St. Adalbert’s Church

“Why did they fill in those beautiful window openings?” The question hung in the air as we stood before St. Adalbert’s Church. Today, its majestic twin towers, rising in three distinct tiers, welcome a predominantly Vietnamese congregation. But the story of St. Adalbert’s begins much earlier, in 1881, with a small group of Polish Catholics. They purchased the old frame Church of St. Louis, moved it to Frogtown, and gave it new life as St. Adalbert’s. The first mass, a blend of Polish and English, echoed within its wooden walls, a testament to the community’s faith. St. Adalbert’s served as more than a church. It was a cultural anchor in a new land. The original structure, enlarged in 1885, eventually gave way to the grand edifice we see today. The cornerstone was laid in 1910. Even before its completion, the church hosted a significant event: the funeral of Monsignor Dominic Majer in March 1911. Majer, a prominent figure in the Polish Catholic Church, became the first Polish priest to be named a prelate in the United States. He championed the Polish Catholic community, navigating complex inter-church dynamics. The church itself, designed by Boyer Taylor and Tewes, was dedicated in October 1911. Look closely at the facade. The three front doors were once adorned with window openings, a detail lost to time and filled-in brick. A fire in 1915 tragically destroyed the original wooden church, by then serving as a parish hall. The current convent and rectory were later additions, built in 1951. For decades, Polish remained the language of the mass, and the church pulsated with Polish traditions. From Polish hymns to the aroma of traditional pierogi at parish festivals, St. Adalbert’s held the community close. Today, a new community gathers beneath the soaring towers. The vibrant Vietnamese Catholic community found a home at St. Adalbert’s, adding another layer to this church’s rich tapestry. The story of St. Adalbert’s is a story of transitions. It reflects the ever-evolving nature of community and faith. It’s a reminder that while languages and traditions may change, the spirit of faith and belonging endures.