“The oldest Polish parish in Queens” That’s how the story of Saint Adalbert Catholic Church begins. Right here on 83rd Street in Elmhurst this church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Founded in December 1891 by Father Jozef Fyda at the suggestion of Bishop John Loughlin it initially served a small community of Polish immigrants.
Imagine those early days. A small wooden church and rectory built in just eight months. On November 13 1892 Bishop Charles McDonnell blessed this humble structure. It wasn’t just a church. It was a haven a place where Polish immigrants could pray in their native tongue. Word spread quickly. More and more Poles arrived from Maspeth Flushing Bayside and beyond.
The church’s growth was remarkable. It needed a school. So on November 18 1892 Saint Adalbert Catholic Academy opened its doors. Initially classes were held in the church basement. Mr Trynicki the first teacher must have been overwhelmed. Luckily the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth joined in 1896. They still teach there today. A proper school building was finally constructed in 1921 followed by a new rectory in 1925.
Father Fyda wasn’t the only priest to shape Saint Adalbert’s history. Reverend Monsignor Boleslaus Puchalski followed him. Others including Reverend Doctor Adalbert Nawrocki and Monsignor Wiadyslaw Manka also served the parish. The Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual took over management in 1906. The church’s current structure a magnificent building that towers over the neighborhood wasn’t built until 1947 under Father Jerzy Roskwitalski. It was the first church built in the Diocese of Brooklyn after World War II. Anthony DePace masterfully designed its grand Gothic style. Bishop Thomas Molloy blessed it on July 3 1949.
Even today Saint Adalbert’s continues its legacy. Father Miroslaw Podymniak installed as the twenty-second pastor in 2015 carries on the tradition. The parish celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017. It remains a vibrant part of Elmhurst’s diverse community. Its history echoes through the halls of the church and school. Each brick each stained glass window each hymn sung tells a story of faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of the Polish community. The story of Saint Adalbert Catholic Church isn’t just about bricks and mortar it’s about people faith and a legacy that continues to grow.