From the Times Tribune: North Scranton Church celebrates 100 year history

The halls and steeples of one Scranton church have heard thousands of hymns, witnessed years of weddings, Communions and confessions and have stood tall and welcoming for 100 years.

Anna Zimmie, a 100-year-old member of the congregation of the Providence of God Lithuanian National Catholic Church in Scranton, began her life as one of the first children baptized within its walls. Her daughter, Dolores Krupski, said the church has been a “big part” of both of their lives.

“My mother used to tell me what a great choir they had,” Mrs. Krupski said. “She used to talk about a lot of things that happened years ago.”

The church that brought Mrs. Zimmie into her life of faith a century ago will celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend with a special Mass and banquet. Father Walter Placek, the church’s pastor, said this milestone has been hard-won by the dedication of congregation members throughout the church’s history.

“For a church to stay open 100 years in itself is a little miracle,” Father Placek said. “Those who are dedicated want so much to keep this church going, and I like being a part of that.”

Janet Kelly, president of the parish committee, leads those dedicated parishioners and manages the upkeep and functions of the church.

“We’re a small group, but we do a lot,” Ms. Kelly said. “We’re all working for the same goal of keeping the church alive and going.”

The church was founded in 1913 by a group of Lithuanian immigrants who had become disenchanted with the “oppressive ways” of the Roman Catholic Church and split from St. Joseph’s Church in North Scranton. According to Father Placek’s historical sketch, in 1913 the group “went around the corner to Oak Street, barely a quarter-mile away from St. Joseph’s Church, and the Providence of God Parish became a reality.”

Today, Ms. Kelly said the parish committee keeps the church alive and thriving through several fundraisers throughout the year, including pork dinners, chicken barbecues, flea markets and bake sales.

“It gets a little tough now,” she said. “If we had to survive on collections (during Mass) we wouldn’t get by.”

A lifelong member of the church, Ms. Kelly said both her parents and grandparents met within the 100-year-old walls.

“It’s had such a huge impact on my life,” Ms. Kelly said. “It’s like my second family.”

Father Placek started at the church 12 years ago for what was originally a “temporary assignment.” Now, he will lead it through the centennial milestone.

“Twelve years ago I didn’t think I would be here,” Father Placek said. “Back then I was hoping we could fill the church. This (anniversary) is a rare privilege.”

The church will host a special anniversary Mass on Sunday at 3 p.m., led by Diocesan Bishop Bernard Nowicki.

As the centennial milestone comes and goes, Father Placek said he hopes to see the church remain for many years to come.

“I hope it’s more than keeping open,” he said. “It’s worth trying to keep it and to grow.”

Laimes sukaktuviu proga!!!