From ashes to altar a story of faith unfolds at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church. This wasn’t always a single parish. It’s a merger a beautiful blend of history. Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish was established in 1999. This wasn’t a new beginning though. It’s the culmination of two rich histories. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and St John the Baptist Parish combined.
Both parishes were deeply rooted in their ethnic communities. They served Polish and Slovak immigrants respectively. These communities were built around the coal mining industry. Faith family life and tradition were central to their lives. The coal industry’s decline changed everything. Families moved away. The region faced financial struggles. Despite these storms faith remained strong.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish started with Father Joseph A Wozny. He ministered to Catholics in Central City beginning in 1914. Masses were initially held in private homes. As the community grew so did the need for a church. Father Ignatius Pilz became the first resident pastor in 1916. His arrival was quite eventful. He arrived at the train station only to find no church or rectory. He faced initial difficulties finding lodging. A local blacksmith John Sesack eventually helped him.
Father Pilz faced many challenges. Disunity among parishioners debt and wartime restrictions hindered the church’s construction. He even helped dig the foundation himself. The modest church was first used on Christmas Day 1916. The completed church was dedicated in 1917. It served the parish until 1968. The construction of the rectory was equally challenging. A lack of funds prevented the building of a parish school.
Father Pilz’s dedication spanned fifty years. His fluency in multiple languages including Polish German Spanish English and Italian. This helped him bridge the gap between the various ethnic groups in his parish. He was succeeded by Father Ignatius Wadas. Father Wadas oversaw the construction of a new church dedicated in 1968. He also added unique mosaics in the sanctuary.
St John the Baptist Church has its own compelling story. It began with Slovak immigrants who initially attended Sacred Heart. Their increasing numbers led to their own parish in 1917. Their first church tragically burned down on Christmas Day 1920. Parishioner Joseph Yantus bravely rescued the Blessed Sacrament. A new church was built between 1921 and 1922. It had materials from local companies and beautiful altars and statues. The parish even had a championship baseball team.
The church has seen various pastors each leaving their mark. Father Anthony Choby oversaw improvements. He also established the only Catholic school in Central City. This school eventually closed in 1952. Father Sylvester Bendzella’s tenure was marked by his dedication to maintenance. He even replaced the church roof himself a truly remarkable feat.
The merger of these two parishes into Our Lady Queen of Angels Church reflects faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of the community. The church stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Polish and Slovak Catholicism in Central City. The restoration of St John’s Church is a project that will honor the legacy of those who built it and those who continue to worship there. This church more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring power of community.