Click Here to Return to Index

Click Here to Return To Milestones Vol 9 No 3

 

S.S. PETER AND PAUL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF BYZANTINE RITE, AMBRIDGE

By
Gertrude Bonzo
Milestones Vol 9 No 3--Summer 1984

During the late 1800's and early 1900's the Ukrainian immigrants began to settle in Ambridge. Most of them came seeking a better fortune. Even though they were poor in material wealth, they brought with them the wealth of spiritual treasure, a strong and living Faith. Therefore, it is not surprising that they, from the beginning, began to desire their native church and divine services.

In the Spring of 1907, the first general meeting was called in Kristufek's Hall. The purpose was to found a church. Father Nicholas Stefanowych (blessed memory) presided.

They went to work. Money flowed in from all sides. Their enthusiasm was remarkable. In August of 1907, they purchased from the Methodists, at a cost of $6,000 three lots, together with a small brick church, on the very site where the present church now stands.

In May 1908, the parish received Father Myron Danylwych as resident pastor.

A building committee was selected on January 23, 1916. On Labor Day 1917, the pastor, Father Peter Yezersky blessed the altar and sanctuary of the new church. In the same year a rectory was purchased and renovated. A tract of ground of nine acres for a cemetery was acquired in 1926 from the firm of Wagner and Kerr for the sum of $6,000.

Three new bells were bought for the sum of $1,115.77 and installed in June, 1927.

From the very beginning, there existed an evening school in which Cathecism, Ukrainian, Rite and Chant (singing) were taught. The evening school could not fulfill the religious and educational needs of the youth.

In 1939, the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate arrived to teach at the school. At the beginning the Sisters taught only in the evening school until the day school was built.

The parish was enriched with the arrival of Father Consultor Alexander Krochmalny in September 1940.

World War 11 and its connected consequences and restrictions, for a period of time, hampered work and growth of the parish. The new pastor enkindled the parish with new enthusiasm. Through his efforts bills were paid, new property acquired, and a new parish house built and a new day school and convent erected.

In conjunction with the physical growth of the parish, the spiritual aspect also flourished. The faithful realized the importance of the Sacraments. The old organizations were revitalized and new ones founded.

Parish organizations: Apostleship of Prayer, Ushers Club, the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, the Altar Boys' Society, League of Ukrainian Catholics, Marion Mothers' Club, Providence Association and the Choir.