|
|
|
ST. Michael's Page
A significant Polish population
developed in Muskegon in the early 1900s, and most of the Polish
Catholics attended St. Mary's and St. Joseph's parishes. Father
Casimir Skory of St. Adalbert's Parish in Grand Rapids assisted these
pioneers in establishing their own parish. Father Francis Piaskowski
united the Polish community for services at St. Jean Baptiste Church
until the parish was established under its first pastor, Fater Andrew
Narloch, in 1909.
Father Narloch immediately purchased
ground for the new parish site, and a combination church and school
building was constructed in 1911. The school opened in 1913, staffed
by the Sisters of Mercy. A new school was built in 1925 and again in
1959.
Father Andrew Sikorski became pastor of
St. Michael's in 1938. One of his first projects was the construction
of the parish church in 1943. The church was consecrated on May 30,
1944. Father Sikorski served as pastor for 34 years until his retirement
in 1972. After his retirement he continued to assist in the parish for
many more years. He was succeeded as pastor by Fathers Edward Bielskas,
Eugene Golas, and Thomas Hack.
|
|
|
