[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 132 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. STANISLAUS CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the midst of a year long 
celebration, to honor Saint Stanislaus Church on its 125th anniversary.
  Located in Cleveland, Ohio's Historic Slavic Village, St. Stanislaus 
Church, a Victorian Gothic structure, originated to serve the Polish 
immigrants who worked in the steel mills in the 1870's. In 1877, under 
the leadership of Father F.A. Marshall, the rapidly growing community 
assumed the name of St. Stanislaus, a saint of the 11th century who was 
cherished by the Poles because of his valor to stand up to a corrupt 
king. in 1883, Father Anton Kolaszewski was initiated as the new pastor 
of St. Stanislaus church. As the congregation grew, so did the need for 
a larger church. In 1886 developments began and, six years later, a 
church that was built by the hands of its community was dedicated. Upon 
its completion, St. Stanislaus was considered the second-largest Gothic 
church in the United States.
  Throughout the 1920's, 30's, and 40's the St. Stanislaus Parish, 
through the leadership of Fr. Protase Kuberek and Sir Sigismund 
Masalski, was known for its talented marching band and professional 
dramatic presentations in the Polish language. These social events 
provided by the church kept the city in harmony and the parish 
gratified of its heritage and religion. On September 19, 1969, a 
historic moment in St. Stanislaus chronicle occurred. The Archbishop of 
Krakow, Poland, Karol Cardinal Wojyla, presently Pope John Paul II, 
celebrated mass at the church in appreciation of the assistance the 
Polish Americans of Cleveland gave to Poland.
  Today, under the leadership of Father William Gulas and through the 
dedication of its parishioners and help throughout the community, Saint 
Stanislaus Church is continuing to undergo a massive restoration and 
improvement project. The walls, columns and ceilings will be repainted 
to reveal original artwork and colors, scrolling and trimming. In 
addition, the floors, electrical systems, sound and heating systems and 
water-damaged plaster will all be repaired. Already hailed as the most 
extensive and complete restoration of any church in the United States, 
this 107 year old building will finally reveal its original beauty and 
elegance that once shined nearly 100 years ago.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating the 125th 
anniversary of Saint Stanislaus Church, a parish that has warmed the 
hearts it has touched and enhanced those who have witnessed its 
significance.

                          ____________________