Saint Adalbert Polish Catholic Church

“A church built on the generosity of immigrants.” That’s the story of Saint Adalbert Polish Catholic Church in Elmhurst, Queens. Established in November 1892, Saint Adalbert’s became a spiritual anchor for Polish immigrants settling in Elmhurst, Maspeth, and surrounding areas. Initially, services were led by Polish-speaking priests, starting with Father Joseph Fyda. He laid the groundwork for this community of faith, recognizing the need for a place where these new New Yorkers could worship in their native language. The church’s present structure, a testament to its enduring presence, was built in 1947. Interestingly, while the church continues to serve a diverse congregation today, it still retains staff who speak Polish, honoring its heritage and the community it was built to serve. The story of Saint Adalbert’s is intertwined with the St. Adalbert Catholic Academy. Originally established as St. Adalbert Catholic School in 1892, the school was run by the church until it was later overseen by the Diocese of Brooklyn. Imagine the early days of the school, with classes held in the church basement. The first teacher, Mr. Trynicki, single-handedly managed the students until the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth joined the parish in 1896. Their arrival marked a significant step in the school’s development, providing much-needed support and continuing their educational mission to this day. The church’s growth prompted the construction of a dedicated school building in 1921 and a new rectory in 1925. This expansion reflected the expanding needs of the Polish community and their commitment to their faith and education. Saint Adalbert’s journey took another turn in 1896 when Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual, also known as Conventual Franciscans, took over the parish’s management. This transition, under the leadership of Father Feliks Baran, marked the beginning of the Franciscans’ enduring presence at Saint Adalbert’s.