University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Holy Name Polish National Catholic Church (Milwaukee, Wis.).

Records, 1954-1980.

Milwaukee Small Collection 117

.1 cubic ft. (1 folder)

ABSTRACT: Anniversary albums and programs of Holy Name (of Jesus) Polish National Catholic Church and of its pastors, a parish hymnal and songbook, and other material. The Polish National Catholic Church was formed in 1897, following its separation from the Roman Catholic Church. Holy Name Parish is the oldest National Catholic parish in Milwaukee: it was formed in response to the appeal of Father Francis Bonczak, published in the Kuryer Polski of 11 March 1914, calling for the formation of a "free national church." On 29 March 1914 a steering committee was named to organize the new congregation. Church services began immediately, with construction of the first church building being completed in 1917. Father Bonczak was succeeded in 1922 by Father Leon Grochowski, but he returned to the church as Bishop Bonczak in 1930. following Bonczak's retirement in 1953, Father Walter Slowakiewicz became pastor, a post he held until 1961, when the current pastor, Very Rev. Francis Kolwicz succeeded him.

The collection includes Holy Name Parish anniversary albums, 1954, 1964, 1974, and 1979; programs from the consecration of the new altars (1967), bicentennial services and programs (1976), dedication of a memorial plaque for Bishop Bonczak (1977), and a 1979 confirmation program; a 1969 album of photographs of parishioners; and a copy of the church hymnal, a songbook, and a book of devotions. Other material includes a newsletter of the National United Choirs, programs from the twentieth and twenty-fifth anniversaries of ordination of Rev. Kolwicz, 1974 and 1979; and a 1964 anniversary album of Ss. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographs show the ladies of the Adoration Society (undated), an undated group of parish schoolchildren, and a 1924 photo of Bishops Leon Grochowski, Francis Bonczak, Francis Hodur, and John Gritanas. There are also three snapshots, donated by Kazimiera Idzikowski, showing the 1968 renovations of the side altar. The two 1979 anniversary albums were donated by Ted Sobanski.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Holy Name Polish National Catholic Church (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records,1954-1980. Milwaukee Small Collection 117. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTION:

Idzikowski, Kazimiera, 1911- . Family papers, 1903-1978. (Milwaukee Small Collection 116)

ACQUISITION: Presented by Holy Name Parish, via Very Rev. Francis Kolwicz, and by Ted Sobanski; both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981 (accession numbers M81-178, and M81-352).

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

Church records and registers--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--Church history.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.
Polish Americans--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--History.