St. Adalbert Church History

The neighborhoods surrounding the Basilica of St. Adalbert’s (Wojciechowo) and other Roman Catholic churches were obvious because of the Polish being spoken as well as the differences from the Protestant churches. (Information from “The Poles, the Dutch and the Furniture Strike of 1911”, Mary Patrice Erdmans, Polish American Studies, Vol. 62, No. 2 (Autumn, 2005), pp. 5-22) *“St. Adalbert's, founded for Polanders from German Poland in September of 1881, is the cradle of the Grand Rapids Polonia. 13 (Incidentally, in 1980, it was designated a "basilica" by Rome, LIe., a special church because of its historicity, its architectural splendor, and its ethnic ministry.14 It was located near the Stocking-Fourth sector. To the south of that point, Germans, Poles, and Irish mixed along Bridge Street. Polanders themselves concentrated homogeneously around the church on Fourth and Davis and in a northerly thrust along Muskegon, Davis, and McReynolds almost to West Leonard. Dutch families lived along Alpine Avenue where earlier in 1881, in May, Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church was formed. 1s Alpine Avenue was the accepted line of demarcation between Hollanders and Polanders. Her it was that their first confrontations took place.” *“St. Adalbert's first frame church was dedicated in May of 1882. 17 In the early 1900s a cathedral-type, twin-spired French-Gothic church was planned. 18 In 1907-1913, however, the present stone Michaelangelesquedomed, twin-towered church (a very visible landmark on the West Side so clearly viewed from the freeways) was not only blessed but consecrated since it was completed for $150,000 without incurring any indebtedness. It was patterned after the church in Tremessen, 35 miles ENE of Posen in German Poland, from whence came so many pioneer Grand Rapids Polanders.” At their Golden Jublilee in 1931, St. Adalbert’s boasted 24 organizations, including eight that were nationally affiliated. Women’s National Organization: Polish Nationals under the Guidance of Our Lady of Czestochowa, foundedApril 12, 1931 Apollonia Raczkiewicz (president) 47 members, all had a different mission in strengthening and spreading their faith. “By 1928, the amount families were expected to contribute was $15.00, with a ten cent pew rent taken in a separate collection . Now, to help offset the large debt, Father John asked for $3.00 per family per week for a total of $156 per year-a sum that necessitated a severe sacrifice for most of those who were able to pay it” Typical of this enthusiasm was an article that appeared on the first page of The Echo, the Polish language newspaper, on November 5, 1937: Hey! Parish of St. Adalbert's! Did you hear of the big prizes to be given away at the party on November 7? Grand Rapids has never heard of what will take place at the party. So come anyway and win yourself a prize! See you there! During the 1940's, in particular, social activities were plentiful and thriving. It was as if the easing of the parish debt was accompanied by a lifting of the people's spirits. In the school recreational events were abundant, with a billiard room (located where the kitchen now is) and a bowling alley consisting of four lanes (located in what is now the cafeteria.) There were two leagues participating in the bowling at that time , one a men's league consisting of eight teams and the other a women's league comprised offour teams. Scores were kept, tournaments were conducted, and prizes were awarded to individuals as well as to teams; but most of all, the participants shared fun and laughter while mingling socially and enjoying the competition. In addition, plays were occasionally performed and movies shown to good sized crowds in the spacious auditorium.” St. Adalbert's Parish held its first bingo game at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 22, 1973. Organized and managed by the energetic, devoted, and capable Mr. Jerome Bajdek along with many assistants, it began modestly as an effort to raise additional moneys for the parish general fund. According to Parish Council minutes from September 26th of that year, "net proceeds, less prize money, was $3,300, and out of this was purchased 152 chairs, 8 tables, all equipment initial supplies, equipment, and enough supplies for the next twelve months." From that point on, it was reported, all proceeds would be clear profit. Praise was also given at that meeting on the "excellent job, good service, (and) comfortable arrangements" provided by the workers. The only change since 1973 is that these conditions have gotten even better, making St. Adalbert's weekly bingo games among the most successful on the West Side, usually netting over $1,000 per week.” http://www.mipolonia.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/St.-Adalbert_1881-1981_Grand-Rapids_MI.pdf Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/basilicagr/posts/5440553962681241 from April 10, 2021 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague?fbclid=IwAR3vrIuA0fUQH89cxMksPZrgtbm9x3yfnyN3iLUJrXGQlbdsvBkLWXVTncg