end of the third floor and pews were in place with a seating capacity between three and four hundred. On Sunday, July 11, 1908, Father Plaza announced that plans are being drawn for the erection in the near future of a Polish church and school combined in one building. 
Now, negotiations were begun for the purchase of a site suitable
for the new church building. Several sites were under consideration
at this date but no definite choice had been made except that the site
would be purchased on the west side of the city. Father Plaza said
that a suitable structure can be built for $50,000 and that this sum could
be raised by the 500 members of the congregation. Plans to raise the
money were already being made. Among the first of these was the plan
to hold a fair on September 02, 1908 for the benefit of the building fund.Two
weeks later, a meeting was called in the societies quarters in the Hennessey
Block on East First Street to decide the location of the new church.
There were several sites under consideration: three were considered
in the 7th Ward south of Varick Street between First and Fifth Streets and
two were considered in the 8th Ward near the sites that were proposed for
the State Normal and Training School.
It was reported that a site measuring 250 x 250 ft. in the 8th Ward could be obtained by the Polish church society for about $700. This site was generally favored because of the price. The 7th Ward sites were priced from $1,000 to $3,500 and were regarded too costly. Father Plaza had a conference with Bishop Patrick Ludden in Syracuse who gave his full sanction for the proposed new church and had congratulated the rector on the admirable work he had done since coming here. The church organization, at the present time, had between $1,300 and $1,400 in cash for a building fund. As the Daily Palladium reported on Saturday, July 25, 1908, “the Young Men’s Guild and the Young Women’s Guild are now engaged in raising money for the new church.” Actually, the reference here is to the St. Casimir Society and the Rosary Society. Next, Father Plaza and the men working with him considered a tract of land on Niagara Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets that was owned by the Aaron Colnon Estate. The tract contained thirteen lots measuring 33 x 100 ft., which could be purchased for the sum of $3,900 or at the rate of $300 per lot. At this stage of the search for a lot suitable both in price and in size for their new church, the committee and Father Plaza must have been discouraged by their inability to find something 
adequate. This led to the beginning of a search of some land on the
East Side for they believed, price-wise, they may do better there.
So, on July 26, 1908, Father Plaza told his congregation that no final decision
on the selection of a site had been reached.Apparently, there is no record that anything further was done in this matter until May 01, 1909, when a deed was found indicating the transfer of property belonging to Ellen King to the corporation known as the new St. Stephen’s Polish Catholic Church. The cost of the site was $500. After much discussion and a great deal of appraising and evaluating of one site after another, this purchase must have given the Polish residents a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure. Very likely, it was an added incentive in the celebration of their National Holiday known as “Constitution Day” then, as now, an important observance among all Polish speaking people. So, here in Oswego on May 03, 1909, the Polish residents celebrated the adoption of the constitution by the people of Poland. The evening of this day was given over to an assembly held in Fitzhugh Hall at which addresses were made by the Reverend Stephen A. Plaza and Colonel John Michalski and attended by several hundred people. Before the meeting, the two Polish marching organizations of the city in command of Colonel John Michalski, who won his spurs in the Franco-Prussian War, headed by a band marched from their quarters to the hall. During the program, musical numbers were rendered by the choir of the church. The program was entirely in Polish and at its conclusion, ice cream and cake were served. Constantly and uppermost in the minds of these people was their church. The success of the program celebrating the 118th anniversary of receiving their constitution and aware of the need to increase their building fund, it was decided to hold a concert at the Richardson Theatre during the latter part of June at which the famous European artists, Jan Nivinski, violinist and Miss Romanoffski, soprano, will take part. That same day at the vesper services held in the afternoon, the statue of the Immaculate Conception, presented by the young women of the parish, was blessed. On May 04, 1909. the Oswego Palladium reported that W. H. Zawadski of 1123 Broadway, Buffalo, New York, is to be the architect of the new Polish Catholic Church and schoolhouse to be built by the Polish people at the corner of West Eights and Niagara Streets. The church building is to be 36 x 80 ft., one story high, of pressed brick with stone 
trimmings, structural iron, oak and Georgia pine floors. The vestibule
is to be of tile and there are to be gas and electric fixtures. The
schoolhouse is to be a two-story building of the same construction as the
church, 22 x 68 ft., and the estimated cost of both to be $18,000.The plans for the new church received a serious set-back when Father Plaza, who was sent here by Bishop Ludden in February, 1908 to organize the Polish Catholic Church and who had been most successful in his work, received a notice from the Bishop on September 04, 1909, that he was being transferred to Utica to become the pastor of Holy Trinity Church. The congregation received this information with mingled feelings believing that Father Plaza should not be taken away just as they were planning to build a $20,000 church. However, Father Plaza assured the congregation that his successor, the Reverend Simon Pniak, would carry on the work that had been started. Father Pniak arrived from Utica on September 11, 1909, and took over the direction of the new church. It was not until February 17, 1910, that new plans were submitted to the Bishop for the new church to be built on the land purchased a year ago on Niagara Street near Hawley Street. The plans were approved and Architect Seeber was engaged to begin the work. The final plans of the church resulted in the church building as we see it today, 50 x 130 ft., with basement and choir loft made of brick and trimmed with Indiana limestone. Architect Seeber submitted his plans to the local contractors, A. Pain and Son, Barnett Contracting Company, Peter Raby and Anthony Culkin. The contract for the new church was awarded to Barnett and Company for the mason work and to S. M . Fournier for the carpenter work. Estimated cost was $20,000. On April 04, 1910, R. M. Barnett Contracting started excavating the cellar for the new church. The work progressed rapidly so much so that plans were being made for the laying of the cornerstone in July. The actual laying of the cornerstone took place on Sunday, July 24, 1910. In this history of St. Stephen’s, we shall report it in full detail for it represents a great and wonderful day in the life of the Polish people of Oswego. Unfortunately, we were not able to duplicate the picture of Bishop Ludden laying the cornerstone and carried by the Daily Palladium. Before one of the largest gatherings of Polish people ever seen in this city, the cornerstone of St. Stephen’s Polish Catholic Church was laid with ceremonies befitting the occasion. Estimated attendance was over five thousand people in spite of the intense heat. Bishop Ludden with Reverend James A. McPeak, Chancellor of the Diocese, arrived from Syracuse and they were taken to the rectory of Father Dwyer of St. John’s Church on Erie Street. Present at the rectory were the priests of the city and Father Alexander Fialkowski of Syracuse who was scheduled to preach at the occasion. The ceremonies of the day began at eleven o’clock when High Mass was sung at Stephen’s in the Hennessey Block in East First Street which was the congregation’s temporary headquarters. Following the church services, the big parade of local and visiting Polish organizations was formed at East First Street. Headed by Grand Marshall John Michalski, the procession moved across the bridge, up West First Street to Erie and up Erie to the rectory of St. John’s Church, where the Bishop and his party were met and escorted to the new church. The route along Erie Street was made gay with bunting and flags. The clergymen took positions on a platform and the marching organizations were drawn at attention nearby. After the opening prayer, Bishop Ludden, with a silver trowel, arranged the bed for the cornerstone and the heavy block was lowered into its place under the direction of Mr. Robert Barnett of the contracting firm of Barnett and Company while the various organizations stood at attention. A box, containing the names of the Pope and Catholic prelates, President Taft, Governor Hughes, the city officials and the trustees of the church, was placed within the stone. Following the laying of the cornerstone, addresses were made by Father Fialkowski of Syracuse and the Very Reverend Dean Barry of St. Paul’s, Oswego. Taking as his Text “This is My House”, Father Fialkowski pointed out the differences between the condition of the Poles in this country and in their native land. “No matter where you were born”, he said, “whether in Germany, Austria or Russia, you are a united people. You must keep this unity in the land of your adoption and be loyal in your allegiance to the United States.” The speaker then urged his hearers to be faithful in their attendance at church and concluded with a tribute to them for the work that was being accomplished. He spoke in Polish. Reverend Dean Barry commended the Polish people for their zeal and faithfulness to their church and urged them to continue in their loyal support of their pastor. He spoke at length of 
the history of the Polish people referring to them as the most persecuted
of all races. Reverend Barry declared that Father Pniak was due a great
deal of credit for the new church and the wonderful success that has attended
to work in this city.At the close of the exercises, the clergymen were escorted back to St. John’s rectory and the marchers continued to Fitzhugh Hall where refreshments were served and the remainder of the afternoon was spent in a social way with the visiting organizations. The procession consisted of four bands and seven societies and attracted much attention along the line. The bright uniforms of the marchers and the flashes of light from their instruments formed a sight long to be remembered and one which reflects credit upon the men who organized and drilled the organizations. Societies from Syracuse, Fulton and Utica participated. It is estimated that over five hundred men were in the line of march including the Polish Roman Catholic Union, the Polish Falcons, St. Adalberts, St. Stanislaus, St. Joseph and St. Casimir societies all of Syracuse, the St. Michael Archangel society of Utica, the St. Casimir society of Fulton and the St. Casimir society of the parish. The Italian society Umberto Piedmonte, as a distinct mark of respect to Father Pniak and to members of his church and to Bishop Ludden, participated in the parade and attracted much attention. Over 3,000 Polish visitors were in town for the occasion, all of whom were bent upon seeing the city and in spite of the intense heat which prevailed, the street were bright with gay uniforms of the sight-seers. “Father Pniak and the Polish citizens are to be congratulated upon the fact that the new church is nearing completion and upon the order and decorum of the visitors while here,” so reported the Daily Palladium. After this great day in the life of the members of St. Stephen’s, the work on the church moved forward rapidly and all eagerly awaited the time of its completion. Money was raised in every possible way to continue the work. On August 11, 1910, a mortgage was taken on the property so that the work of construction might proceed without interruption. Judge Rowe, on petition of Attorney F. D. Culkin, acting for the trustees, Bishop Ludden, Bishop Coadjutor Grimes, the Reverend Simon Pniak, Mr. John Michalski and Mr. Jacob Adamski, granted permission to obtain a mortgage of $12,000 on the property of St. Stephen’s Church. In November, Father Pniak announced to his people that the church would be ready for occupancyby Christmas but that it would be dedicated at a later date. The church was now enclosed and complete except for some minor interior work and the installation of the heating apparatus. However, it was not until April of 1911 that the first Mass was celebrated in St. Stephen’s. At six o’clock Saturday morning, Father Pniak offered the first Mass in the new church and also blessed all the articles necessary for the services. Then, on Sunday, April 16, which was Easter, Mass was said in the presence of a congregation that filled the church to its capacity. All the societies of the parish, including those in uniform, were in attendance in a body. Therefore, on Easter morning, in the year 1911, began the new life of St. Stephen’s in their new church. Father Pniak, feeling now that the bulk of the work had been accomplished in St. Stephen’s, began to raise funds for a new church among the Polish people of Fulton. A piece of land had already been acquired and plans were set for building soon. The heavy indebtedness on the church building prevented the purchase of a rectory until the year 1923 when the building still being used as a rectory was acquired from the Donovan Family. It was in that same year that the church was dedicated by the Most Reverend Daniel J. Curley, then, Bishop of Syracuse. The advancing years of Father Pniak made it increasingly difficult for him to fulfill his duties, so in February, 1924, Reverend Casimir S. Piejda was appointed pastor of St. Stephen’s. Father Piejda now is Monsignor Piejda and pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Syracuse as well as a Prothonotary Apostolic and a Diocesan Consultor. As elsewhere in our diocese, so too here in Oswego in a short period of time, Monsignor Piejda accomplished a great deal for the parishioners of St. Stephen’s. His zeal to increase the beauty of this house of God moved the societies and many families to a greater generosity. Many of the appointments that can be seen in the church today are the result of his dedication and the generosity of many individuals in the parish. The interior of the church was decorated, the present columns installed, the beautiful pictures in the nave of the church, the present pews, the organ, the bell in the tower, statues and many other objects for the sanctuary of the church are some of the accomplishments during the short stay of Monsignor Piejda at St. Stephen’s. On November 15, 1927, Monsignor Piejda was transferred to St. Stanislaus Parish inBinghamton, New York, and, in his place, Reverend John Sciskalski was appointed. Father Pniak was still in residence at Stephen’s until 1929 when he died. The funeral was held at St. Stephen’s and his body was laid to rest in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Utica. Father Sciskalski was instrumental in obtaining the Felician Sisters for the summer vacation school still being conducted at St. Stephen’s. In 1910, Father Pniak had asked for the Felician Sisters to come to Oswego. However, Provincial Mother Hieronima could not fulfill his request due to the lack of Sisters. It was not until 25 years later in 1935 when Father Sciskalski petitioned the Sisters again. On June 26, 1935, Reverend Mother Simplicita, in answer to his request, sent three Sisters to begin the summer vacation school. They were Sister M. Joseph, Sister M. Dulcia and Sister M. Magdalene. Another happy event during the pastorate of Father Sciskalski was the ordination of the Reverend Peter J. Koleczek on June 03, 1939, the first priest-son of the parish, whose First Solemn Mass was a memorable occasion in the life of Stephen’s. At the present time, Father Koleczek is pastor of St. Mary’s in New York Mills where his ability and his dedication have already become evident by the many outstanding improvements he has made since his appointment. During his twenty years at St. Stephen’s, Father Sciskalski kept the church properties in excellent condition even though these were the difficult years of wars and depression. There is no doubt that this fine priest had a warm and affectionate place in the hearts of his people. The banquet on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary of his Priesthood and his Farewell banquet, both splendid affairs and attended by capacity crowds, give emphasis to the fact that he loved his people and his people loved him. Father Sciskalski served the parish until October, 1947, when he was succeeded by the Reverend Charles Kazmierczyk. Father Kazmierczyk was pastor until 1949. It was during his pastorate that the interior of the church was beautifully redecorated. On April 13, 1949, the Reverend Joseph M. Kowalczyk was appointed Administrator of the parish. That same year on May 31st, Bishop Foery appointed Father Kowalczyk pastor. Since 1949 up to the present time, the sum of $150,000 was spent for extraordinary improvement and expansion work in the parish including successful participation in two campaigns for the Oswego Catholic High School. In both these campaigns, the people of St. Stephen’s added glory to their church by the splendid generosity shown toward the establishment of the first diocesan high school in our diocese. During these last ten years, the generosity, loyalty and love of their parish church by the parishioners made possible some notable improvements. Some of these were the installation of new floor covering the church, choir loft and vestibule, a new boiler, new church lights, sound system, the glass stained windows, the Memorial Shrine and the property on Hart and Niagara Streets which, some day, may become a convent for Sisters when a Catechetical Center may be established in the parish. A major improvement was the transformation of the basement of the church into an up-to-date parish hall. This included the installation of new fluorescent lights, completely equipped kitchen, rooms for religious instruction, meetings and storage, as well as a stage. At the present time, a parking lot and play area measuring 33,000 square feet is being prepared. Soon, construction is to begin on a new tower. Plans for the future call for the 
complete renovation of the sanctuary and redecoration of the entire interior
of the church and new sidewalks connecting the parking lot and the church
and also in front of the church. A new exit leading to the parking
lot will be made in the alter boys sacristy and the side entrance to the
parish hall will be improved.A reserve of $40,000 is set aside for this improvement program in the “Improvement Fund”. The continued support of the parishioners will help bring these plans and any future plans which may develop to a happy and successful conclusion for the betterment of our church. We note with pride that in recent years, on three special occasions, our beloved Bishop Foery honored our parish by his presence. The first was on October 02, 1955, when he came to dedicate our Memorial Shrine erected in honor of Our Lady of Fatima and in memory of our heroic dead in World War II. He came again on October 16, 1960, to bless the new stained glass windows in our church. The third and most recent occasion was on October 29, 1961, when he presided at the Solemn Mass commemorating our Fiftieth Anniversary. God has blessed us in a wonderful way in making possible the steady progress we have enjoyed in our parish. Our people, for their generosity and loyalty to their parish, have earned graces and blessings which otherwise would not have come to them and to their families. During all these past years in St. Stephen’s, many individuals and many families have shown a great personal generosity to the church. To name them all would be impossible and, perhaps, the likely omission of any would cause some grief or embarrassment. Let it be enough to say that though unnamed, their generosity is forever remembered by Almighty God whose holy house was the recipient of their benefactions. |
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