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History  of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish
(abbreviated version)

2004 120 years of parish life 75th anniversary present church building

Pastor's letter Pastoral Ministry (photos) (Abbreviated) History Parish history continues

On November 23, 1882, the Archbishop of Chicago commissioned Father Leopold Moczygemba to organize a new parish to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of Lemont's increasing Polish community. Father Moczygemba gave the name of "Jasna Gora," popularly known as "Blue Hill," to our site, dedicating it to Our Lady of Czestochowa, the patroness of his native Poland. The laying of the cornerstone took place on August 12, 1883, and the Church and school were completed by April of 1884. The frame church was built on a Lemont stone foundation and measured 119 feet by 56 feet. The church and its choir loft could seat 775 people. Father Moczygemba offered the first Mass on Palm Sunday, April 6, 1884.

On March 29, 1898, a fire broke out across the street from the school, and a violent north wind carried the flames across the street to the frame school building, burning it to the ground. Following this destruction, a new school was constructed of Lemont limestone donated by one of the quarries located near Lemont.

Tragedy again struck the parish on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 1928. Between the hours of four and six in the morning, both the church and rectory burnt to the ground.

On October 28, 1928, a contract in the amount of $177,000 was signed with The Local Construction Company for a new church and rectory. The foundations and floors of the buildings were laid by the 14th of December, 1928; however, the severe winter interrupted further progress, and it was not until April 21, 1929, that the laying of the cornerstone in the church took place. The rectory was made ready for occupancy on July 31, 1929, and on January 1, 1930, at 5:00 A.M., the first Mass in the new church was celebrated by the Pastor, Father Henry Jagodzinski.

In 1942, the Rev. Ladislaus J. Nosal, a young energetic priest, was assigned as the pastor of St. Cyril's. He initiated a drive to obtain and install stained glass windows in the church, and these beautiful and colorful windows remain as a silent and yet permanent testimonial to the parishioners' devotion and generosity.

Father Vincent Sekulski was appointed as pastor in August, 1956. He primarily concerned himself with increasing the school building fund and obtaining permission to build a much-needed new school and gymnasium. Father Julius Gilewski assumed the duties of pastor on June 17, 1957. In January of 1958, a formal School Building Fund-Raising Campaign was inaugurated. Men of the parish organized into a campaign committee, visited all parishioners and obtained pledges amounting to about $100,000. In June of 1959, permission was obtained to build a ten-classroom school and gymnasium, at an estimated cost of $340,000. The students of St. Cyril's had full use of the modern school facilities in September of 1960.

The year 1974 saw a change of leadership at SS. Cyril and Methodius. After having served the parish for 17 years as a priest, spiritual advisor and pastor, Rev. Julius Gilewski reached the age of retirement. Rev. Richard Jozwiak was assigned as the new pastor and arrived to assume his position in July. Father Gilewski continued to reside at St. Cyril's as Pastor Emeritus until his death on December 25, 1978. Because Father Jozwiak was interested in preserving the culture and heritage of the Poles, a Polish Mass was introduced. Father Edward Witusik, the associate pastor, also organized the present Polish Club of Lemont. Polish classes are offered to children and adults who wish to learn more about their culture, heritage and language.

In 1984, we commemorated the 100th birthday of our parish. Pledges from the parishioners and friends were sought so that the recent rejuvenation of the exterior of the church, the redecorating of the interior, and the physical improvements on the parish grounds could be subsidized. The donors were commemorated on the plaque installed in the rear of the church.

The year of 1992 brought more changes to our parish. It was the end of an era. After 108 years, the Felician Sisters were removed from the parish, due to declining numbers in their order. These nuns had touched the lives of thousands of our parishioners. September 1st marked the beginning of the retirement of Father Richard. On September 15th, pastor Victor Sivore joined us here at SS. Cyril and Methodius.

The school population has experienced great growth. Due to this, it was decided to erect an addition to the present school building. The school now has sixteen classrooms to accommodate two classes of each grade. New office facilities, library, computer lab and meeting facilities have also been added. The new addition was dedicated on Sunday, August 24, 1997 by the Most Reverend Bishop Gorman.

The year 1999 was highlighted on August 15 when Cardinal George presided at a Mass for the unveiling and enshrining of the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (The Black Madonna). Made for SS. Cyril and Methodius by Hinsdale artist Zygmunt Kimel, the Icon had been taken to Rome and was blessed by Pope John Paul II, previous to the Mass. The Icon was also taken in Pilgrimage to Czestochowa, Poland, home of the original Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora/Czestochowa.

The year 2001 started with sorrow, as on January 8, Fr. Sivore passed away to Eternal Life. He is fondly remembered for serving God at our parish for nine years. Fr. Charles Kelly served and guided our parish as our interim administrator.

In July of 2001, Rev. Lawrence Lisowski arrived at St. Cyril’s as our newly appointed and enthusiastic pastor, and his Installation Mass was celebrated on October 28th.

In the summer of 2002, it was decided that using space in the aging convent building was no longer a safe option for the fall school year. It had housed the Kindergarten and Pre-school classrooms, as well as offices for Religious Education. Within a few weeks time, new classroom space was built into the lunchroom in the first floor of the school, and the Kindergarten and Pre-School returned to the main campus in time for the opening of school.

In the fall of 2002, our Capital Campaign called “Sharing Christ’s Gifts” began at St. Cyril’s. The parish was called to a stewardship of time, talent and treasure. The money pledged is being used for parish debt payments and a long list of capital projects. In December, the old Convent building was torn down, since it could no longer be used.

By January 2003, work on projects was evident all around the parish campus. Many repairs, restorations and renovations were in progress, especially on our beautiful church building. In the summer of 2003, the new cross for our church steeple was blessed at all the masses, and parishioners had the chance to touch it before it was installed atop the repaired bell tower, once again beckoning people to come and worship.

Our faith and the rich diversity of our members were observed when our Polish Community celebrated the 25th anniversary of both the SSCM Polish Club and the John Paul II Polish School of Lemont, in February of 2004.

This 2004 year is a special milestone: we honor our past 120 years of parish life and continue our legacy as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our present church building.

A weekend of special festivities was held in August of 2004, with the theme of “We remember, we celebrate, we believe.” A special Mass was held on August 21, with Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller blessing the beautiful new church entrance that was under construction on Sobieski Street. We continue to be a faith-filled community of the Kingdom of God, and we are thankful for all past, present, and future members of our SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish family.

Pat Graczyk
 

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