ST.THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH

St.Thomas will not and cannot die in the full sense of the word, because it will live in the minds and memories of the thousands upon thousands of todays living.

Emery Hrabovsky (Parish Council President, 1989)

We hope this site will not only bring back memories, but also present you with interesting information on the past history of St. Thomas Parish. We will be continually adding to it, so check back periodically. For questions or suggestions contact me.

July - The letter that started it all:

The Rev. Patrick J. Cullinane is hereby appointed to the charge of the parish of Saint Thomas the Apostle to be established on the corner of Miller and Helen Ave., Detroit, usque ad revocationem.

Signed: Bishop J.S. Foley

The first location was a small store located on Carrie Street for 100 people. The second step was to secure a store adjoining the "Carrie" church to seat 300 parishioners.

Miller, Helen and Carrie Streets were little more than empty fields and farmlands.

The parish started with 16 families:the Hesslers, Morans, Doolittles, Schmidts, Sullivans, Burks, Weilers, Pattersons, Cooks, Deweys, Mitulskis, Murrays, Wells, Browns, Dzuiks and Hafelis.

September 18 - Father Stanley S. Skrzycki becomes pastor of St. Thomas Parish by appointment of Bishop John S. Foley.

Father Skrzycki, the sixth of twelve children in the family of John and Mary Skrzycki, was born Sept. 2, 1886 in Port Austin, MI. after completing his elementary education at St.Albertus School, in Detroit, he studied philosophy in Assumption College in Ontario, and theology at SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake.

Ordained June 29, 1910, by Bishop Heffron at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Detroit, he was appointed assistant at St. Francis Parish. Shortly after he was transferred to St. Casimer Parish. Less than two years later, Feb. 1, 1912, he was sent as pastor to St. Michael Parish in Port Austin, and from there, advanced to pastorate of St.Thomas Parish.

September 24 - Father Skrzycki holds first services in a small store at the corner of Harper and Carrie.

October 2 - The Pastor begins to take up a census of his new parishioners.

November 6 - Options are obtained on the land on which the parish buildings are eventually erected.

December 6 - The land is purchased from its four owners in a transaction that takes place at the main office of Peoples State Bank.

January 15 - Architect Edward Schilling draws plans and specifications for first church and school building.

February 24 - Ground is broken for new church and school.

February 25 - Vincent Lipinski becomes organist.

February 27 - Bids are opened.

March 1 - Contracts are let.

April 2 - United States declares war on Germany.

June 10 - St. Ann Society is organized with 39 members.

August 13 - Excavation begins for new rectory.

October 7 - Services are held for the first time in new church.

October 24 - Three Sisters of St. Joseph, with Sister Mary Priscilla as first superior, arrive to take charge of parochial school consisting of 160 pupils, housed in five classrooms in basement of church.

November 6 - School is formally opened.

November 8 - The pastor moves into the rectory.

November 11 - Dedication of the new church. The Michigan Catholic gave the following account of the ceremonies:

"The Rt. Rev. Edw. D. Kelly, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of this diocese, solemnly dedicated this church on Sunday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m., in the presence of over 1,000 people and their zealous pastor, Rev. Stanley Skrzycki.

The dedication exercises were followed by a Solemn High Mass, celebrated by Rev. Father Skrzycki, assisted by Rev. Father Herr as deacon and Rev. Father Plagens as sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Bartol as master ceremonies. Rev. Jas. Stapleton and Rev. J. Schaefer attended the Rt. Rev. Bishop, who was present in the sanctuary. A very eloquent sermon, fitting to the solemn occasion, was delivered by Rev. Father Grupa, D.D., rector of the Seminary at Orchard Lake, Michigan.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop closed the services with a short discourse in which he praised the good pastor on his being able to accomplish so much in so short space of time. His Lordship also asked the parishioners to continue in their cooperation with their pastor and predicted a rosy future and a wonderful growth of the parish.

A large number of priests were in attendance, among whom were the Rev. Eustace Bartosiewicz, O.M.C., Michael J Grupa, Josseph Plagens, P. J. Cullinane, James Stapleton, Joseph Herr, Fr. Schaepper, Max Gannas, Thomas Bartol, and a number of seminarians from Orchard Lake.

The church, located on the corner of Wallace and St. Thomas Avenues, is a combination church and school building 52 feet wide by 105 feet long, with an auitorium on the second floor which will seat about 700 people very comfortably. This auditorium is used for church services. On the basement floor are five well-ventilated and well-equipped school rooms. The school, which was opened a week ago, already has an enrollment of 220 Children, who are under the care of the Sisters of St. Joseph with Rev. Mother Priscilla in charge."

January 5 - Bishop J. S. Foley dies.

February 10 - Altar, donated by St. Ann Society, is blessed.

March 19 - 38 parishioners enlist into Polish Army.

April 7 - Church bell is blessed.

June 16 - 99 boys from the parish join U.S. Service.

September 2 - Organization of Red Cross Unit in parish is announced.

October 6 - The first mission is held: a week in Polish, conducted by Franciscan Fathers, and a week in English given by Redemptorist Fathers.

October 20 - Schools and churches are closed because of Influenza.

November 10 - Children return to school.

November 11 - Armistice is signed.

November 17 - Bishop Michael J. Gallagher arrives in the city.

January 7 - St. Vincent de Paul Society is organized.

January 19 - All Sons of Erin gathered in Arcadia Auditorium for Resolution of Independence.

January 26 - An appeal is made for help to hunger victims in Poland.

Feabruary 2 - Poland regains independence.

May 4 - A group of Polish Roman Catholic Union is organized.

May 25 - City launches Safety First Drive: Stop, Look, Listen.

June 22 - First communion and confirmation, marking first visit of Bishop Gallagher.

July 20 - A committee is called for the purposse of considering building of temporary school-unit to care for increasing number of pupils.

July 28 - Work starts on the project.

September 21 - The school is blessed, and the classrooms occupied the following morning.

January 11 - A group of L.C.B.A. is organized.

January 18 - A unit of Holy Name Society is installed in the parish with about 300 members present.

March 13 - Rev. Albert Mrowka assumes duties of assistant.

May 16 - Sacred Heart Seminary campaign is started.

October 24 - Field Mass and Demonstration, at Navin Field, of Catholics in defense of Parochial Schools.

December 5 - A specially designated committee gathers with a view of building a new school.

January 16 - The first of many successful retreats is held, with Fr. John Hackett preaching in English and Fr. Albert Zadala in Polish.

April 19 - Committee appeals to People's State Bank for loan to build new school.

April 20 - Bank furnishes loan.

May 2 - Ground is broken for new school.

May 22 - Cornerstone of school is laid, amid colorful ceremonies, by Bishop Gallagher.

October 24 - The first Harvest Festival is given.

November 27 - Bishop Gallagher dedicates new school.

January 21 - Pope Benedict XV dies.

January 22 - First activity of Ushers' Club is noted.

February 16 - The first Fathers' and Sons' Party is arranged.

September 2 - Big Brother committee is organized.

November 26 - Augustinian Fathers and Jesuits conduct mission in Polish and English respectively.

May 7 - Father Joseph Bartkowiak arrives as assistant.

June 17 - Laying of Sacred Heart Seminary cornerstone takes place.

October 21 - The first issue of St. Thomas News is published.

November 19 - Beginning of Harper-Van Dyke Business Association. A well-attended meeting of business and professional men was held in the Auditorium. The association brought many needed improvements for this district.

February 6 - Messrs. John P. Shaughnessy, John Hafeli, Joseph Simowski, Adam Przybylski and John Klepaczyk form committee to lay plans for building new church.

March 1-15 - Retreat for young ladies and men in the parish.

March 30 - Bishop Gallagher grants permission to build church.

May 11 - A solemn High Mass is celebrated for the success of campaign to raise funds for new church.

May 20 - Fr. Joseph Plagens is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit.

June 29 - Fr. Chester Lipinski celebrates first Solemn High Mass.

August 17 - Plans for new church are complete and approved.

September 5 - Plans for new church are complete and approved.

September 28 - Ground-breaking ceremonies are observed.

September 30 - Consecration of Bishop Plagens takes place.

November 4 - An overwhelming negative vote on the school amendment manifests strength of Catholic population in the State.

November 12 - Great interest displayed in the Harper-Van Dyke Business Association. Many helpful measusres passed and effected.

December 21 - The cornerstone is laid for the new church.

January 12 - John and Mary Skrzycki, parents of the pastor, observe Golden Wedding Anniversary.

April 19 - St. Joseph Sisters, teaching 1400 children here, announce intention of building a Motherhouse in Cleveland, and solicit the help of parishioners.

December 13 - Goodfellows open drive in parish to aid the poor.

March 25 - Knights of St. John organized, with Adam V. Malec president.

March 26 - Bishop Edward D. Kelly passes away.

August 22 - Mass is said the first time in the new church.

September 18 - Ground was broken and construction started on the new rectory.

November 21 - New organ dedicated and sacred concert given. The organis by Casavant Freres of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. Rev. Fr. Jos. Kelly, Mus. D. led the concert.

April 24 - First Mission in new church begins, under the leadership of Vincentian Fathers and Dominican Fathers.

July 10 - The Roman Catholic Census, taken up recently at the request of the U.S. Government, shows a total of over 12,500 Catholics within the parish limits.

July 10 - Parish boundary lines are announced: Medbury on the south, Detroit Terminal R.R. to the north, Mt. Elliott on the West, and Crane to the east.

August 21 - Pastor moves into new rectory.

October 16 - Pastor receives honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Very Rev. John P. McNichols, S.J. of the University of Detroit.

May 25 - Bishop Plagens consecrates main altar in new church.

June 3 - Bishop Gallagher dedicates new church. The following priests assisted the Bishop: Revs. John Cook, John Bonkowski, William Murphy, Frank A. Baweja, Anthony Majewski, Allen Babcock, Thomas Jankowski, Peter Rypel, Alphonsus Kromka, Stanley Kilar, William P. Schulte, Maximilian Gannas. After the dedicatory ceremonies, Bishop Plagens celebrated a Pontifical High Mass. The services were perhaps the most ostentatious and most significant in the history of the Paarish. Prof. Marcus Kellerman presided at the organ, and the vocal parts were rendered by the St. Aloysius Church Men's Choir. Bishop is met a Lodge Park and escorted in colorful procession to the church. About 50 priests took part in the ceremonies.

February 28 - Weekly envelope system inaugurated in the parish with great success.

March 22 - Lenten Musical Program presented under the direction of Prof. John Sheridan Moran. "The Last Words of Our Lord", by Dubois, rendered artistically by choir.

March 24 - Auditorium is redecorated, improved, and equipped with complete ventilating system.

June 16 - St. Thomas School graduates record class.

December 22 - Pulpit is blessed.

March 23 - Activities of St. Thomas Alumni noted.

May 18 - A closed retreat for men of parish, to be held at Manresa, is announced.

June 27 - Catholic Extension Society subscription drive carried through.

September 27 - Young Men's Club established.

January 25 - Retreat for young folks.

July 10 - Convention of Polish Roman Catholic Association held in Auditorium.

August 21 - Census taken of parishioners.

September 4 - St. Thomas News revived after almost two years recess.

September 4 - A special class of religious instruction for prospective converts is started.

February 5 - A troop of Boy Scouts is formed by Fr. Peter Widlak and Mr. Albert Tomlian.

March 4 - Two weeks' Mission opens, with Divine Word and Passionist Fathers conducting the services.

June 2 - Fr. Skrycki marks a quarter-century of service to Church. He observed his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood by offering Solemn High Mass in the presence of Bishop Plagens and a host of priests, among whom the following were noted: Rev. William Schulte, John Bonkowski, John Louis, Bernard Ciesielski, Ladislaus Szok, John C. Vismara, Joseph Torzewski, Louis C. Zurek, Paul C. Zelaff, Edmund F. Behrendt, Aloysius Guzicki.

In the evening, he was feted by his friends and parishioners at a sumptuous banquet. School children provided additional entertainment.

June 4 - The Rev. Pastor celebrates High Mass in the presence of Bishop Gallagher, for the clerby and parishioners. Assisting him in the ceremonies were: Revs. John Hackett, John Cook, Alphonse Nowogrodzki, George McDace, Edward S. Maisel, Alphonse Sharpe, Maximilian Ganas, Anthony Majewski, Albert Melvin, Msgr. Murphy, Allen Babcock, John Raczynski, Vincent Balcer, Albert Mrowka, Joseph Bartkowiak, Alphonsus Kromka, Peter Walkowiak, Joseph Dudek, Chester Lipinski. Also present in the sanctuary were Bishop Edward Hoban of Chicago and Bishop Plagens.

June 9 - Father Leo Dempz chants his first Solemn High Mass.

November 24 - Bishop Plagens elevated to the see of Marquette.

February 16 - General meeting of all parish societies held to discuss building a school-annex and introduce a complete High School course.

August 30 - Father Thomas Jobs celebrates First Solemn High Mass.

October 11 - First house collection in parish announced.

February 3 - Fr. Skrycki attends the Thirty-third International Eucharistic Congress at Manila.

August 2 - Archbishop Edward Mooney arrives in Detroit to succeed late Bishop Gallagher.

September 8 - High School opened.

November 7 - Father Anthony Schloss sings First Solemn Mass.

November 14 - Girls' Social and Athletic Club formed.

November 28 - Fr. Ronald Maher gives retreat for young people.

January 25 - Msgr. Stephen S. Woznicki is consecrated Auxiliary-Bishop of Detroit.

March 27 - Two weeks' mission, preached by Franciscan and Redemptorist Fathers, begins.

April 10 - Solemn unveiling of the shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and opening of Perpetual Novena devotions takes plaace. Father Lasota preached the sermon.

May 15 - Archbishop Mooney names Fr. Skrzycki archdiocesan consultor.

May 17 - Msgr. William Murphy consecrated bishop of newly-established diocese of Saginaw.

May 20 - Archbishop Mooney makes first visit to St. Thomas Parish for the purpose of confirmation.

June 3 - Tenth anniversary of the dedication of new church.

February 10 - Pope Pius XI dies.

April 30 - Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help given by Frs. Michael Pathe and Gerald Farrell.

May 21 - A committee was chosen to represent the parish in the drive for decent literature.

June 20 - Parish Council of N.C.C.W. organized, including 7 Societies and Sodalities of women of the parish.

September 1 - World War II breaks out.

April 28 - Fr. Norbert Sulkowski offers his First Solemn Mass.

September 29 - The Eastern Deanery of the Detroit Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women meets in our Auditorium.

December 29 - Erection of new convent for Sisters meets with the approval of the Archbishop.

January 5 - Sisters take census of parishioners.

March 30 - Architect Sschilling completes plans for proposed Sisters' Home.

May 4 - Design of contemplated Sisters' Convent published in parish News.

May 18 - Dr. George E. Carrothers, director of the Board of the University of Michigan, announces that St. Thomas High School has attained the standards of a first class high school and is accordingly placed on the list of accredited High Schools.

May 18 - Jubilee mission conducted by Frs. Stanislaus Pawlowski and Remigius Steczkowski of the Franciscan Order, and the Redemptorists, Frs. Michael H. Pathe and Gerald Farrell.

June 8 - Father Henry A. Waraksa chants his first Solemn High Mass.

June 8 - St. Thomas High School graduates first group of 29 students.

October 4 - Church Committee formulates plans for the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Parish and the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Fr. Skrzycki's pastorate.

October 20 - Nearly a hundred volunteer workers gather a census of all baptized Catholics in the parish district, in agreement with the order of the Archbishop.

November 9 - Parish Silver Jubilee.

May 31 - Father Anthony Wasilewski offers his First Solemn Mass.

July 3 - St. Thomas Parish sacrifices the services of an assistant-priest, by enthusiastically approving Father Vitalis Lasota's desire to enter the Chaplain Corps. of the U. S. Army.

July 26 - Saint Anne's Society celebrates its Silver Jubilee of founding.

October 18 - A public address system is installed in the school.

January 31 - A men's choir is formed at St. Thomas.

July 1 - The church interior is cleaned and decorated.

July 18 - The Altar Society celebrates its Silver Jubilee of service to the parish.

November 30 - Master Richard Lipinski receives Heroism Award while serving as Safety Patrol Boy at St. Thomas.

May 14 - The new stained glass windows are installed in the church as gift of the united parish societies.

June 4 - Father S. S. Skrzycki observes the 35th Anniversary of his ordination.

July 8 - Father Stanley Borucki, assistant at St. Thomas, is selected to assist with publication of The Michigan Catholic.

July 30 - St. Thomas school donates a fighter plane to the U. S. Army Air Force at a cost of $80,000 in bonds.

August 17 - Father Skrzycki is named Domestic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor by Pope Pius XII.

October 15 - St. Thomas Parish ships two thousand pounds of clothing to the needy overseas.

November 12 - Father Skrzycki is invested in the robes of Domestic Prelate.

Novenmber 4 - Monsignor Skrzycki welcomes home the men of the parish who served in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Corps at a parish testimonial.

December 16 - Monsignor Skrzycki offers scholarships for college to eligible seniors of St. Thomas High School.

January 6 - Archbishop Edward Mooney is named Cardinal-Elect by Pope Pius XII.

March 24 - Father Alexander Zaleski, former assistant at St. Thomas, is named a Domestic Prelate by Pope Pius XII.

October 13 - St. Thomas Parish observes the 30th Anniversary of its founding.

December 8 - Plans are announced to organize a Young People's Club.

December 15 - A new Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, to be known as the Young People's Sodality, open to young ladies and men of the parish, meets for the first time.

April 6 - Monsignor Skrzycki extends a welcome to the new Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Allen J. Babcock, after his consecration.

May 4 - Pastor urges people of the parish to help returning-veterans find suitable homes.

May 11 - Two students from St. Thomas receive University of Michigan scholarship awards.

June 15 - Plaques honoring those who served in WWI and WWII are unveiled in the Church. A third plaque designates the 30th Anniversary of Founding of the Parish.

October 3 - A new heating system is installed in the parish at a cost of $23,000.

January 4 - Girls' Basketball Team plays its first game.

May 6 - Auxiliary Bishop Allen Babcock consecrates the new Altar of the Sacred Heart and blesses the new Baptistry of the Church, the latter being a gift of the Altar Society.

May 23 - Minstrel Show is presented by the Young People's Sodality.

June 19 - Father Frank A. Gutowski S.J. offers his First Solemn Mass

October 2 - Plans are announced for the building of an addition to the School.

February 5 - Block Rosary Crusade inaugurated in the parish.

April 22 - "Dixieland Varieties" presented by young people of the parish, under the direction of Father Raymond Maiberger.

May 23 - Monsignor Alexander Zaleski, former assistant, consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit by Cardinal Edward Mooney.

June 25 - Monsignor Skrzycki observes his 40th Anniversary in the priesthood.

August 27 - St. Thomas High School hires Mr. Walter Bazylewicz as full time coach and athletic director.

November 26 - Six new class rooms, an addition to the School, are opened.

January 7 - The building of a new Sister's Convent is announced as the project for the year 1951.

January 19 - School children conduct paper drive for Convent Fund.

April 18 - Sisters of St. Joseph observe 50th Anniversary of Founding, Holy Mass is offered at 9:30 a.m., and a reception at 7:30 p.m.

September 18 - The Parish observes its 35th Anniversary of Founding.

October 21 - Young People's Sodality opens nursery between hours of 9:15 and 12:15 on Sundays, to permit parents of small children to attend Mass.

November 25 - Parish census is taken up by members of the ladies' societies.

February 15 - Mass blood donations by parishoners total 121 pints for the Red Cross.

June 15 - Convent Fund Drive begins.

July 6 - Father Arthur Waligore C.S.B., celebrates his First Solemn Mass.

December 21 - The cornerstone of the Sister's convent is laid.

March 15 - St. Thomas School holds its first open house for all parents.

March 29 - Monsignor Skrzycki gives report on progress of the Convent construction, and thanks all who helped make this necessary building possible.

October 26 - The Sisters' Convent is completed and an open house is held.

March 20 - Bishop Zaleski consecrates the altar in the convent chapel.

September 26 - St. Thomas Parish is 38 years old.

November 28 - Father Michael Filip leaves for service in the Armed Services.

August 14 - Parish Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Garfield Heights, Ohio, is made.

October 30 - The Bluestreaks of St. Thomas win Football Championnship in the Second Division of the Parochial League for the first time in their history.

November 11 - The Bluestreaks win the City Football Championship.

February 19 - Mr. Walter Bazylewicz named High School Football Coach of the Year by the Detroit Times.

March 11 - Saint Thomas Seniors win TV "Quiz-'Em-On-The-Air" over St. Bernard's Seniors.

May 27 - Father Arthur Jakubiak offers his First Solemn Mass.

June 17 - Father Gregory Kareta, O.F.M. Conv., offers his First Solemn Mass.

July 8 - St. Thomas Parish sends a spiritual bouguet to Pope Pius XII on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood.

December 16 - Parish observes its 40th Anniversary.

May 26 - Father Joseph F. Hrabovsky offers his First Solemn Mass.

September 22 - St. Thomas Alumni Association is re-established by Father Thaddeus Wypijewski.

November 17 - St. Thomas Bluestreaks win City Football Championship for second straight year.

May 4 - St. Thomas News announces "Spiritual Foundations" Day in Michigan at request of Cardinal Edward Mooney.

June 15 - Two lay teachers are sought for the faculty of St. THomas High School. A shortage of Teaching Sisters, plus the rapid expansiion of the Catholic School System makes it necessary to supplement Teaching Sisters with lay teachers.

September 14 - An Archdiocesan Census is requested by Cardinal Edward Mooney. Men of the parish volunteer to carry out commission given to the National Council of Catholic Men.

October 25 - St. Thomas Parish learns of the unexpected death of our beloved Cardinal Edward Mooney in Rome.

November 9 - Archdiocesan Census is completed.

November 23 - St. Thomas wins Parochial League Football Championship.

November 30 - Detroit Free Press names Coach Walter Bazylewicz "Coach of the Year"

January 29 - The Most Reverend John Dearden, D.D., newly appointed Archbishop of Detroit, arrives from Pittsburg.

July 1 - New shower and locker rooms are installed in the gymnasium.

July 6 - Work begins on the cleaning and redecorating of the Church by Griewe, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio.

December 1 - The redecoration of the interior of the Church is completed.

December 15 - Plans are formulated for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Priesthood of Monsignor S. S. Skrzycki.

January 15 - St. Thomas High School placed in the First Division Parochial League for all major sports, effective in the fall of 1960.

February 9 - St. Thomas Bluestreaks win Parochial League Second Division East championship in basketball.

March 5 - St. Thomas Bluestreaks win District Championship in State Tournament.

March 12 - St. Thomas Bluestreaks win Regionals in State Tournament.

March 13 - Holy Mass of participation inaugurated at the 7:30 Holy Mass.

March 16 - Bluestreaks win Quarter Final Round of Stat Tournament.

March 18 - In Lansing, MI the Bluestreaks are defeated in the Semi-Final round of the State Tournament.

April 1 - National census begins.

May 14 - Athletic Banquet is held. Mr. Bazylewicz announces plans to retire as Coach and Athletic Director of St. Thomas High.

May 22 - Veterans of Foreign Wars hold memorial Mass and Service in St. Thomas Church.

June 5 - Parish Day of Pastor's Golden Jubilee. Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Monsignor Skrzycki. The sermon was delivered by Father Raymond Ellis, and a Testimonial Dinner was held in the Hall at 6:00 P.M. Open House at 8:00 P.M.

June 5 - Priest's Day of Pastor's Golden Jubilee. Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving was offered in the presence of Archbishop John F. Dearden, at 10:00 A.M. The Sermon was delivered by Monsignor John Hackett, and a dinner at 12:30 was served in the Social Hall for the Jubilarian and his priest-friends.

June 24 - Fr. John E. Smith leaves St. Thomas after five years of service. Fr. Richard Kukler asssigned as assistant-priest.

September 4 - Mr. Paul Mandziara contracted as full-time coach for the Bluestreaks.

October 7 - New facilities for Drafting I and II are installed in the High School Building.

January 7 - St. Joseph Sisters' Auxiliary celebrates its Silver Jubilee of founding.

April 3 - Father Cifford Ruskowki offers his First Solemn High Mass.

April 13 - Father Raymond Malyszak leaves St. Thomas Parish. Father Paul Sierocki is assigned assistant-pastor

June 3 - Father Harold Bahlow celebrates his First Solemn High Mass.

September 12 - Father Richard Kukler leaves St. Thomas.

April 28 - Father Bonaventure Andres offers his First Solemn High Mass

September 11 - Father Adolph Redwick leaves St. Thomas. Father Jerome Dabrowski is assigned assistant-pastor.

October 6 - A two week Mission is begun.

November 29 - Holy Mass in the vernacular tongue is offered for the first time in St. Thomas Church.

May 30 - Father Gerald Thaar offers his First Solemn High Mass.

June 16 - Monsignor Skrzycki completes his forty-ninth year as pastor.

June 23 - Father Roman Narkin assumes duties as pastor of St. Thomas Parish. Father Paul Sierocki leaves St. Thomas to become pastor of St. Isidores's Parish in Mt. Clemens. Father Dennis Harrity leaves St. Thomas. Father Bernard Harrington begins residence at St. Thomas to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese. Monsignor Skrzycki celebrates his 55th year in the priesthood. Father Norbert Sulkowski returns to celebrate his Silver Jubilee of Ordination with a Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving.

June 24 - Rev. M. Herbert Lorentz, a Deacon from St. John's Seminary, assigned for weekend service at the parish.

June 22 - Father Edward Poplielarz assigned as assistant-pastor at St. Thomas.

July 11 - First meeting of the Jubilee Committee to formulate plans for the obsevance of the fiftieth year of the parish's founding.

September 26 - Neon sign proclaiming the Golden Jubilee of Founding erected over the entrance of the church.

October 11 - Inauguration of a Class in Christian Acceptance, which is open to adults, Catholic and Non-Catholic.

November 20 - Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving in the presence of the Most Reverend John Dearden, marking the Golden Jubilee of Founding of St. Thomas.

November 27 - Golden Jubilee of Founding Banquet is held at Roma Hall, marking the fiftieth year of St. Thomas.

 Patrick Cullinane     1914-1916         John Wilkerwicz        1971-1977
 Stanley Skrzycki      1916-1965         Michael Filip          1977-1981
 Roman Narkin          1965-1969         Norbert Kendzierski    1981-1984
 Leo Kulinski          1969-1971         Lawrence Fares         1984-1989

For more about priests that served at St. Thomas click PRIESTS. (If I have missed any body,let me know.)

The late Emery Hrabovsky (in the blue shirt) in this picture and his brother Jerry (not pictured), a Thomasonian member, are responsible for these pictures, artifacts and information about St. Thomas.

Before the razing of the church, many of the items were removed and are now being used in other churches.

This article was in a local paper dated Nov./Dec., 1991.

This article was in the The Detroit Free Press dated Jan. 3, 1992.

The picture of The Mother of Perpetual Help is at St. Ronald Church in Clinton Twsp. and the statues of Mary and Joseph are at St. Sharbel in Warren

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