It was common to see various heritages that immigrated to the United States set up their own "sections" of a town. Many of these sections resembled the resident’s village of origins. To feel more comfortable, immigrants built churches, shops and stores. These immigrants resided within a small area that offered a feeling of security in a new land. One such place is a section of Lakewood, Ohio, which is known by the name of "Bird Town." This town was settled in 1892 with the advent of the National Carbon Company (also known as Union Carbide). This company, which built a massive factory at Madison and West 177th Street, needed large numbers to operate their business. To house the workers an area, which consisted of 424 lots, was designed. The lots were arranged into eight streets and were in close proximity to the company. During the height of immigration, Eastern European Slavs came in massive numbers seeking employment No one is quite sure how the first Slavs came to Bird Town but it is felt that the factories had a few Slovak employees as laborers. This area would soon become a fully functioning Slavic enclave. The name "Bird Town" probably became popular as all the streets in this section were named after birds. Names such as Lark, Robin, Quail and Thrush helped earn this Lakewood section its name. Other names mentioned were the "Carbon District," "Birds Nest" and "Duck Town." The National Carbon Company and other businesses asked their workers to find more people to fill employment spaces in their factories. The workers called upon family members and friends from Eastern Europe to come to America, as work was plentiful. Due to this, Slavs populated Bird Town almost in its entirety. Most who worked at the factories were unskilled laborers of various Slavic heritages. The hours were long and pay rates were very low. Slovaks comprised most of the population but also to be found were Carpatho-Rusyns, Ukrainians, Polish and Hungarians. Since many of these immigrants came from the same regions, and even the same villages, Bird Town began to resemble their former homelands in style, and in language.
Housing for the workers was very basic. The homes were made available by the Pleasant Hill Land Company (which was established by the National Carbon Company). The largest number of people who worked at the National Carbon Company plant during peak years was approximately 2,600. The company was close enough so that the workers could walk to work. In 1900, there were only 429 residents but by 1910, there were 2,186 residents. Most houses were two and three stories high. The double houses could contain seven to eight families. Many of these homes were expanded and upgraded by immigrants who had carpentry skills. This unique combination of the old and new world architecture gives Bird Town a genuine charm. Immigrants worked hard to improve their homes since most did not have electricity, were cold-water flats and had limited plumbing. A sad aspect of this area is due to a high population in a small area with limited health care, and the rates of disease and deaths were large especially in the winter months. To purchase homes, Slavs worked together and started the Oral Savings and Loan Company in approximately 1911. This company aided individuals to purchase homes and start businesses. If they could not secure funding, immigrants would also assist in the upgrades of another’s home. An immigrant would rent himself out to help with the construction project. When the immigrant needed these services himself, the resident of the home he assisted with would return the favor. It was a general practice for immigrants to rent out space or have "boarders" to aide with expenses. Since immigrants worked all types of shifts, it was common for one set to get up in the morning for work and have the night shifts come home to take their sleeping place. These dedicated individuals worked hard by day but also held to their old world traditions.
Along with the material, spiritual matters were important to the residents of Bird Town. Various churches were built by the Slavs, which reflected their faith and particular heritage. The main churches in this town are still Saints Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic, St. Hedwig Roman Catholic, St. Gregory Byzantine-Rite Catholic, Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox and Saints Peter and Paul Slovak Lutheran. St. Cyril and Methdodius built a parochial school in 1905 (and is still in existence), which offered along with the educational curriculum classes in the Slovak language, history and culture. St. Hedwig’s also built a parochial school in 1926 and this school operated until 1968. These construction projects were financially massive considering the periods they were built. Members gave fully to have a church and all of the buildings associated with it. It is to all of the these heritages credit that many of these churches were built in short periods of time and paid off just as quickly. A Slovak weekly newspaper "Hlas" (Voice) was also published in Bird Town until 1947 and brought news from Eastern Europe and America to those who could read the Slovak language. Bird Town became so populated that by 1920, no other Cleveland census tract reached Bird Town’s numbers for the same size area. In conjunction with working in the factory, many residents of Bird Town had their own businesses. Many garages and sheds held dairies and other service-based stores. Many individuals built a small room onto the front of their homes to house a shop or store for added income. Many women oversaw this practice. Numerous fabric and clothing apparel stores were run entirely by female owners. These shops and stores helped bird town grow and remain self-sufficient. Many residents advanced financially and most funds were kept in the community.
By 1930 there were approximately 120 businesses in Bird Town. A basic count shows twenty-five grocers, seventeen bakers, eighteen retail establishments, one full-time midwife, three undertakers a billiard and bowling hall, dance halls and a movie theater for the residents enjoyment among others. Most life in bird town revolved around the family and the church. Retaining customs was important but also was respect for their new country and the adaptation to some of its practices. In the early years, most shops and conversations on the street corners were conducted fully in the individual’s native language. Later, the children of these immigrants not only could converse in their parent’s native language, but also in English which was considered necessary for upward mobility. Bird Town was a unique Slavic oasis within a surrounding American community. The mixing of these cultures and communities offers a fascinating look at early immigration and the past generations who made up this distinctive town. Few places can boast of such a colorful exclusively Slavic community who retained their cultures and languages fully. Many places in America saw Slavs who "conformed" to a majority heritage for the sake of uniformity but this did not take place in Bird Town. Churches held various ethnic festivals and feast days, which helped to educate the younger members as to the heritage and language of the membership. Many classes were held at each church to teach children the language of their parents and grandparents. Not only religious but also social events were held at all the churches in bird town. A remarkable item to mention is that most residents attended all without thought of the particular religion or heritage sponsoring the particular event.
As times progressed, many factories closed or disbanded. Bird Town remained and her residents adapted to modern changes. Many of the offspring of these original immigrants had been schooled at higher levels than their ancestors could ever have imagined. By 1940, many of the younger residents of bird town worked at skilled or semi-skilled employment and more than 13% held white-collar jobs. Numerous Slavs still reside in bird town and would not consider life anywhere else. Bird Town today remains as a glimpse into the immigrant experience. It is a sterling showcase of what immigrants endured to advance. It is also a true American success story. Bird Town is the perfect example of immigration revolving around abundant work. Many immigrants from all countries came to the United States and other new countries for the sold purpose to secure employment. Bird Town is a classic study of the major basis for turn of the century immigration. It explores the simple progression of immigration due to employment opportunity, resettlement that continued with the addition of family members being brought over and building a "village" to mirror the one which was left behind. These strong ethnic communities are lost in many American towns and cities today but not in Bird Town. A good number of young families have discovered a special community to raise their children. These new residents have taken many of the old homes to heart and are expending great sums to upgrade them. The result of this influx is a renaissance in Bird Town. A modern day connection to Bird Town’s Slavic past is the senior center, which was constructed in 1983. The Fedor Manor is an 11-story state-of-the-art building for Senior Citizens. The builder of this project was himself born in Slovakia and relocated to Bird Town in 1913. Slavs still offer their talents and assistance to Bird Town and continue to relocate here. Large influxes of Romanians have come to Bird Town in the recent past. Bird Town continues to re-develop and shows no sign of disappearing. Slavs seem to be drawn to bird town by an invisible magnet. The future of this intriguing town surely will be just as fascinating as its past glory was.
Saint Gregory the Theologian Byzantine Catholic church was originally organized in September of 1905. Many immigrants who settled in Lakewood wished to have a church that reflected their customs and heritage. Saint Gregory was started to meet that need. It was difficult in the beginning for many to raise the necessary funding to build a church. Due to these financial constraints, the church was not constructed until 1906. Located on Quail Street, this church was built at the heart of the immigrant community. There were many from Eastern Europe of Slavic heritage that came to this area during the turn of the century and beyond. During its early years Saint Gregory’s had no bishop since Rome did not appoint a bishop for Greek Catholics in the United States. The church had no choice but to be placed under the Roman Catholic Bishop of Cleveland, the Most Reverend Ignatius F. Horstmann, D.D. The members worked hard and pooled their resources to realize their dream. Two lots on Quail Street and Thrush Street were purchased to serve as the site of the church. After all construction was completed, the new wooden church was solemnly blessed and dedicated on July 30, 1906. This was the beginning of Saint Gregory’s church in Lakewood.
During the years 1906 to 1922 the parish grew. The members were proud of their new church, which they had sacrificed to erect. In 1922 the parish house on Quail Street was purchased along with another house that in the future would be sold. In June of 1922 the Reverend Basil Volosin was installed as a permanent priest to serve St. Gregory’s. During 1925 a brick church was constructed to replace the older wooden one. This second church was blessed and dedicated on August 8, 1926 by His Excellency, Bishop Basil Takach, D.D., who had been installed as Bishop for the newly created Pittsburgh Exarchate. During the year 1927 a new priest, Reverend George Hirtz succeeded Father Basil Volosin. Time moved on and during September of 1955 the Reverend Nicholas Pavlik, O.S.B. was appointed to serve St. Gregory’s. The golden jubilee of Saint Gregory’s was celebrated with fond memories of their former history and with hopes for a bright future. The golden jubilee was held on October 16, 1955 and during this celebration the newly remodeled interior was blessed. Expansion was always a high priority at the church and on November 23, 1958 the church undertook yet another building campaign to secure funding to build a school and recreational building. This new building was constructed on the three lots at Madison and Cohasset Avenues, two of which a former rector, Father George Hritz had purchased. Father Bernadine Hvizdos had purchased another former rector the third lot previously. Upon completion, the school was blessed and opened on June 17, 1962 by Most Reverend Nicholas T. Elko, D.D.
Upon the death of Father Nicholas Pavlik in February 1977 Reverend Hilary Benedik, O.S.B.M. was appointed a temporary administrator of St. Gregory’s. The church was without a permanent rector for over a year but finally, in September of 1978, Father John S. Kachuba was installed as rector. During 1990 Father Kachuba left for Saint Stephen’s church in Euclid, Ohio and the church again had a temporary administrator, Father Michael Hayduk. In September 1992, Monsignor Basil Smochko was appointed rector. The success of Saint Gregory’s was due to the devotion and dedication of her members. Many sacrificed to keep the church running and gave financial support even when times were difficult. The 90th Anniversary of the church was celebrated on October 29, 1995. A solemn liturgy of which the main celebrant was the Most Reverend Andrew Pataki, J.C.L., D.D., Epharch of Parma, Ohio, was attended by large numbers of members, invited friends and clergy.
After the liturgy, a banquet was held in Saint Gregory’s Hall. The members of Saint Gregory’s had come far in their first 90 years as a church. The trials and sacrifices that were made in the beginning now were recalled and celebrated in a fully functioning and beautiful church. It is to the credit of the original members that all this was accomplished. Due to their grand vision of having a church to worship in their faith and heritage, the present day members have a beautiful church for religious observances and to honor their traditions. The present members have unselfishly given of their time, talents and finances to make St. Gregory’s a beautiful edifice for the Glory of God. The present church is a magnificent building with red brick exterior and a main golden cupola (dome) surrounded by four smaller ones on a main tower. These cupolas offer a striking view from many directions on Quail Street. The iconostasis construction is simple, yet regal. The icons with partial gold backgrounds that support the two-tiered iconostasis offset its soft brown wood color. A superb piece of art, the main golden chandler, offers exquisite beauty in an atmosphere well suited for prayer and the worship of God.
The humble beginnings of SS. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Roman Catholic church began on November 13, 1902. It was during this time individuals came together and held a meeting for the purpose of building a Roman Catholic church in Lakewood, Ohio. The first elected members of the church were Paul Misencik, Sr., Adam Gluvna, Joseph Skufca, John Slavik and Joseph Beganyi, Sr. These members were chosen to research areas in Lakewood which may be suitable for the building of a church. On November 26, 1902 this committee proposed a parcel of land which was approximately five lots on Madison and Lark Streets. The purchase price requested was $3,250.00. During a meeting held on December 21, 1902 the membership discussed their plan. The Reverend Wencslaus Horak, rector of St. Martin’s church in Cleveland was present and told them to ask permission of Bishop Horstman to start a church. Now that the members were ready to begin a name had to be chosen. Since many of the individuals who wished to start this church were of Slovak heritage, the name SS. Cyril and Methodius was agreed upon. The owner of the property, Mr. Hefeley sold his land and a house on Lakewood and Madison Avenues for a total sum of $7,350.00.
During this time religious services were held in members homes but with the land purchase (including a house) the first mass was held in the new parish house on August 3, 1903. The first collection for this mass was a limited $11.33. Not to be discouraged, the new congregation worked hard and word of the church spread. At the next mass held the collection had increased to $27.80. Unfortunately, in the beginning there was no full time rector to care for the new congregation and this was a hardship. On November 6, 1904 the Reverend Oldrich Zlamal, pastor of St. Wendelin’s Church of Cleveland, Ohio was assigned to SS. Cyril and Methodius. With this new stability, the church began to grow and prosper. The first church built was of wood and construction began on April 17, 1905. The corner stone was blessed on April 30, 1905 and fully completed on August 20, 1905. It had been a great struggle for this new immigrant congregation but, finally, the church was completed and the Reverend Oldrich Zlamal offered the first mass in the newly constructed church. SS. Cyril and Methodius was utilized for many functions with the first floor serving as a school and the second as the church proper. The first baptism was held on December 6, 1903 and this was of Elizabeth Misencik. The first wedding was held January 9, 1905 when Michael Snahnican married Anna Bassista. The first death recorded at the church was of Susan Nemec, who died at the age of twenty-five on June 20, 1905 and was buried from SS. Cyril and Methodius on June 22, 1905. Some of the earliest rectors of the church were Reverend Thomas Ballon, 1905 to 1907, Reverend Augustine Tomasek, 1907 to 1908 and Reverend Adalbert Masat, 1908 to 1927.
The hardworking congregation of SS. Cyril and Methodius never lost their vision of a stable church. They worked hard to pay off debts associated with construction while donating generously. The church was growing so fast that when Reverend F. J. Dubosh came to take charge of the church on October 1, 1927, there was a dire need to expand. Reverend Dubosh asked his congregation for their support and on June 25, 1929, plans were made for the construction of a larger church. The new church cornerstone was put into place by Bishop Schrembs on March 23, 1930. It would take two very long and struggling years before the church was finished and the congregation could worship there. To keep expenses as limited as possible, the interior of the church was not fully decorated at first. As time passed and the debts were paid, on May 19, 1948 plans were made to finalize the interior decorations and finally complete the church building. Some of the new decorations were to be stunning murals of the lives of the patron saints of SS. Cyril and Methodius and the congregation donated gladly. On July 10, 1949, Bishop Hoban blessed and dedicated the new church. In his sermon he called SS. Cyril and Methodius "one of the most important edifices in the diocese" and this was very true. The new church building was of stone and was magnificent. It was a credit to all the members in the congregation who had struggled to pay for the construction and all fees to decorate it later on. It must be remembered that when construction was completed in 1930, the depression would soon become a terrible hardship and during these times, the church was still supported. Building churches, and paying for them, during these years was thought to be impossible, but, the members of SS. Cyril and Methodius stood firm in their feelings to have a new church in which to worship.
As time progressed many additions and upgrades were completed. A new school was built, upgrades to the exterior and interior were made. A new convent was erected and the old one was removed. SS. Cyril and Methodius school was always a source of pride to the congregation. The school was originally started for the 1908 to 1909 school year and the Sisters of Notre Dame were asked to educate the students. The beginning enrollment for this school was 140 students, a large number for these early days. The students were always thankful to these devoted nuns and in 1958, former students gathered to honor their teacher, Sister Norbetine who had taught at SS. Cyril and Methodius during 1922 to 1924. SS. Cyril and Methodius was always blessed with devoted members and clergy. The school grew very rapidly and by 1914, some students had to be relocated to other parochial schools in Lakewood. The building was expanded in 1916 and the school had a staff of 6 nuns and 453 children at this time. During the height of enrollment, SS. Cyril and Methodius school would see over 785 students registered.
There were many societies and organizations sponsored by the church. SS. Cyril and Methodius Holy Name Society was founded in 1932. This society is active in many social, spiritual and athletic functions that were held. SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic War Veterans, Post 579 was begun in 1946 due to the numbers of men from the church who has served their country valiantly. This group attends funerals of deceased veterans and at one time the traditional custom of "standing guard" at the tomb of the crucified Christ on Holy Friday was held entirely by these brave veterans. Other acts of respect and kindness include decorating the graves at Holy Cross Cemetery for Memorial Day. Other organizations such as SS. Cyril and Methodius Athletic Club, Girl Scout meetings at the church hall, Golden Agers’ Club and the St. Elizabeth Lodge Branch, No. 128 of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association fill the need for social interaction. Not only the social but for spiritual matters, there was the Slovak Rosary Society and the Sanctuary Guild which offer many benefits to its members. Other fraternal groups have lodges at SS. Cyril and Methodius and some are the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath No. 112, National Slovak Society, Branch No. 432, Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Ladies Union, Branch 145 and the First Catholic Slovak Union, Branch 145.
The members of SS. Cyril and Methodius have been blessed by God during a long history. Their firm religious convictions along with their pride of heritage have made this a truly unique and long standing church in Lakewood, Ohio. It is to their credit that their church has stood the test of time and is still fully operational with few signs of diminishing membership. SS. Cyril and Methodius is a credit to the many Slovak immigrants who came to America seeking a better life but wished to have a church where they could worship their religion and practice their ethnic customs. Today, SS. Cyril and Methodius is a monument to all the dedicated members who have worked so hard to built this church where it stands today and will do so for future generations.
Special thanks to Rev. Father Timothy Sawchak for offering us this history from the 1992 SS Peter and Paul’s 75th Anniversary Book. SS. Peter & Paul's Website can be found at www.peter-paul.com
Seventy-Five Years of Orthodox Witness
The early history of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Lakewood is similar to that of most Orthodox parishes in the United States. Immigrants, mostly from the Sub-Carpathian Mountain region of what was then Austria-Hungary and the western part of Russia, left their homeland, their beloved parents and friends and came to our country to begin a new and hopefully, better life. They left all behind except their love of God and their devotion to their faith. Although many of them had been farmers in their native country, in America they settled mostly in the industrial areas such as Cleveland and its suburbs. After arriving, they not only maintained their culture and language, but also built their church before building their own homes so that they could continue with the spiritual legacy they had received from their fathers and mothers, the holy Orthodox Saints and Righteous and from the Holy Apostles. Today, as we think in retrospect of their sacrifices, our hearts are filled with praise for those who had the vision and certitude to establish this church. The history of Saints Peter and Paul is embodied in the contributions of its many diligent and faithful Orthodox Christians between 1917 and 1992. The church has added and still offers a great deal to the quality of life of its members. Therefore, the history represents the sacrifices of Saints Peter and Paul’s founding fathers and mothers, and the continued support extending down through time to today’s parishioners.
On July 1, 1917, Rev. Joseph Takach met with a group of people and organized a parish in Lakewood, Ohio. The Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic parish was founded and incorporated on July 19, 1917. In 1918, the Reverend Dimitrius Darin served briefly as pastor at the wooden church on Quail Avenue, but this proved to be inadequate for the newly established congregation. Under the pastorship of Father Michael Dziama, who began serving the parish on August 11, 1918, the new parish moved to the Madison Avenue property where the church stands at present. On October 19, 1922, the cornerstone of the edifice was laid by His eminence Metropolitan Platon. With great spirit and determination these faithful people had planted the seeds of Orthodoxy in Lakewood. Reverend Michael Kostyk became our pastor on February 1, 1923, and during his pastorate the congregation grew and the 870-pound bell was purchased. Although the income of the parishioners was meager, on July 27, 1925, strengthened by their faith and with trust in the Divine Help, they undertook the task of building a new rectory and constructing an iconostas. The Lakewood "R" Club of the Federation of Russian Orthodox Clubs (FROC) was formed in 1928. This organization was active to the present day, offering its service and donations while advancing the religious, educational and social activities of the church. On March 11, 1928, Reverend Vladimir Levkanich came to serve the parish and remained for approximately two years. During his pastorate, the St. Mary’s Altar Society was formed. Many articles of necessity for the altar and church were donated and the ladies of the parish worked tirelessly to assist the church, and continue to do so to the present time.
Reverend George Barany was appointed past on July 1, 1930. During Father Barany’s administration, a fine choir was developed under the direction of his son, William. Despite the depression and economic distress of our country during this time, the parish flourished and continued to grow. The worshipers zealously participated in their cherished Orthodox services and the basement church was filled to capacity, including holy days. During the six-year pastorship of Reverend Andrew Chemushin, talk began of building a new edifice above the basement church. Father John Obletiloff, who was assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Church on December 2, 1942, instituted the envelope system for contributions, which proved to be extremely helpful in meeting the parish’s financial obligations. On September 1, 1947, Father Obletiloff resigned because of ill health. Reverend Stephen Rusiniak was appointed pastor on September 1, 1947 and the plans for a new church accelerated. A meeting was held on March 7, 1948 to draw up contracts to construct the new edifice. With the generous assistance of the American Russian National Brotherhood, $500,000 was borrowed by the congregation for the construction. Building of the new church began on June 24, 1948 and was completed in June 1950. On July 2, 1950, the parishioners realized one of their dreams when the dedication of the church took place. The growth of the parish continued and parishioners renewed their efforts to complete the interior of the church though donations of stained glass windows, pews, chandeliers, kitchen equipment, and other necessities. His Grace, Bishop John, officiated at a special ceremony to dedicate the altar and iconostas. Beginning in February 1958, Reverend Stephen Burdikoff served as interim pastor. Reverend John Miller, who was to serve as pastor for 29 years, was assigned to the parish and served his first Liturgy at SS Peter and Paul Church on May 4, 1959. During Father Miller’s pastorship the parishioners voted to have Liturgy sung in English on two Sundays every month. The parish home was repaired and refurnished, and with much of the work done by church members. Also, during this time 463 lots were purchased at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery by the Parish Council, and a monument was installed to mark this area. Nine years after the dedication of the new church on October 25, 1959, the "burning of the mortgage" took place with the blessing and presence of His Eminence, Archbishop John of Chicago.
The parish was honored that two sons of the parish were called to serve our Lord in His Vineyard. Rev. Samuel (Harry) Garula and Rev. Andrew (Drew) Clements. The Men’s Club of Saints Peter and Paul was formed in July 1962. Besides the good fellowship that the club promotes, the men generously donate their time, energy, and financial support to beautify and maintain the church. In 1969, on the thirty-fifth anniversary of Father Miller’s ordination, the parish members gave a testimonial dinner for him. The Holy Synod of Bishops awarded Father John a Mitre on November 9, 1975, which was presented by His Eminence, Archbishop John. Continuing their commitment to beautify the church and the parish house, the parishioners made many physical improvements and continue to do so. These improvements include: gold-leafing of the iconostas; varnishing of all wood in the church; addition of folding partitions in the church hall to make Sunday School classrooms available; addition of an Angel Room for babies and small children; covering of the stained glass windows with Lexan; purchase of a house adjoining the church, demolishing it and creating a surfaced parking lot; erecti8on of a new storage building; installation of a new air conditioning and heating system; replacement of the old dome with a new large golden cupola and four smaller domes; addition of a wall and fence surrounding the property; replacement of carpeting; complete redecoration and refurnishing of the rectory. In 1984, the parish members helped Father Miller to celebrate the fiftieth year of his ordination. Father Miller retired in 1987. After an interim period during which Reverend Father Vasile Hategan served as substitute pastor, Father George Breyan was appointed and served as our pastor until 1990. During his pastorate several items were donated to the church including a new Gospel, new baptismal font, a memorial table, and new carpeting for the altar and center aisle.
In Orthodox worship, music has always been an integral part and source of beauty and inspiration. As the parish developed both congregational and choral signing were important. A unique position in many of our churches belongs to the cantor. Saints Peter and Paul has been blessed in having several dedicated and well-trained cantors who were very important in the liturgical life of our church. The church was also fortunate in having several outstanding choir directors. For the last twenty-nine years, our church’s choir has been under the adept leadership and talents of Mr. Peter Uhren. The dedicated members under his direction have consistently done an exceptional job of augmenting the beauty of our services. In July 1990, Rev. John Adamcio and his family were officially welcomed to Saints Peter and Paul Church. In his short time with us, he has done much to make our church a visible presence in the Lakewood Community. This has been accomplished in part by our participation in the Lakewood Christian Center food drive, Lakewood Festival, and monthly contributions to St. Herman’s House of Hospitality. The culinary heritage of our church is being preserved through Baba’s Kitchen, which cooks, bakes and sells savory delights. There has been tangible growth in church membership the last two years. The Restoration Fund was established in November 1991 to continue the parish’s efforts to restore, mainstream, and improve church property. The two-phase program is hoping to raise $61,000.00 In August 1992, the first major project, re-pointing of the beautiful stained glass windows was completed. All of this has been accomplished though the hard work, devotion and self-sacrifice of the church leaders and officers, past and present, and through the love and faith of ALL Orthodox Christians of this parish. Despite stumbling blocks along the way, the spirit of Saints Peter and Paul parish has been unconquerable. This is more than just another day of celebration. It is a pledge of a new generation to carry on and hold fast the cherished beliefs of Orthodoxy. This is our sacred obligation.
Since this history was written in 1992 there have been two priests who served SS Peter and Paul’s after Father John Adamcio. One was Father Dimitri Voytilla and the other is the present pastor of SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, Rev. Father Timothy Sawchak.
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