TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH

The History of

Escaping the economic and political problems of their homeland, scores of Polish settlers, in search of work and a permanent home, came to America and settled near the coal fields of northeastern Pennsylvania . The predominant migration of Polish people to the West Hazleton area began about 1855. In a short time, they became an important part of a growing and prosperous community.

To satisfy their spiritual needs, they traveled to Saint Stanislaus Church in Hazleton . The pastor was Reverend R. Aust. On October 6, 1906 a group of forty people met in the home of John Sypek. They were determined to find a way to build their own church closer to their homes. The list of members of the group included Roch Rybarczyk, Frank Betley, Charles Baron, George Brzychcy, Michael Bednarz, John Filipek, August Gatski, George Garbacik, Paul Garbacik, Peter Juchno, Joseph Juchno, August Juchno, Matthew Justofin, Stephen Jachera, Joseph Jachera, Ignatius Kiejrys, Joseph Ksiezniak, Thomas Ksiezniak, Boleslaus Lewicki, Frank Mazurkiewicz, Andrew Marciniak, Peter Nawracaj, John Przybek, Jacob Przybek, Sebastain Pasdon, Joseph Poniatowski, Marian Poniatowski, Adam Poniatowski, John Paciukanis, Walter Rudnicki, Frank Rymsza, Alexander Rymsza, John Sypek, Hyacinth Seliga. Anthony Surma, Ignatius Szydlo, Joseph Wengrowski, Michael Wojcik, Valentine Wisniewski, Thomas Wisniewski and John Krzywicki. They were to struggle to meet the financial needs to build the church. Accustomed to the churches of their mother land where the financial needs were taken care of by the magnates of the community, the Polish settlers were not ready for a completely different reality in America .

The first pastor of the Polish parish in West Hazleton was Reverend J. Gratza serving from 1906 to 1907. During his tenure, steps were taken to start building a new church. To meet immediate needs of the people, services were held in a nearby public school. Several avenues were used to collect funds to build the church. First, a door to door collection netted little money. Next, each family was assessed $25.00 and single members were assessed $10.00. Then, a loan was taken out from the Peoples Savings and Trust Company with an interest rate of 6 percent. Additional loans were made from Joseph Wengrowski, John Sypeck, Theodore Kwitniewski and John Przybek. A lot was purchased on West Green Street and excavation began. The foundation stone was hauled from the western end of what is now North Street by horse and wagon over rough unpaved roads.

The original name of the church was Holy Trinity. Most Reverend Bishop Michael J. Hoban asked for the name change since there were two other churches in the area with the same name. After some discussion among the parishioners, they chose the name, Transfiguration. The cornerstone was laid on October 29,1907 During the pastorate of Reverend P. Szulerecki. The Reverend B. Gramlewicz, the Diocesan Consultor, officiated at the ceremonies.

According to church records, Michael Filipek was the first baby to be baptized on June 1, 1907 . Walter Bozyczko and Josephine Rumin were the first couple to be married on November 3, 1907 . The first person to be buried in the cemetery on Susquehanna Boulevard was Sophie Surowiec on January 15, 1910 . The first altar boys to serve Mass were Frank Zellner and William Sudock.

The following priests served the parish over the next few years. Reverend A.M. Kowalczyk for seven months, Reverend V.L. Biczysko for two months, Reverend E. Sikorski for three years and Reverend F. Nowak for one year. Reverend Nowak helped define the rights and duties of the parish committee .Reverend Dr. A. Ziebura served the next five years. Reverend Dr. W. Kwiatkowski came in 1918 and had sufficient funds in the parish treasury to continue building the church. In addition to the funds on hand, $16,932.61, a loan of $25,000 was made from the Slovak Bank and families were assessed $50.00, single persons $100.00 and young folks working $10.00.

In 1920 the building was completed. It was an imposing stone structure with a central tower. The interior was simple in style, befitting the House of God. Reverend J Ziemba served for a brief time until replaced by Reverend D. Tomkiewicz. During his pastorate some discussion was held concerning building a school. In 1927, Reverend F.X. Dominiak was assigned to the parish. In a short time, he presented a proposal to the parishioners to build a parochial school and received a great deal of cooperation. The dedication ceremonies took place on October 25, 1931 . The school was staffed by the Bernardine Sisters, OSF, a Polish order from Reading , Pa. The parish remodeled a large home and it became the convent for the Sisters.

In 1943, Reverend Stanislaus G. Wolf became the pastor. In accordance with the Church authority he installed altars. The main altar was surmounted with the figure of Christ upon the cross. The altars were made of oak and were adorned with majestic bronze candle holders and

candelabra. To accent the beauty of the sanctuary, the interior of the church was painted. Improvements were made to the exterior church including reconstruction of the tower. The organ was also rebuilt during this time. Improvements were also made to the school. A beautiful stone altar was erected in the cemetery as well as other improvements to the cemetery. The old rectory was over a hundred years old and could not accommodate the needs of the three priests serving the parish. On July 15, 1956 work was begun to build a new rectory and was completed in October, 1957. The new rectory was blessed by Bishop Jerome D. Hannon on October 13, 1957 .

The greatest of all accomplishments was the rise in spiritual endeavors. Frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist and attendance at daily Mass gave Transfiguration Church a unique distinction in this city. In recognition of his services to the Diocese of Scranton, Reverend Wolf was elevated to Right Reverend Monsignor on May 19, 1965 . In 1968, a testimonial was held to honor his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood.

After Monsignor Wolf’s pastorate (1943-1970), Reverend John Madaj became Pastor. His love for the liturgy became evident soon after becoming pastor. He started the Seder Meal on Holy Thursday where twelve men of the parish were able to partake of the Seder Meal and then at Holy Thursday Mass have their feet washed by Reverend Madaj as our Lord did at the Last Supper. On Easter Sunday, we celebrated our Lord’s Resurrection with an outdoor procession with the statue of the Resurrected Lord. The school children participated in this procession.

Reverend Madaj introduced the New Liturgy based on the changes of Vatican II. While the church sanctuary was completely remodeled, liturgical services were moved to the school gym. Only one altar was permitted and it was to face the congregation. Other changes were made to the sanctuary. The cross of the Crucified Lord was replaced with a cross of the Resurrected Lord. The wall behind the cross is covered with a blue and gold mosaic. On the left side of the sanctuary is a statue of Our Lady and on the right side is a unique baptismal font and above the font is a statue of Saint John the Baptist. In each of these areas are blue and gold mosaics on the wall. A passage way from the rectory to the church, a back sacristy and rest rooms were also installed. On Holy Thursday, 1976, the parishioners were again attending Mass in the beautifully remodeled church.

One of the largest church sponsored Annual Homecoming Picnics was started in 1972. Renowned for its ethnic delicacies of pierogi, halushki, halupki and potato cakes, it has become one of the best picnics in the region and is still continuing today.

To keep the young people involved in the parish, our assistant Pastor, Reverend Joseph Greskiewicz initiated a Youth Group. This group of young people performed corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Their social activities included basketball, hiking, dancing, cards or just talking to each other. The Youth Group is still an active part of the parish, today.

A perpetual care fund was established for the cemetery to care for our deceased parishioners, relatives and friends.

Monsignor Eugene Bilski became Pastor in 1984 for the next three years. Renovations were made in the school including painting , replacing the windows, new chairs for the auditorium and carpeting the school. To improve the parking facilities, the lots across from the back of the school were purchased from Leo Matushoneck. These lots are also utilized for the annual Church Picnic.

On Holy Thursday, 1985, during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, eleven parishioners were installed to the first Pastoral Council of Transfiguration Church. The Council would advise the Pastor in pastoral activities of the Church for the fulfillment of the ministries of education, liturgy and social justice. A Finance Committee and Physical Facilities Committee was also formed. A food pantry was established in the lower level of the Rectory. Parishioners contributed food every month. Food baskets were filled and distributed to people in need at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Thanksgiving.

On August 7, 1986 our Pastoral Center located in the lower level of the Rectory was blessed and dedicated by Bishop James C. Timlin. Bishop Timlin concelebrated a Mass for the Feast Day of the Transfiguration. A social gathering followed in the rectory courtyard. A new completely enclosed entrance way leading to the Pastoral Center was also built.

The Living Nativity portrayed by the children of the school and CCD students was started during Monsignor Bilski’s pastorate. It was during Monsignor Bilski’s tenure that the Altar and Rosary Society and the Saint Theresa’s Society were merged into one organization called the Catholic Women of Transfiguration.

Reverend Edward Shoback then served Transfiguration briefly (1987-1989). Father started the Renew Committee according to the Diocesan directives and Eucharistic Ministers were trained and installed to distribute Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick.

Reverend Richard Czachor succeeded Father Shoback in 1989. During his tenure from 1989 to 2000 the sacramental life of the parish grew and renovations and repairs were made to the church. The Living Stations of the Cross were started with the school children participating and then the Youth Group. They are still reenacted every Good Friday.

In the spring of 1993 a Pledge Drive was started for repairs and improvements that were needed in the church. A goal of $191,000 was needed and pledges amounted to $193,691. The entire electrical system in the church was replaced and new ceiling lights were added in the main lobby of the church. The sanctuary was enlarged and the entire church was repainted. Floors were repaired and new carpeting was installed. The front doors of the church were replaced and a completely new design was created by Baut Studios. The main door depicts a cross made in stained glass. The glass uses the same color scheme seen in the church windows. Looking at the door from the outside, the door handles and the structure of the two doors outlines the Cross. A special spotlight highlights the beauty of the door at night. A new cross of the Risen Christ on the Cross was installed in the sanctuary. The original statues of the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus were refinished and placed on newly made shelves. A security and alarm system were installed for safety and protection. A new sound system was also installed in the church. Prior to all the repairs in 1990, a new electronic Allen organ was installed. The organ was purchased from New Allen Organs of Macungie on May 5, 1990 for $32,500. To help pay for the organ, a Memorial Fund was established. Parishioners donated money in memory of their loved ones and a Memorial Plaque was placed in the entrance of the church. A new electronic bell system was also installed at this time.

To accommodate parishioners with disabilities, a new entrance was installed on the right side of the church. Improvements were also made to the roof, gutters, eaves and stone work. Changes were also made to the school kitchen. A new walk in freezer and heating table were purchased.

In 1993, Transfiguration and Saints Peter and Paul’s parishes were merged by the Diocese. Each parish retained their church under the guidance of one Pastor. Representatives from each parish serve on one Pastoral Council and one Finance Committee.

To celebrate the coming of the Millenium, a Eucharistic celebration opening the Millenium activities was held on Sunday, April 18, 1999 . Most Reverend John M Dougherty, Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton was celebrant with Reverend Richard Czachor, pastor and Reverend Austin Flanagan, concelebrants. A variety of Polish, Lithuanian and English music was sung by the combined choirs. Symbolic gifts were presented by parishioners from each parish. A social gathering followed in the school auditorium.

Display boards were erected outside each church to keep the community informed of the Mass schedule and events of the parish.

Reverend Gerald Gurka then served the parish for six months. Although his pastorate was brief, he helped the parish to grow spiritually. He was able to be with us from 1999-2000. He had the Nativity set restored and was able to start some landscaping projects.

Monsignor Joseph Kelly also served us briefly for six months in 2000. His main efforts were to get the school in good financial condition. He appointed a School Finance Committee. After reviewing the records, the committee agreed to use the FACTS Program for tuition payment. This helped to improve the school finances. Monsignor was also our comedian. At the end of every Mass there was always a joke for us.

In July, 2000 Reverend Robert Timchak became our pastor. Father’s love of the children and youth was evident from his first day as pastor. He established the Children’s Ministry and the 630 Folk Group which sang at the 6:30 Mass on Sunday. To give the children more room to play outside the school building, the house and lot next to the school playground was purchased from Jean Ranick for $40,769.24. Through the efforts of Father Bob, our youth were able to attend World Youth Day in Toronto Canada in 2002. There they were able to see Pope John Paul II and participate in events with youth from all over the world. In 2005, they traveled to World Youth Day in Cologne , Germany and saw our present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

In February, 2005 after many years of hard work and sacrifice the Holy Name Society was disbanded due to dwindling membership.

During Reverend Timchak's tenure, Reverend Robert Yori and Reverend Charles Kringe served as our weekend associates. Sister Lynn Marie and Kathy Red were pastoral associates and Honey, the dog, was our parish mascot. Air conditioning was installed in the church and the parking lots were repaired.

In July of 2006, Reverend Jeffrey Walsh, the Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Region of our Diocese of Scranton assumed residence in our rectory.

Reverend Mark G. Balczeniuk, our present pastor, assumed the pastorate in July, 2006. Immediately, Father started taking steps to restore our parish's financial stability. He also had a new oil burner installed in the Church. Father Mark has a great concern for the sick and visits the hospitals and nursing homes. He also serves as the Dean of the Southern Luzerne Deanery of our Diocese of Scranton. We are sure Father Mark will lead us during the coming years as the good shepherd leading his flock.

There is no doubt that we should pause briefly to look back with grateful appreciation to our Assistant Pastors who worked so hard in the parish. With grateful appreciation we include them here:

As we move through the year 2007 and beyond, we are reminded that our parish is more than buildings erected and maintained over the last 100 years. Our parish is the result of the faith, hard work and prayers of our founders, our pastors and assistants. These legacies, passed on from generation to generation, sustain us. Let us pray for all of them. Most of all, let us give thanks to Almighty God for sustaining the faith of Transfiguration Parish for 100 years and ask Him to continue to shower his blessings upon us.

As early as 1920, under Rev. Kwiatkowski’s pastorate, the building of a parochial school was discussed but it wasn’t until 1923 that decisive measures were undertaken. In 1927, Rev.F. X. Dominiak became pastor, and despite obstacles, on April6, 1930 ground breaking took place for the construction of the school. On October 25, 1931 an imposing building of eight classrooms, a library and auditorium graced the parish premises.

The Bernardine Sisters, under their Superior , Sister Mary Loyola, began the initial educational work at Transfiguration. For the next 72 years the Sisters educated the youth of our parish. There were 196 Sisters that served the parish. The first pupil enrollment reached 437 students. Nine grades were taught at the school until 1959. Lay teachers were introduced to the school staff during the 1960’s. The first lay teacher was Mrs. Margaret Boyle who taught 7^th grade for 19 years. A kindergarten class was started in 1976 and in 1987 a pre school program was started by Sister Jean Marie. In 1990, the 7^th and 8^th were moved from all the regional parochial schools to start a prep school at Bishop Hafey High School . Transfiguration then became a Pre-K to 6^th grade. In 2003, the Bernardine Sisters left Transfiguration School . It was a very sad day to see them leave. Words cannot express how grateful we are for their years of service in teaching the youth of our parish.

In 2004, Ms. Sherry Ambrose was appointed principal until the closing of the school in 2006. The closing enrollment was 140 students. Although Transfiguration School is closed it will never be forgotten. We will never forget the priests, Bernardine Sisters, lay teachers and support staff for their kindness and caring of our students They helped make Transfiguration School a very special place.