Parish History

A Brief History of Holy Ghost Parish, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania

In this blessed land of the United States of America, no community is complete without its House of Worship. For this, full credit must be justly given to the Founding Fathers of our Country. Our forefathers were of a thoroughbred spiritual stock. Being God fearing, religious and church going people they built our national structure upon the foundation of God. Judging by the results, God was with them in all their civic undertakings with a blessing that was as constant as it was generous.

If there is any truth whatever in the proverb, “like father, like son,” then it is easy to understand why the present generation intends to keep God in its midst today, tomorrow and forever. To God’s glory and His name the people of the United States have built beautiful temples and churches, large or small, stately or simple, according to the means of the community and the needs of the congregation they were intended to serve.

Inspired with this motive and impelled with this same purpose a group of citizens of Polish descent and emigrants from Poland residing in Shenandoah area united in a resolve to built for them a House of Worship.

Early in the 1920’s residents of Shenandoah turned for guidance and advice to the Most Rev. Franciszek Hodur in Scranton, PA. An organizational meeting was held in May 1922 in the presence of the Rev. Father Leon Grochowski and the Rev. Father Jan Gritenas who helped to organize the Holy Ghost Polish National Catholic Church.

The church records state that the first Mass was celebrated in the Russian Hall on Center Street by the Rev. Father Stanisław Cybulski and for the first time the Mass was celebrated in the Polish language. Later, property was purchased at West Lloyd and Chestnut Streets and a church was built and dedicated in December 1923. In addition to the church building, the parish’s property consists of a rectory, cemetery and park.

During these formative years, the parish grew in membership and various societies were organized to help with the work of the parish. Among them were the Ladies Adoration Society, The Polish School Society, two branches of the Polish National Union of America -(Spójnia), Young Men’s Resurrection Society, the St. Mary’s Girls Society and the Frederick Chopin Choir.

In 1957 the interior of the church was completely renovated at the cost of $10,000.00. The altars and pews were also refinished at this time. New windows in the church were offered by the following: Alexander Grochowski, Mateusz Nowotko, Adolf Wosocki, Franciszek and Mary Cichocki, the Borowicz Family, the Rev. & Mrs. Peter Gwozdecki, The Blessed Sacrament Society, The Society of Friends of the Polish School and the Chopin Choir. The pulpit was a contribution from Mr. Joseph Kowalonek.

In 1951 the Y.M.S. of R. Society members built a grotto at the parish cemetery at a cost of $700.00. The parishioners undertook the project themselves and were responsible for the labor and all the financing involved. In 1963 the front of the church was rebuilt with the native stone at a cost of $11,000.00. In 1966 a new colonial style rectory was built and dedicated in 1967. In 1968 the church was brick veneered and a new roof constructed. In 1990, Mr. Joseph Stabingas presented to the parish the new church entrance doors and stained glass windows; a gift valued at $15,000.00. In 1995 the cemetery road was resurfaced at a cost of $5,000.00. In January 1997 two homes were purchased from the Stabingus estate and a very much-needed parking lot was built. The cost of this project was $18,000.00.

The Holy Ghost Parish is strong spiritually because the members understand and love God and their Church and they are grateful for the religious freedom given to them.

The following served as chairmen of the Parish Committee: W. Szmetka, W. Tokarczyk, K. Sosna, F. Filipek, W. Cichowicz, Alexander Grochowski, Edward Stukas, Edmund Grochowski, Anthony Socker, Teofil Galezniak and Joseph Petrusky.

Pastors serving at Holy Ghost Parish were: Rev. Stanley Cybulski, Rev. Anthony Turkiewicz, Rev. Joseph Rekas, Rev. Joseph Hornik, Rev. Joseph Zawistowski, Rev. W. Pawlowski, Rev. Walenty Januszewski, Rev. Francis Swietek, Rev. Joseph Janik, Rev. Francis Wozniak, Rev. Peter Gwozdecki, Rev. Edwin Phillips, Rev. Bernard Frankowski, Rev. Albert Pietras, Rev. Edward Tomczyk, Rev. Joseph R. Cyman and Rev. Robert P. Plichta.

As of November 9, 1999, the Holy Ghost Parish has following organizations and activities that serve the parish community: Parish Committee, Blessed Sacrament Society, ‘Frederick Chopin’ Choir, School of Christian Living, Altar Servers, Greeters, Coffee and Cake Fellowship Group. In 1999 a sound system was installed in the church and in the parish hall. The new concrete wall and sidewalk along the main entrance to the parish hall was installed for the cost of $8,320.00. There were several other smaller projects accomplished to repair and improve the property of the parish.

May God reward those who shared their prayers, talents, and treasures for the establishment and growth of Holy Ghost Parish. May God bless those who served in the past, now and in the years to come. With work, struggle, trust and prayer we will succeed!

The names of all of the priests who served at Holy Ghost Parish, Shenandoah, PA

1. Ś+P Rev. Stanley Cybulski: December 1922 – May 1927
2. Ś+P Rev. Anthony M. Turkiewicz: June 1927 – November 1927
3. Ś+P Rev. Joseph S. Rękas: January 1928 – June 1928
4. Ś+P Rev. Joseph Hornik: July 1928 – February 1929
5. Ś+P Rev. Joseph L. Zawistowski: February 22, 1929 – May 29, 1934
6. Ś+P Rev. W. Pawłowski: June 1, 1934 – November 1935
7. Ś+P Rev. Walenty Januszewski: November 1935 – October 1937
8. Ś+P Rev. Francis Świętek: November 4, 1937 – May 28, 1942
9. Ś+P Rev. Joseph Janik: May 29, 1942 – December 12, 1949
10. Ś+P Rev. Francis J. Woźniak: December 5, 1949 – July 1950
11. Ś+P Rev. Peter Gwozdecki: August 1950 – May 1965
12. Ś+P Rev. Edward Tomczyk: October 1965 – June 1970
13. Ś+P Rev. Bernard Frankowski: July 1970 – November 1970
14. Ś+P Rev. Albert Pietras: November 1970 – August 1971
15. Ś+P Rev. Edward Tomczyk: August 1971 – April 18, 1999
16. Rev. Joseph Cyman: November 9, 1999 – October 8. 2003
17. Rev. Robert Plichta: November 1, 2003 – until today