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| Address: |
265 Claudette Dr. Cheektowaga, New York 14225 |
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| Telephone: | 716-684-7248 | |
| Founded: | Church of Our Saviour Founded 1894 | |
| Pastor: | Rev. Ivan Crossno | |
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The history of the first Polish Baptist church in America, is also the history of thePolish Baptist parish in Buffalo, NY. As early as 1890, religious services were being celebrated in Buffalo by the Rev. Jozef Antoszewski east of Fillmore Ave. and then in the basement of the Reid Memorial Church on William Street. As part of a German congregation, this group of Poles organized their own church in 1894, contrary to that is believed, the Polish Baptists were not disgruntled Roman Catholics, but rather were non Catholics upon arrival to the US. Most were from German speaking lands so sought religious services amongst the Germans of the Eastside. Rev. Antoszewski led the small congregation for about ten years, succeeded by the Rev. Piotr Morawski.
Under the ministry of Rev. Ludwik Adamus, and with the help of the Baptist Union of America, the red brick edifice on Fillmore Ave was built; the Church of Our Saviour-Polish Baptist Church. This house of worship was dedicated on July 15, 1907 and served the community until its closing in 1963. The Rev. Wladysalw Chrzanowski served the church the longest of all its pastors, he served 13 years. Under his direction, the church expanded and grew, his leadership was especially known during the Polish Baptist Conventions held in Buffalo. Rev. Chrazanowski was also responsible for the founding of a second Polish Baptist church in the Black Rock section of the City.
The last Polish speaking pastor associated with the Church of Our Saviour, was Rev. Ryszard Mikolon from 1942 to 1951, when he left to minister in the Polish Baptist parish in Erie, Pa. Because of changing demographics and the fact most of the congregation was now living outside of the City, the decision was made to explore building a new church in Cheektowaga. On Nov 18, 1962, ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new church to be called "The Cheektowaga Community Baptist Church" and lead by Rev. Mason Smith.
1962 was also the last year that the National Polish Baptists held their convention in Buffalo. Although not affiliated with Church of Our Saviour, a Polish language Baptist radio program was begun in 1960 by the Rev. Mikolaj Sylwesiuk, pastor of the Evangelical Baptist Church on Benzinger Street in Buffalo. Rev. Sylwesiuk broadcasted over radio station WHLD for nearly 30 years, he died in 1989. The program continues on, presently directed by the Rev. Aleksander Kircun of Ashford, Ct., from the headquarters for the Russian Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Union in America. In the year 2000, this radio program will celebrate its 40 anniversary of broadcasting. Because of the high cost of radio time and production, Buffalo and Chicago are the only two cities broadcasting this program presently.