In the heart of Bayside, Queens, stands the Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the Polish community’s enduring faith and heritage. The story of Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church begins in 1910. The Diocese of Brooklyn established it to serve the growing Polish Catholic population in Bayside. The church was named after St. Jozafat Kuncewicz, a 17th-century Polish saint. The first services were led by Reverend Gervase Kubec of St. Casimir Polish Catholic Church in Brooklyn. In 1913, Reverend Bronislaus Malinowski became the first official pastor. That same year, plans were drawn for a parish hall and a two-story brick rectory. Both were estimated to cost $12,000. The present neo-Gothic structure of Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church arose in 1934. The cornerstone was laid at the corner of 35th Avenue and 210th Street. A distinctive square tower topped with a steeple graces the right side of the facade. Inside, Byzantine-style stained glass windows bathe the sanctuary in vibrant colors. After the new church was completed, the original parish house was put to its intended use. Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a cultural hub. Today, services are conducted in both Polish and English, reflecting the church’s commitment to its roots and the wider community. The church also hosts Bayside’s Polish Heritage Month celebration, a vibrant display of Polish traditions and customs. A fascinating piece of Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church’s history lies in its organ. Built in 1938 by the Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro, Vermont, it originally had 26 stops controlling six unified ranks. Two stops were later added. In 2011, the organ underwent a major restoration by Elsener Organ Works. The project was funded by the estate of Stanley Francis Jobo, a devoted parishioner. His generosity ensured that the music of Saint Josaphat Roman Catholic Church continues to inspire and uplift.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to