Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Albion, New York

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Address: 47 Brown Street
Albion, New York 14411
Assumption in Albion Picture
Telephone: 716-589-4243
Fax: 716-589-0734
Founded: Aug. 1891
Pastor: Rev. Richard Csizmar
Mass Schedule: Sunday 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday 12:00 noon
Friday 9:00 a.m.
Parish census: 101 families
School: Parish School closed in 1978
Year Built: 1893
Style: Red Brick/Medina Sandstone

History

Approximately 40 miles northeast of Buffalo lies the town of Albion. This small farming community began to attract Poles in the late 19th century. With agricultural produce came work in the canning factories that sprang up. The early Poles found work here and in neighboring communities where heavy industry was found. The parish of Assumption was organized by the Rev. Bartlomiej Swinko in Aug 1891, when Bishop Ryan approved a separate church for the growing number of Poles in Albion. The wooden church was dedicated in Feb. 1893 with a school following shortly afterward.

In 1907, under the pastorate of Rev. Leopold Stein, a separate schoolhouse with quarters for the teaching nuns was completed. The Felician Sisters operated the school from 1908 till its closing in the late 1960s. The list of pastors at St. Mary's is a long one, most remaining less than 5 years. The long pastorates were that of Rev. John Melinski in the 1930 and than Rev Adam Borowiak during the 1960s.

Because of its rural location, immigrants were not attracted to the area and the parish's growth inceased. The closing of the school and the deaths of older parishioners, are additional factors. St. Mary's church celebrated its centennial in 1991. During the 1990s, the parish community lost its resident pastor who was not replaced. St. Mary's is serviced by a pastor living and overseeing St. Joseph's parish in Albion. Rev. Csizmar continues to celebrate Mass weekly for the parishioners of St. Mary's each Sunday and performs funerals from the old church.


This Page was Last Modified - September 11th, 1999
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