Holy Apostles Saint Peter and Paul
Buffalo, New York

Back to PGSNYS Home Page Polish Parishes in WNY Index
Address: 809 Clinton Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
Holy Apostles Saint Peter and Paul
Telephone: 716-854-8971
Pastor: Rev. Ronald Baginski
Founded: Sep 1907
Parish Census: 270 Families
Mass Schedule: Sat. 7 PM Sundays 10 AM
School: Closed in 1975
Year Built: 1910
Style: Wooden Frame

History

The year 1999, marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of this parish by the Rev. Piotr Pitass, nephew of Dziekan Jan Pitass, of St. Stanislaus Parish. Due largely to the availability of new jobs, the Clinton - Smith Street area attracted the Poles. As elsewhere, this led to the establishment of still another Polish parish in the City of Buffalo.

Fr. Pitass, having surveyed the population and area, purchased land on Clinton Street and setforth to build a simple wood framed church for his flock. A building next to the church was used as a rectory for the pastor, another was purchased for use as a parish school starting in 1911. At first the Felician Sisters commuted from St. Stanislaus' convent; later a home was purchased near the school.

In 1920, Rev. Franciszek Wasik was apppointed the second pastor of the parish. He saw the need for a new school and the following year, ground breaking ceremonies were held and the school completed in December of 1921. Just days later, a fire heavily damaged the church adding more cost to the young parish.

The third pastor, Rev. Cesarz Krzyzan, a well known figure in Polonia, was to remain here for a period of 26 years. During his pastorate, the new Sister's convent was constructed and improvements made to the parish complex; gas lines installed, new lighting, new flooring. The last four years of Fr. Krzyzan's pastorate were spent confined to his bed; an accident incapacitated him and an administrator was appointed by the Bishop. Fr. Krzyzan died just before Christmas in 1954.

The next long term pastor of the parish was the Rev. Antoni Ciechanski, who served from 1958 till his death in 1971. Fr. Ciechanski, in preparation of the parish's golden jubilee, made many property improvements which were an added expense for the parishioners. In 1975, upon the order of the Diocese, the parochial school was combined because of shrinking enrollment. Younger families had moved away and older parishioners were dying; the strength of the parish looked questionable. Those diehard members of the faith community would not let their parish down.

In 1982, a substantial amount of money was donated to the parish by an anonymous donor, helping to pay off all debts and leaving a balance in the parish account. Presently the parish is guided by the Rev. Ronald Baginski. Four sons of the parish have been ordained to the priesthood.


This Page was Last Modified - February 5th, 2000
Send comments and suggestions to webmaster@pgsnys.org