BVM Parish History

Blessed Virgin Mary Byzantine Catholic Church

History

circa 1918

Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, a group of devout Hungarian Catholics arrived and settled in the budding community of Coatesville, Pa. They brought with them, from their native land, deep love and devotion for their religious heritage. Having no church of their own, they attended religious services in other Byzantine Rite churches, but felt out of place. Finally, they went to the Very Rev. Gabriel Martyak, Lansford, Pa., who was the Apostolic Administrator for all Greek Catholics of Ruthenian, Hungarian and Croation extraction. They told him of their burning desire to organize a parish of their own and to construct a church, wherein they could worship God in their own rite and customs. Once more they incurred disappointment, as they were informed that because of the war — World War I they could not assume any financial responsibility in the building of a church of their own; for, after the war the Hungarians would probably be given an administrator of their own. This new obstacle did not deter them in their quest, but spurred them on with greater zeal for a church of their own.

They approached Father Alfred Walsh, pastor of St. Cecelia’s Roman Catholic Church, Coatesville, Pa., told him of their plight, and sought his aid in an advisory capacity. He willingly offered his assistance.

On January 28, 1918, with Father Walsh’s blessing the inspired faithful met at the home of George Kolcsak to discuss further action. A resolution was passed to raise funds toward the purchase of a lot at the corner of Strode Avenue and Gap Road, the present site of the church. By the grace of God this lot was purchased from the Pine family from donations pledged by the founders in the amount of $800.00. It was further resolved that the newly formed parish be placed under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was thus named in her honor. Members of the committee for the founding of the parish were:
George Matusan, President, Jeno Szucs, Secretary, George Kolcsak, Treasurer, Michael Petrohoy, Auditor, George Sokso, Alexander lgnatz, Michael Juhas, Sr., John DeToth, Louis Raytik, John Prekup, Sr and Frank Ferdik.

On April 20, 1918, final plans were presented by the committee to the Very Rev. Gabriel Martyak, Lansford, Pa., for ecclesiastical approval. The contract for the construction was let to Richard Kerns.

The solemn blessing of the newly constructed church took place on Sunday, May 4, 191 9, with the Very Rev. Michael Balog, Dean of the Cleveland, Ohio area officiating. On May 30, 1919, the charter was formally signed by all 150 families.

Father George Hritz, from his charge in Mont Clare, Pa., continued to serve the spiritual wants and needs of the newly founded parish until 1919.

The priests were served by the original founders as trustees until 1944. In 1944 John Sutack, John Pulinka, and John Kabli were appointed and served until 1948. Then for various lengths of time until 1949 Steve Pulinka, George Leusky, and Donald Yeoman served. Michael lIes and John Boros served as trustees from 1949 through 1986. John Boros continues to serve this year with Cliff KroIl serving his second term with John Boros. These men have faithfully served priest and parish with the many unseen and unheralded labors of keeping the church building in repair and the parish family spiritually supported.

Our industrious ladies of the parish organized to work for the interest and welfare of the church, socially and materially. The present Blessed Virgin Mary Ladies Guild was originally the Altar Society, organized in 1924 and later became the Rosary Society which was organized on June 3,1951. The Ladies Guild, with hard work and cooperation, baking nut rolls, making pierogi and Hungarian sausage, have been instrumental in raising money for the beautification both in the church and social room. The Ladies Guild also sponsors an annual Christmas and Easter bake and the Autumn Bazaar.

Over the years the church has had many improvements. In the late 1950’s the outdated basement was converted into a modern social hall. Later additions to the basement included a modern kitchen, bathrooms, and heating system.

Stained glass windows were installed in 1966. A new wider entrance to the front of the church property was added. The property consisting of two buildings nextto the church was purchased for use as a rectory and apartment.

In the 1970’s a storage room and new lower entrance was built. The exterior improvements consisted of new siding, roof and an outside message board. Interior improvements were new carpeting, kneelers and air conditioning. The iconostasis was purchased in 1979.

In the 1980’s the stone was repointed. New convection ovens were added to the kitchen. In 1981 the installation of the iconostasis* was completed. The rectory and church office were extensively remodeled under the direction of the resident priests. For our 70th anniversary year, we are enjoying our latest addition, a beautiful crystal chandelier and five smaller crystal lights. Future plans call for the addition of a Byzantine dome for the top of the church and restoring or new icons for iconostasis.

Throughout this brief historical sketch of the past of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church of Coatesville, we wished to point out the more important historical facts leading up to this joyous occasion of the 70th Jubilee of our parish. Seventy years is a noteworthy period, even in the life of a permanent institution such as a parish. The parishioners of the Blessed Virgin Mary are grateful for the many graces and blessings that God has bestowed on them, their families and loved ones during these past many years. Let us ask our heavenly patroness for her continued care and intercession with her son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may continue to live according to the teachings of our Byzantine faith.