Built in 1872 Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its original purpose was to serve local farmers far from St Mary’s Church in Woodside. The church provided a house of prayer and worship. It was one of only three churches in the area with its own school St Stanislaus Kostka School.
Today Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church is part of the Parish of Saint Stanislaus Kostka – Transfiguration. This parish also includes Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church. Its current pastor is Rev Msgr Joseph P Calise. The church’s history is rich with stories of sacrifice and perseverance.
Early parishioners were largely Polish immigrants. They faced prejudice from some in the community. Building the church wasn’t easy. The first building was a small wooden structure. The current building is far grander. It reflects the vision of its founding pastor Fr Leon Wysiecki. He secretly purchased the land to avoid opposition. He had a vision for a large splendid church with mighty steeples. He wanted a graceful fau00e7ade.
The new church cost seventy-five thousand dollars a large sum at the time. Parishioners helped fund its construction. They contributed to the altars statues organs and even the stained-glass windows. The church was completed in 1904. Its Gothic style with twin towers reaches toward heaven. The church seats over 1250 people.
Despite initial hostility the parish flourished. It served tens of thousands of people. It became a central part of Polish-American life in Maspeth Queens. It remains a vital part of the community today. Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church continues to offer comfort and strength to all who enter its doors. Its legacy of faith perseverance and community endures making it a truly special place to visit.