History of Saint Mary’s

Although Saint Mary’s stands on a small corner in Passaic, New Jersey, its heavenly spires can be seen throughout the city and have inspired many as a symbol of love and dedication to the Lord. A century has passed since our ancestors founded Saint Mary’s. These 100 years have been filled with dreams and hard work which saw the establishment of a church, construction of church-related buildings, and the continuation of our heritage.
As early as 1879, Passaic was a haven for Slovak pioneers who came to America. These Slovaks, most of them emigrating from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, had come from Spis, Saris and Zemplin districts of the beautiful province of Slovakia. They left their homeland in search of freedom and a better life. Mr. Waterhouse, owner of the Waterhouse Mills, was responsible for bringing the first group of six Slovaks to Passaic, where they would establish their homes and place of worship. As more Slovaks emigrated to the area, they formed the core of the industrial work force.
For several years, our ancestors attended Saint Nicholas Church in Passaic, which gave them the opportunity to worship together. For Slovaks, their churches have always been the center of culture. This was inherited from the land of their birth. With this ideal implanted, they felt the need to have a church where they need to have a church where they could practice their customs and faith in their own language.
As the number of Slovak immigrants in Passaic increased, Monsignor John A. Sheppard, Pastor of Saint Nicholas, appealed to Most Reverend Winand Michael Wigger, D.D., Bishop of Newark, New Jersey to establish a Slovak parish in the community. On March 26, 1891, Bishop Wigger granted the request and the Slavonian Catholic Church of the Assumption – commonly referred to as Saint Mary’s – was incorporated. Monsignor Sheppard, Anton Kronn and Michael Znackso signed the incorporation papers. Reverend Samuel Bejla celebrated the parish’s first Mass in the basement of Saint Nicholas Church. From this humble beginning, the groundwork was laid to establish a church community that would later grow and endure to the present.
The first parish Mass was celebrated in the basement of Saint Nicholas.
In 1893, the parish purchased land at the corner of what was then Second and Monroe Streets. Shortly after, the cornerstone was laid for our first church.
For its first five years, Saint Mary’s had several administrators. Father Bejla was succeeded by the Reverend Doctor Bernard M. Skulik, who worked with the Slovak Catholics in Passaic until the middle of January 1894. Reverend Skulik was transferred to another parish; Reverend B. Kwiatkowski served Saint Mary’s until September of 1894. Bishop Wigger then appointed Reverend Joseph L. Ligday to serve as administrator.
After a year, Father Ligday left and the parish was without the services of a priest. Reverend John Sheppard of Saint Nicholas was appointed administrator until Reverend John E. Pollyakovics came in 1896. The church established a parochial school. Fr. Pollyakovics and the organist taught the small classes which assembled in the basement of the church.
With the appointment of Reverend Emery A. Haitinger in 1898, Saint Mary’s experienced major changes. Father Haitinger’s outstanding achievement was the building of the church in which we still worship today. His Excellency Bishop O’Connor of Newark dedicated the church in September of 1902. It was a great day not only for the Slovak Catholics of Passaic, but for all who participated in the dedication ceremony.

Through the years, our church has undergone many changes while remaining a monument to our Slovak heritage.
Architect John Kelly of Passaic designed the church, a perfect example of true French Gothic architecture. Its exterior of white sandstone, with two lofty spires facing the east like praying hands lifted toward heaven, dominates the landscape. Pointed windows in myriad colors of stained glass portray saints and the mysteries of faith. Inside the church, the Gothic design is expressed with the lofty nave and decorated ceiling.
The spacious sanctuary, with its main altar in honor of the Assumption of our Lady, was originally flanked by two smaller white altars – one in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary and the other in honor of the Sacred Heart. The marble communion rail, the low hanging gold sanctuary lamp, and the artistically hand carved pulpit exemplified an exquisite design.
The first goal of our forefathers was now achieved. They had built a beautiful church in which they could gather and worship. Their next plan was to provide a final resting place for their loved ones. They purchased a 35-acre farm in Saddle Brook for about $30,000.
Our ancestors, although hard-working and industrious, were still poor and part of the land had to be resold to the original farmer to make payments on the overwhelming debt. Later, when Route 46 was being built, another part of the land had to be resold to the original farmer to make payments on the overwhelming debt. Later, when Route 46 was being built, another part of the land had to be sold to the state. This divided the cemetery into two parts on either side of the highway. Some of the divided land was also sold. While the loss of the land was disheartening, the money received relieved some of the church’s debt. The cost of a grave at the time the cemetery was opened in 1903 was $5.00 and the grave opening was $1.00. Due to the rocky condition of the ground, it took almost 16 hours using a pick and shovel to dig a grave. The Westminster Place section at the bottom of the hill was the site of the first wooden ten-by-ten office building, which was big enough for the one full-time employee who worked at the cemetery. In 1915, the wooden shed burned down and some records were lost. Two other buildings were erected before the present chapel, office and garage buildings were built.
As Passaic grew and prospered, so did Saint Mary’s Parish. From a humble beginning of less than a 100 families, it flourished into an active congregation. The mainspring of this expansion was Father Haitinger. He zealously promoted the spiritual welfare of his parishioners.
In 1901, the Slovak Rosary Society was founded and is still in existence. Father Haitinger also established a children’s choir, senior chorus and a Gregorian Chant Choir. In 1911, the Holy Name Society was formed to honor the name of Jesus. Not only does it sponsor spiritual events, but it also is responsible for social activities within the parish.
By 1900, the school had 70 students and more teachers were needed. Father Haitinger requested the services of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York. Mother M. Hildegarde assigned Sister M. Ligouri as Superior, and Sisters M. Bertrand and M. Corona to Saint Mary’s in September 1902. Classes were held in the old frame church. The school began with three classrooms and quickly expanded to seven classrooms.
Even before Saint Mary’s Parish was founded, our ancestors realized the need to support one another in times of adversity. On February 11, 1889, the Saint John the Baptist Society was organized with membership limited to men. Women formed the Saint Mary’s Scapular Society and the Saint Elizabeth Society. These organizations provided insurance coverage in time of sickness and death.
In 1905, Saint Mary’s became the mother parish for the Slovak Catholic Sokols. This fraternal organization was established to provide members with help in time of sickness and death. To this day, the Sokol organization helps to propagate the Catholic faith, promote our Slovak heritage, foster gymnastics and strengthen brotherly love within the membership. Saint Mary’s is still the home of Assembly 1, Wreath 2, and its youth branches.
In 1922, Bishop O’Connor transferred Father Haitinger to Saint Joseph’s in Elizabeth and assigned the Reverend John D. Salamon as the new pastor. Father Salamon, a native of Passaic, came to his new assignment filled with energy and zeal. With the help of his curate, the Reverend Andrew Stefan, he organized various organizations for the benefit of the church.
On August 15, 1926, the Third Order of Saint Francis, with Miss Bigar as director, was organized with forty members. In addition, the Third Order of Saint Dominic was formed.
The parish youth participated in many other spiritual and social functions. Under Father Salamon’s guidance, the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Slovak Players Guild, Builders Club and a Fife, Bugle and Drum Corps were founded. The Mothers Club, which was started to assist the pastor, still continues the traditions it established years ago. Today, this club is headed by Anna Miklovic. It sponsors the annual Mother’s Day Communion Breakfast and helps to prepare the food for the parish picnic and Holy Name Society breakfast. Saint Mary’s also became known for its dramatic productions, bands, dances, and socials.
Misfortune befell the parish in 1922 when fire partially destroyed the first school building, which was in the old church. Father Salamon and the parishioners saw that a new school was sorely needed. Approval was obtained from His Excellency, the Most Reverend Thomas J. Walsh, J.C.D., Bishop of Newark, and plans were formulated for the erection of a new school and convent.
The church purchased land on First Street and ground was broken in the spring of 1926. Dr. Joseph F. Rubacky was chairman of the drive to raise $400,000 for the project, which included 17 classrooms with modern equipment, a spacious auditorium seating 1,000 persons, and recreation rooms with bowling facilities. Saint Mary’s School was to be as large as Passaic High School and bigger than any public elementary school in the city. These buildings were dedicated on September 21, 1930.
The financial obligations undertaken by the people of Saint Mary’s parish, as seen from today, were enormous. Poor people had to pay and they did, not only in that year before the great depression but also in the years following. Some of the pledges made for the church buildings were signed with only an “X”, yet our ancestors fulfilled their obligation. As we look around us today, we see the fruits of their labor.
In 1939, the Most Reverend Thomas H. McLaughlin, first Bishop of the Paterson Diocese, decided to use part of Saint Mary’s School building to house Pope Pius XII Diocesan High School. Shortly after high school was opened, Reverend Emil R. Suchon, assistant to Father Salamon, was named director. Saint Mary’s served as an annex for Pope Pius for many years.
Saint Mary’s School and Convent were dedicated in 1930.
May 1940 saw the initial publication of Saint Mary’s CYO newspaper, This Month. The paper, edited by Edward Sikora, promoted Catholic teaching and also took an increasing interest in parish affairs. Yearly contributions were fifty cents.
In 1943, Saint Mary’s celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the first church building. In these 50 years, Saint Mary’s changed from a small frame building to a magnificent Gothic church. During May of that year, there were many events commemorating this anniversary. The highlight was the jubilee ball held in the parish auditorium.
Two years after the golden jubilee celebration of our parish, Father John D. Salamon, beloved pastor, was called by God to his eternal reward. This good priest had served his people well. During the depression and the years following, it was difficult for him to manage financially, but through his efforts, he cut the huge parish debt in half. No doubt because of his untiring ardor and great worry for the welfare of the parish and his parishioners, Father Salamon came to his untimely death on November 9, 1945.
For less than a month, Saint Mary’s was without a pastor. During this time, the Reverend Emil R. Suchon was administrator. Shortly afterward, he was transferred to Sacred Heart Church, Rockaway.
The Most Reverend Thomas A. McLaughlin assigned Reverend Andrew J. Romanak, who had spent the first four years of his priesthood at Saint Mary’s, as pastor. Father Romanak took upon himself the arduous task of looking after the material and spiritual welfare of Saint Mary’s. He was also made Director of Pope Pius XII Diocesan High School.
In 1946, Saint Mary’s Bulletin was published. Monthly news items, parish events, and financial statements were listed. Mr. John Scrianka was editor, and copies of the bulletin were distributed after masses on the second Sunday of the month.
The English Rosary Society was founded on July 7, 1947, to promote devotion to our Blessed Mother by praying the rosary daily, performing works of Christian charity, and aiding the church in spiritual and social affairs. It was responsible for preparing cancer dressings, participating in the National Council of Catholic Women, and sponsoring annual retreats. At present, the society holds nut and poppy seed cake sales and bakes for special parish events. Ann (Nan) Pujda was the first president. Over the years this organization established Girl Scout Troops #10 and #57 and Brownie Troop #47. Girl Scout Troop #10 was headed by Margaret Capko; Troop #57 was headed by Edith Pristas and Mary Rinkerman. The Brownie Troop was headed by Helen Saathoff, Dorothy Blanda, and Ann Supko.
To foster a closer relationship between the teachers and the parents of the school children, a Parent Teacher Association was established on February 13, 1949. Michael Ryaby was elected to lead this group through the first trying years. Some of the major accomplishments of the PTA included the starting of a cafeteria, modernizing the kindergarten, installing new lighting fixtures, and purchasing textbooks. In June 1955, to raise funds for the school, Emma Sugra, assisted by Lillian Kakascik, published the Saint Mary’s Slovak Cookbook. The cookbook contained traditional Slovak recipes collected from the women of the parish. When the school closed in 1974, the Rosary Society revised the cookbook which can still be purchased today.

Reverend Francis J. Bischoff, curate, was instrumental in starting a Boy Scout Troop at Saint Mary’s. In 1950, Troop #24 was established with Clement J. Skorupka, John Lesko, and Spenser White as its Scoutmasters. John Muttel was the Assistant Scoutmaster.
Our parish achieved a milestone on November 13, 1949 when it became free from debt. Monsignor Haitinger was present at the burning of the mortgage to witness the culmination of what began so long ago. It took only 20 years to clear the $450,000 debt. What an amazing accomplishment this was!
From 1950 to 1953, much took place in Saint Mary’s. In January 1950, Father Romanak was elevated to a Monsignor. The church was redecorated and our beautiful stained glass windows were renewed. The school was renovated to accommodate a steadily increasing enrollment in Pope Pius XII High School. More land was acquired for our cemetery. A garage and side exit for the Church and a fifth story to the convent were added. These years culminated with our 60^th Anniversary which ended with a Mass of Thanksgiving and banquet in our auditorium.
The Church later acquired land across Market Street for additional parking. The corner buildings on Monroe and First Streets were purchased for a new rectory adjoining the Church. The demolition of the old rectory and the frame church building, made parking adjacent to the church available.
In 1958, Monsignor Romanak was honored by being designated a Protonotary Apostolic. At this time, our beautiful Church was completely redecorated. An Italian marble altar, marble altar railings and pulpit were installed. Beautiful mosaics were placed behind the altars. Another building on Market Street was acquired and converted into a grade school cafeteria and social center. A new convent wing was added. All of this was made possible through the excellent management of Monsignor Romanak and the cooperation of the parishioners.
Following the changes made by the Second Vatican Council, Saint Mary’s parishioners assumed more active roles in the church. Twenty-five years ago, nine men from our parish became lectors and commentators at the English masses. Among the first to serve were Thomas Bizub, George Blasko, Emil Bolcar, Joseph Devore, Edward Fisher, Earl Meyers, Andrew Sokerka, Rudolph Sugra, and Raymond Yannette. Today there are 13 lectors serving both English and Slovak masses.
In 1968, parishioners gathered to celebrate Saint Mary’s Diamond Jubilee with a Mass followed by a banquet. Three years later, Monsignor Romanak retired and Reverend John J. Demkovich was appointed pastor. Monsignor Romanak remained in residence as Pastor Emeritus until his death on February 7, 1977. Father John eagerly took on the task of administering to the needs of his people. He established a Parish Council which continues to the present. Michael Ryaby served as its first president.
In 1981, our parish’s first Eucharistic ministers, Fran Mihalik, Bridget Screnock, and Theresa Vaxmonsky were commissioned. There are now 14 ministers serving our parish community.
The liturgy committee of the parish was instrumental in organizing the Interfaith ecumenical Group of Congregations from the City of Passaic. Eleven parishes presently comprise this group.
Father John taught the adult study clubs. The courses provided an in-depth study into various aspects of our religion. To keep parishioners informed about our church community, an annual report book is published every spring, in addition to the weekly church bulletin. A parish photo directory was compiled in 1984.
After many years of educating parish children, Saint Mary’s School closed its doors in 1974. Our parish along with Saint Joseph, Saint Stephen, Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Fatima, established the Passaic Catholic Regional School. The upper grades were housed in our school building until 1978. Since that time, both our school and convent buildings have been leased. When our parish school closed, the CCD gained momentum. Jim Racine served as the first director. Our program now is taught by all diocesan certified teachers headed by Lucia Petruska.
From 1972 to the present, other improvements were made to parish property and buildings. An indoor chapel was constructed at the cemetery and ground was cleared behind the chapel for use during outdoor liturgies. The social center and meeting room, later named the Father Salamon Center, was renovated. The inner room in the cafeteria building was dedicated to Monsignor Romanak. The CCD rooms in the school were refurbished. In the church, extensive repairs were made to the organ, a new sound system was installed, and a reconciliation room and restroom were built. The aisles were carpeted. The property on Market Street opposite the church was sold in 1985. Groundbreaking for the cemetery mausoleum was held on February 1, 1990.
While Saint Mary’s continues to keep abreast of liturgical and ceremonial changes, it simultaneously holds steadfast to Slovak traditions handed down from generation to generation. Just as our ancestors carried their Easter paskas to Church on Holy Saturday to be blessed, so do our present parishioners. Opolatky, the Christmas wafers which are eaten at the holy supper on Christmas Eve, are still disturbed during Advent.
One of our most enjoyable social events is our annual parish picnic and reunion held in August near the Feast of Assumption. Years ago, the picnic was held at various parks and groves located in nearby communities. Now our church grounds are used for the reunion which brings together old and new parishioners who enjoy reminiscing about the good old days.
Although the number of parishioners attending Saint Mary’s has decreased over the years, its territorial lines have no boundary. Parishioners from more than 20 communities regularly attend services. Because of the size of the parish and our ethnic heritage, Father John was able to invite his parish family for kielbasy dinners in the rectory. In small groups, parishioners came for a Saturday night supper. Parishioners were able to truly experience the closeness of Saint Mary’s as we gathered together at Father John’s table.
On May 21, 1989, Father Demkovich was elevated to the rank of Monsignor. To celebrate this occasion, a buffet dinner was held in the auditorium.
Saint Mary’s Parish has witnessed an eventful and fruitful century of progress. With hearts filled with gratitude to a good and generous God who has showered untold blessings upon us, and to Mary our guide and patroness, we celebrate our Centennial Jubilee. Proud of our history, inspired by our heritage, and filled with faith, hope, and love in God, we pray that future generations will continue to serve Saint Mary’s in years to come.