| Back to PGSNYS Home Page | Polish Parishes in WNY Index |
| Address: | 155 Warsaw Street Lackawanna, New York 14218 |
|
| Telephone: | 716-826-0880 | |
| Founded: | Oct 1921 | |
| Pastor: | Rev. James Augustyn | |
| Mass Schedule: | Saturdays 5 PM ; Sundays 8:30 & 11AM | |
| Parish Census: | 620 Families | |
| Year Built: | 1967 | |
| Style: | Redbrick Modern |
Even though St. Barbara Parish was divided once to form St. Hyacinth's "over the bridge", her membership continued to grow with each passing year. Poles were now moving south of the old parish lines and by the late 1910s, their numbers were large. This caused a concern for those families who sent their children to the parochial school at St. Barbara's.
In 1921, a committee headed by businessman Adolf Rosinski submitted a proposal to the Bishop asking that a new parish be formed in the south end of the City of Lackawanna for the Poles. After consideration, the bishop sent the Rev. Jan Paul to organize a parish there.
Within months of his arrival, Fr. Paul had purchased land along Electric Ave. and ground breaking ceremonies were held in 1922 for the combination church/school building. The services of the Felician Sisters were obtained to teach the congregation's children.
St. Michael's growth was steady and in time it was necessary to build a new convent and eventually a new church building. An annual event in the history of the parish was the spring flooding of Smokes Creek. This finally came to an end with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers remedying the problem. Under the guidance of pastor Rev. Stanislaus Wisniewski, the plans to go forward with building (1967) a new modern church came a reality. Within weeks of the dedication of the new church, the old combination building was completely destroyed by fire. This tragedy ended the parochial school at St. Michael's.
It was decided to replace the old building with a single story auditorium and classrooms for religious education. This project was completed in 1970 and enabled the parish to hold a variety of functions in the new facility. St. Michael's at the time was well known for it's exciting summer lawn fete's and nationally known Polka Dances. Because of poor health Fr. Wisniewski retired in 1976.
The Rev. Stanley Ropelski served as pastor until 1993; he was well liked by all and he brought back many of the old religious traditions that were discarded after Vatican 2. He also was responsible for the renovation fund to update the church organ. Since 1993 Fr. James Augustyn has been pastor and he oversaw the parish's 75th anniversary of founding.