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A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects St. Mary's/Polishville Church |
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A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects St. Mary's/Polishville Church |
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, February 9, 1881
Page 3, Column 4
The Brighton Reporter says a new Polish Catholic church is to be built in Walnut township the coming season.
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
November 9, 1881
Page 3, Column 5
The Pleasant Plain "News" says the Germans and Poles have joined hands in the erection of the new Catholic church in Walnut township. The building will be 30x70 feet, and the steeple seventy feet in height. EDWARDS & LYNN have the contract.
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
May 31, 1882
Page 3, Column 5
Says the Pleasant Plain "News": EDWARDS & LYNN, the workmen on the Polish church, have finished the tower, which is seventy-four feet high.
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Brighton Enterprise
Saturday, April 27, 1889
Page 4, Column 1
A fine new parsonage is being built at the Polish Catholic church south of town, for the priest.
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Brighton Enterprise
Saturday, May 18, 1889
Page 4, Column 6
PLEASANT PLAIN. The parsonage of the Polish church east of town is now almost finished and speaks well for the carpenters BENNETT and WOODFORD.
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Brighton Enterprise
September 9, 1893
Page 4, Column 3
Mr. LaMOTT succeeded in getting a well at the Polish church at the depth of 90 feet.
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, May 9, 1894
Page 4, Column 3
Father TYSCZKE, who has had charge of the Polish Catholic church in Penn (sic - Walnut) township for a year past, has been transferred to Omaha, Neb.
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Brighton Enterprise
Saturday, July 25, 1903
Page 6, Column 3
Rev. A. TYSZKA, who has been the priest at the Polish Catholic Church for two or three years past, has gone to Pennsylvania where he becomes pastor of another and stronger church. Polish priests seem to be scarce and none has yet been sent here by the bishop to take his place.
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Brighton Enterprise
Saturday, October 24, 1903
Page 1, Column 2
GERMANVILLE. John KASOWSKY is building a large nine room house near the Polish church.
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
August 24, 1904
The Polish Catholic congregation in Walnut township has purchased a 2,000 pound bell, probably the largest in the county, for its church.
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Jefferson County "Republican"
June 30, 1911
Page 8, Column 3
PLEASANT PLAIN. The members of the Polish church in Walnut township will hold a picnic and serve dinner Thursday at the church. All invited to attend.
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Jefferson County "Republican"
July 7, 1911
Page 8, Column 3
PLEASANT PLAIN. The Polish people had an ideal day for their picnic Thursday. There was a very large crowd and financially it was also a success.
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Brighton Enterprise
Saturday, October 28, 1911
Page 1, Column 3
EAST PLEASANT PLAIN. A class of 74 persons will be confirmed at St. Mary's Polish church next Sunday....
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Saturday, October 20, 1923
Page 8, Column 2
CHURCH TO MARK FORTIETH YEAR
Polishville Catholic Church Will Celebrate Anniversary Tomorrow
The Immaculate Conception Church at Polishville, near East Pleasant Plain, will celebrate its fortieth anniversary tomorrow. After forty years of existence, amidst few Polish settlers in Iowa, the church is still maintained for the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Only a few of its founders are now living, but their faithful children continue to support the church of their fathers.
The celebration opens with a four days mission, given by the Rev. Joseph Ziemba, C. R., who will preach in Polish. Church services will be held every day at 9 oclock in the morning and at 7:30 oclock in the evening till Thursday October 25, commencing at 10 oclock Sunday Mass.
For the benefit of the English speaking members of the parish, there will be another four days mssion, given in English by the Rev. John Handley, S. S. P., commencing Oct. 28. Church services at 9 oclock in the morning and at 7:30 oclock in the evening. On All Saints Day, children will receive first Holy Communion and the mission will close the following day.
Mission is a rare opportunity for all to hear the Catholic religion explained and for some to learn more about God and His church and about their own destiny. No one can afford to miss this opportunity. All need to know God and all are welcome.--
Rev. Joseph F. Weiss.
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Brighton Enterprise
Thursday, August 4, 1932
Page 1, Column 6
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION AT POLISHVILLE AUG. 10.
Ladies of St. Mary's to serve chicken dinner after church services.
It was during the month of August that Rev. Father SCHIFFMAN of Fairfield celebrated the first Holy Mass in the newly completed St. Mary's Church at Polishville.
Great was the joy of the Catholics belonging to that church and tears of joy flowed abundantly. To commemorate in a fitting manner the completion of the church and the celebrating of the first Holy Mass the following Golden Jubilee celebration is arranged for the 10th of August at 9:30 o'clock.
Solemn High Mass coram Episcopo, Jubilee Sermon in Polish by the Rev. Joseph KOPSZYNSKI of St. Mary, Nebraska.
Jubilee Sermon in English by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Ladislaus BOBKIEWICZ P.P. of LaSalle, Ill.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by the Most Rev. Henry P. BOHLMAN D.D. of Davenport, Iowa.
His Excellency, the Most Rev. Bishop of Davenport, several Rt. Rev. Monsignori and quite a number of priests are to take part in the celebration on August 10th arranged by the people of St. Mary's and its pastor.
After the church services the ladies of St. Mary's will serve chicken dinner in cafeteria style. In the afternoon and evening an old time picnic interspersed with music and a program will be put on. Everybody is welcome. Everybody come and help celebrate St. Mary's Golden Jubilee.
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Brighton Enterprise
Thursday, August 18, 1932
Page 1, Column 6
CELEBRATE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
Rev. F. GELSKI of Chicago is Celebrant of High Mass.
Wednesday, August 10th, a celebration was held at Polishville commemorating the Golden Anniversary of St. Mary's Church.
St. Mary's Church was built in August, 1882. So many came to help celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this beloved church that only one half of those present were able to get in to the church itself.
The altars were banked with yellow flowers.
The celebrant of the High Mass that began at 9:30 was Rev. Francis GELSKI of Chicago. Deacon Rev. Joseph KOPSHINSKI (sic - KOPSZYNSKI) of St. Mary's, Neb., Sub Deacon Rev. S. KUBAH of Kewanee, Illinois, Master of Ceremonies, Rev. A. KLEINFIELDER of Clear Creek, Iowa.
A splendid sermon was given in both English and Polish and the Sacrament of Confirmation administered by the Most Rev. H. P. ROHLMAN D.D. to Mary Valentine DOBRAS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. DOBRAS.
The services closed by "Holy God We Praise Thy Name" being sung in Polish.
In the dining room of the Rectory at the noon hour the ladies of St. Mary's served a delicious chicken dinner to all the Clergy. Those who enjoyed this bountiful spread were as follows: Most Rev. H. P. ROHLMAN D.D., Rt. Rev. Msgr. F. J. LEONARD, Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. CONE, Rev. S. JACOBSMEIR, Rev. F. JAGRIELSKI, Rev. J. KOPSZYNSKI, Rev. E. GAULE, Rev. J. O'DONNELL, Rev. S. KUBIAK, Rev. M. KAUFFMAN, Rev. E. SEIDEL, Rev. F. SHAEFERS, Rev. Wm. ADRAIN, Rev. J. HELLER, Rev. J. KLUMPP and Rev. H. SENDBUEHLER.
On the church lawn friends from far and near enjoyed a picnic dinner and the afternoon hours were enjoyed with a lively ball game and other sports. A social good time will be long remembered by all who attended this memorable event.
The history of the Mission of St. Mary's, Polishville, as compiled by Miss Adaline PECK, St. Mary's present Organist, will be printed in the next week's issue of the Enterprise.
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The Brighton Enterprise
Thursday, August 25, 1932
Page 2, Column 1
MISS ADELINE PECK WRITES HISTORY OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
To the memory of the pioneer priests and Catholic settlers; to all living and deceased priests and pioneers of St. Mary's Church in Walnut Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, this souvenir is dedicated. May the noble deeds they have done for country and church be an inspiration for their children's children unto the end of time. Our prayer this day is that they may be enjoying eternal rest in their Heavenly Mansions, with their God whom they served so well here on this earth.
Compiled by Miss Adeline PECK,
St. Mary's Present Organist.
The Mission of St. Mary's, Polishville, or better the Immaculate Conception, stands as a monument to the faith of the pioneers, who in the years 1878-1882 worked toward its erection. Although only a small humble building, made of native lumber, it has stood the past fifty years watching the progress of the Catholic faith in the Polish settlement of Southeastern Iowa. It is located on a hill about four miles Southeast of East Pleasant Plain, five miles South of Brighton and thirteen miles Northeast of Fairfield.
The history of St. Mary's brings home to us the true faith and the deep Love for God of the men and women of the early days. To have a home in which to live was not sufficient but a home in which they might worship their Lord and Master and assist at the Holy Sacrific of the Mass. Twenty-eight Polish families, with approval of the Most Rev. Bishop of Davenport, branched off from the Germanville Mission Church to start the church for the Catholics of their own nationality.
With the exception of a year or two, St. Mary's was open regularly since the day it was dedicated. Since the departure of Father OSTROWSKI, a resident pastor of nine years, the Polish congregation began to gradually decrease, until up to the present time, the parishioners (sic) number so few that they are unable to support a resident priest. It is now under the charge of Father SENDBUEHLER, the pastor of St. Joseph's at East Pleasant Plain, who serves the Mission on the first and third Sundays of the month.
Adjacent the Church there is the "God's Acre" or cemetery, where lie a goodly number of the pioneers and their children. May God, for whom they labored so well, grant them eternal rest.
Dedication and First Mass in the Church.
Sometime in August 1882, the first Mass was celebrated by Rev. SCHIFFMACHER.
On October 21, 1883 the church was solemnly dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Rev. BAZERENSKI.
Following is the group that received their first Holy Communion with Father SCHIFFMACHER as pastor:
| Frank JAGELSKI | Mary ZELINSKI |
| Paul JAGELSKI | Pauline GLINSKI |
| Barbara JAGELSKI | Martha DRISH |
| Ella JAGELSKI | Josephine IVORSKI |
| Lizzie SINDA | Eva PECK |
| Marie KASOWSKI | Agatha KURKA |
Order of Priests Who Served St. Mary's
1. Rev. Father BAZERENSKI of Chicago. About 1878 he held a meeting with the Polish people at the Albert KASOWSKI residence in regard to building a Polish Catholic Church.
2. Rev. Father SHULAK of Chicago, 1879-1882. Founder of St. Mary's.
3. Rev. Father SCHIFFMACHER of Fairfield. He said the first Mass at St. Mary's in August 1882 and came once a month to hold services.
4. Rev. Father J. J. MORAN of Neola, 1885-1889. He took charge of St. Mary's on November 6, 1885 as the first resident pastor, living in Frank DRISH's house at first, then at Brighton and Washington.
5. Rev. Father M. T. ORSECHOWSKI, 1889-1892. Parish house built.
6. Rev. Father A. TYSKA, 1892. Came from Europe. Ordained at Davenport, purposely for the Polish settlement. Now living at Colfax, Iowa. Retired.
7. Rev. Father J. J. MORAN, 1892-1893. Died at Des Moines, March 31, 1931.
8. Rev. Father A. TYSKA, 1894.
9. Rev. Father GINGLINGER of Davenport, 1895. Now Rt. Rev. Msgr. of St. Joseph's Church in Davenport.
10. Rev. Father B. M. SKULIK, 1895-1896.
11. Rev. Father KOMINIK, 1896-1900.
12. Rev. Father A. TYSKIA, 1900-1903.
13. Rev. Father RAYSKI, 1903-1905.
14. Rev. Father MIPLASZENSKI, 1905-1907.
15. Rev. Father J. BURZYNSKI, 1907-1908.
16. Rev. Father L. KANIA, O.F.M. 1909. Now in Pulaski, Wisconsin.
17. Rev. Father L. GRATZA, 1909-1910.
18. Rev. Father H. OSTROWSKI, 1910-1919. Now in South River, N.J.
19. Rev. Father M. DYMINSKI, 1919-1920. Now in Eureka, Mo.
20. Rev. Father J. CIS, 1920-1921. Now in Polonia, Texas.
21. Rev. Father WEISS, 1923-1925. Was a newly ordained priest and said his first Solemn High Mass at St. Mary's. Now of Northheim, Wisconsin.
22. Rev. Father J. KOPSZYNSKI, 1926-1930. Was the last resident pastor of St. Mary's. Now of St. Mary's Nebraska.
23. Rev. Father H. SENDBUEHLER of East Pleasant Plain. He serves St. Mary's on the first and third Sundays of each month.
The Bell and Cemetery at St. Mary's.
In the fall of 1883 Rev. Father SCHIFFMACHER saw that it was necessary to have a bell and a cemetery. He proposed a plan, it was accepted, and carried out in the following manner. Three acres of land, across the road from the church, were bought of John JAGELSKI at twenty-five dollars an acre. It was divided into lots and sold at five dollars each -- to prompt subscribers. Those leaving their subscription were requested to pay ten dollars. The proceeds of which amounted to $155.00 paid for the land and the remaining $80.00 went toward the Bell which was obtained from the Buckeye Bell foundry, of Vanduzen and Tift, Cincinnati, Ohio, at a price of $175.75. The balance of $93.75 was paid at a later date.
On the second day of November, 1883, Rev. M. T. SCHIFFMACHER blessed both the cemetery and the bell. The bell was named St. John of Nepomnc (sic - NEPOMUC). Mrs. Albert KASOWSKI and Ignatius JAGELSKI acted as sponsors. It was raised and placed in the tower the same day.
This bell has a beautiful mellow voice and has called to the people of the vicinity for many years. It has pealed forth the Angelus during early morning hours, at High Noon, and its sound has called the tired farmers in the evening hours to prayer. It has also been its sad duty to toll the news of the death of many of the pioneers and its tones have accompanied many to their silent graves.
Necessary Articles at St. Mary's.
Main Altar was built by Fred ARNDT. The two side Altars, St. Mary's and St. Joseph's, were also built by Fred ARNDT.
The pulpit was donated by Alex KELLER and Frank DRISH.
Mass Book was obtained from S.S. Peter and Paul's Church of Germanville.
Altar Stone and Chalice were obtained through twenty-five subscribers.
Large Crucifixes were presented by Frank KOLLOCH, Matthias DRISH, and John KURKA.
Station of the Way of the Cross were presented by Albert KASOWSKI.
Statue of St. Joseph was presented by Paul KASOWSKI.
Two Holy Water Fountains were presented by Albert KASOWSKI.
Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary, Altar Flowers and Vases were presented by the Ladies of the Church.
Two large Altar Candle Sticks were presented by Henry KASOWSKI and Anthony SHELANGOSKI.
The four Small Altar Sticks were presented by Rev. Father SHULAK, the founder.
The following was donated by Rev. M. C. SCHIFFMACHER:
1 Cape and Velum.
1 Sanctuary Lamp.
1 Thuribulum and boar for incense.
1 Ostemsorius.
1 Ciborium.
In January 1886 Thomas JAGELSKI and Peter SZEMANSKI made a vestment case for the Sacristy.
In March 1886 Thomas JAGELSKI made the tabernacle for the Blessed Sacrament.
Facts About St. Mary's.
The property, three acres of land, were purchased for Twenty-five dollars per acre from John JAGELSKI.
It was agreed by all the members to haul rock and furnish such timber as suitable for the erection of the church. As much as possible to be hauled the coming winter. The members were as follows:
| Albert KASOWSKI | John KURKA |
| John JAGELSKI | Peter SHEMANSKI |
| Paul SUDA | Matthias DRISH |
| Frank DRISH | Paul KASOWSKI |
| Semon DRISH | Frank PACHA |
| Frank KOLLOCH | Albert JAGELSKI |
| Joseph PECK | Andrew KASOWSKI |
| Kasper TZELINSKI | Peter JAGELSKI |
| Michael KOZLOSKI | Matthias DRISH |
| Mrs. Anna MELINSKI | Joseph BENDA |
| Augustus KREGOSKI | Peter CHEMELOWSKI |
| Vincent DAMICALOSKI | Martin TZECHARIA |
| Theadore PECK | John YOROWSKI |
| Albert LISK | Andrew MELINSKI |
| Stanislaus JAGELSKI | Jacob PACHA |
| Anthony SHELANGOSKI | Ignatius JAGELSKI |
| Thomas JAGELSKI | Appolanary CHEMELOWSKI |
| Appolanary VIZEBECKIC |
The rocks and the four main sills were donated by a Protestant lady, Mrs. PARKS (sic - PARK).
The rocks were hauled in the winter of 1880.
The timber was sawed at Harvey's Mill, which was located on what is known as the Lucas ZAHARRIS farm, in June and hauled to the church ground in the fall.
In the fall of 1881, Zacharias MANNHARDT, together with the members, built the foundation of the church. Mr. MANNHARDT received Twenty-four Dollars and seventy-five cents for his work.
Father SKULAK made the plans of the church.
Thomas LINN and Walter EDWARDS of Pleasant Plain built the church, not including the altars, pews and painting, for the sum of Five Hundred and fifty dollars. They received Ten dollars and forty cents for this work.
The church was raised on January 2, 1882.
The First Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father SCHIFFMACHER in August 1882.
Mary KASOWSKI was the first organist.
The church was dedicated in honor of the Immaculate Heart of St. Mary, by Rev. Father BAZERENSKI, on October 21, 1883.
The first person to be buried in the cemetery was Mrs. Agnes ZELENSKI.
Maggie ZAHARRIS and Joseph BANDURA were the first couple married in the church.
Father JAGELSKI, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi (Polish), Chicago, was born and raised in the Polish settlement.
The present church committee consists of: Alex SHELANGOSKI, Joseph ZELINSKI, Peter SHEMANSKI.
Families who at Present are Attending St. Mary's.
| Mrs. Julia BORKOWSKA | Charles G. PECK |
| John CIEZIELSKI | Frank M. PECK |
| Bronislaw DOBRAS | Paul T. PECK |
| Frank DRISH | Peter P. PECK |
| John D. DRISH | Mrs. Lucy ROGAL |
| Mrs. Maryanna DRISH | Mrs. Peter SOBASKI |
| Martin DRZYCIMSKI | Peter H. SHELANGOWSKI |
| Michalina JAWORSKIA | Mrs. Konst. SHELANGOWSKI |
| Ralph KASOWSKI | Vincent SHELANGOWSKI |
| John MOSINSKI | Louis SHULTZ |
| Adam MOSINSKI | Peter SHEMANSKI |
| Joseph ZELINSKI |
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Monday, May 11, 1936
Page 2, Column 6
St. Mary's Church, Polishville, scene of a very pretty wedding Saturday morning -- Miss Emilia PECK to Chester MOSINSKI. The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter PECK of Richland. Groom is son of John MOSINSKI and is a prosperous young farmer.
Grave marker in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield:
MOSINSKI, Chester E., 1908-1955. (sic - Chester Frank)
MOSINSKI, Emilia M., 1909-____. (sic - she died in 1985)
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Thursday, August 13, 1936
Page 7, Column 3
ADVERTISEMENT. St. Mary's church, Polishville, will hold their annual chicken supper Sunday, August 16.
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"A CHURCH THAT ONCE KNEW HAPPY EASTERS" -- Picture Magazine, Des Moines Sunday Register, March 26, 1967. What time and vandals have done in Polishville. Register photographs from Oneita FISHER.
There will be no Easter services today in St. Mary's Catholic Church just northeast of Fairfield in Jefferson County's Walnut township. St. Mary's is a landmark in Walnut township, known as "Polishville" because of the many immigrants from Poland who settled there in and around the 1880s. The church was erected in 1882 and dedicated by the Rev. Father BAZERENSKI Oct. 21, 1883. The little cemetery across the road from the building hears (sic) such names as JAGELSKI, SINDA (?), KASOWSKI, ZELINSKI, DRISH, IVORSKI, KURKA, ARNDT, PACHA, KREGOSKY, LAMANSKI and VIZEBECKIC (sic - WIEZBISKIE), to name just a sampling.
Most of the families have now moved away, and the church, which observed its 50th anniversary in 1932, has not been used for regular services for about 20 years. Time, weather and, sorriest of all, vandals, have left their marks on the building. Now Easter, which in the old days saw crowds filling the stout, carved pews, is just another day at St. Mary's.
Forlorn and abandoned, St. Mary's Church stands as a reminder of another day in Polishville. The church was built by Thomas LINN and Walter EDWARDS of Pleasant Plain for $550, not including altar, pews and painting. They received $10.40 for painting the steeple, which is 70 feet high and visible for miles. Four white oak pillars, 14 inches square, and 40 feet long, support the belfry. They were too large for sawmills of the day to handle, so they were hewn by hand.
Broken glass tells a story of the vandalism wrecking the old church.... The window arrangement and other exterior decorating details are unusual. A Chicago pastor designed the building.
An "offering" of weeds by an irreverent visitor lends a pathetic touch to a large figure of reclining Christ inside the church. The statue, made of plaster, is five feet long. Such figures are said to be typical of churches in Poland.
The main altar in center front is said to have cost $1,600. Many of the religious figures have been removed, some to the parish of St. Joseph's in neighboring Pleasant Plain. Ornate pulpit has intricate carving, as do the pews. Mrs. Paul PECK, now 84, who came to the parish as a 4-year-old, remembers sitting on planks placed across nail kegs before the pews were ready.
The bell was removed last fall to be used eventually in St. Joseph's Church, of which the Rev. E. SHEPPERT is pastor. The bell, 20 per cent steel, 80 per cent bronze, weighs 700 pounds and cost $176 in 1883. Churchmen say it now would cost about $1,650. It has a special arm for tolling the death knell.
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Brighton Enterprise
Thursday, July 11, 1918
Page 1, Column 3
St. Mary's church dedicates service flag. Polish people have 8 stars on their flag of honor...
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Brighton Enterprise
Thursday, August 8, 1918
Page 1, Column 3
St. Mary's church (Polishville) has four more stars....
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Friday, July 16, 1971
Page 1, Column 1
Historic Church, Rectory Burn
E. PLEASANT PLAIN -- Fire of unknown origin destroyed the old Polishville Catholic Church and rectory Thursday evening.
Neither structure has been used for many years. The property is owned by the Davenport Diocese.
The fire started in the church and quickly spread to the rectory, a two-story frame structure. The Brighton Fire Department was called but the fire had made too much headway.
Both the church and rectory have been damaged by vandals in recent years. The church is located in Walnut Township(.)
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"Fairfield, Ia. Ledger
Saturday, July 17, 1971
Building Erected In 1882--
Flames Bring End To Landmark Church
Only charred ruins and blackened ground today marks the scene of one of Jefferson County's old landmarks.
The Polishville Catholic Church and its nearby two-story Rectory were both destroyed by a brief and roaring blaze early Thursday evening.
Its demise could be compared with the sudden death of an elderly person. Its final destruction was sudden and complete.
But part of it lives on. When the church was finally closed and no longer regularly used, the old bell was removed from the tower and is now in the hands of the St. Joseph Catholic Church at East Pleasant Plain.
Plans have been made to place it in a tower to be erected near the entrance in the comparatively new and beautiful church in East Pleasant Plain. Perhaps the destruction of the old church will give new impetus to the tower plans.
Kenny HUMSTON, 19, Brighton, and Jeff DRISH, 13, were among the first to notice the church fire Thursday evening. They were putting up hay in a field about a half mile west of the old building when they noticed smoke around the structure.
As it continued to get worse they decided to investigate. Before they could get to the church it burst out in flames.
Young DRISH is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard DRISH, route 1, Brighton. Mrs. DRISH was on her way to get the young men putting up hay when she too saw the church break out in flames.
She called Father Francis BASS at the East Pleasant Plain Rectory who in turn notified the Brighton Fire Department. But it was too late. The flames, which appeared to have started in the east end of the old building, soon spread to the two-story rectory nearby. In a matter of minutes both were nothing but smoldering ruins.
The church history dates back to March 15, 1880, when a group of Polish immigrants met at the home of Albert KASOWSKI in Walnut Township to discuss plans for erecting a Polish Catholic Church for Polish members of the Germanville Mission. They could not understand the services spoken in German.
Construction on the new church began in January, 1882, and the first services were held in October the same year. The timbers were sawed from nearby trees and the rock was hauled to the site by parish members.
The last resident priest to serve the church and occupy the rectory was Father J. KOPCZYNSKI whose term of service ended in 1930. It was then served as a mission from the East Pleasant Plain Church, and finally was terminated for regular worship about 1945. Since then it was used only periodically for funerals.
Following its complete closing, the old church stood forlorn and abandoned. Time, weather and vandals had taken their toll. Most of the ornate interior had been removed or destroyed. Beer cans in later years littered the floor.
The once proud old church which stood as a reminder of another day, suffers no longer.
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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Monday, July 19, 1971
Special Mass In Polishville Burial Ground
A special Mass will be conducted in the Polishville Cemetery Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. The rural cemetery is across the road west from the old Polishville Catholic Church and Rectory which were destroyed by fire last thursday (sic) evening.
The Mass Wednesday evening will be conducted by Father Francis BASS, pastor of the St. Joseph Catholic Church at East Pleasant Plain.
Fortunately, the old bell that once was heard throughout the countryside while the church was in use, had been removed. Plans are being made to place it in a tower near the entrance to the St. Joseph Church in East Pleasant Plain. Part of the old Polishville Church will live on.
The old church, a landmark in Jefferson County, dates back to 1882 when it was erected by a group of Polish immigrants who had settled in Walnut Township. The clurch was closed for regular services in 1945.
Since then time (sic), weather and vandals had taken their toll. The two old frame buildings were completely destroyed in a fire of unknown origin which burned rapidly.
No doubt many persons who attended the church long years ago are laid to rest in the cemetery across the road. Tombstones in the cemetery bear such names as JAGELSKI, SINDA (?), KASOWSKI, ZELINSKI, DRISH, IVORSKI, KURKA, ARNDT, PACHA, KREGOSKY, LAMANSKY and VIZEBECKIC (sic - WEIZBISKIE) plus many others.
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"Fairfield, Ia. Ledger"
Thursday, July 22, 1971
Pages 1 and 5
200 Attend Memorial Mass --
Service Honors Polishville Pioneers
Amongst gravestones dating back almost a century, a Memorial Mass was conducted in the Polishville Catholic Cemetery in Walnut Township Wednesday evening.
The service was held in memory of those pioneers who erected the old Polishville St. Mary Catholic Church, and the church itself which served the community for so many years.
The old structure, which dated back to 1882, and the nearby rectory were completely destroyed by fire of unknown origin Thursday evening, July 15.
It is fortunate the old bell that hung in the 70-foot belfry had been removed some years ago after the church was no longer regularly used.
Plans are now being made to place the bell in a tower at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at East Pleasant Plain so its mellow tone can again be heard throughout the surrounding countryside.
The Memorial Mass was conducted by Father Frances BASS, pastor of the St. Joseph Church. He paid tribute to those devout Polish immigrants who had an extreme desire to have a place of worship of their own where they could understand the language.
"They were willing to give of themselves and their possessions, they planned together and worked together to obtain their goal," Father BASS stated.
"It is in memory of those pioneers, some of them fore-fathers of many present here tonight, that we hold this memorial service."
While referring to the fire which completely destroyed the old frame church in a matter of minutes, Father BASS remarked, "It is as though we have had a death in the family. The old church is gone. It's time (sic) has been served. It has been taken by God.
"We have benefitted by the labors of those who built the church, by their sacrifice and love of God. Tonight we are with them in spirit."
The church is gone, but its memory will long remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
The well kept cemetery was a proper setting for the Memorial Mass Wednesday evening. It is located across the road west from where the old church recently stood.
It is on the brow of a hill from which a person looks down in any direction, overlooking the rolling countryside.
The temporary altar was located between two stately old cedar trees which have stood guard over the graves for many years, probably since the burial ground was established.
During the service the sun was sinking low in the west behind fleecy clouds, allowing shafts of the sun's rays to climb high in the sky overhead. A cool, comfortable breeze was blowing.
The church was erected in 1882 and the nearby rectory was built in 1890 so the parish could have a full time priest. A succession of Polish Priests served the parish including such names as Father ORZECHOWSKI, OSTROWSKI, DYMINSKI, GIGLINGER, SHULIK and others.
The last resident priest, Father KOPCZYNSKI, left the parish in 1930. After he left the church was served from the East Pleasant Plain Parish. Eventually it was no longer used.
Time, weather and vandals had taken their toll of the old buildings before they were finally destoryed (sic) by the fire.
An estimated 200 persons gathered in the cemetery to take part in the services Wednesday night. Norbert CHUCK served as commentator; and the following served as altar boys, John GEVOCK, Ed DRZYCINSKI and Dennis DRISH.
As Father BASS gave the benediction, the sun dipped below the horizon, creating one of those beautiful sunsets one long remembers.
~~~~
Brighton Enterprise - News
Thursday, July 22, 1971
Page 10
Tribute to St. Mary's Church -- Polishville
Compiled and written by Rev. Francis E. BASS
St. Mary's Church at Polishville, (Brighton) Iowa was destroyed by a fire on Thursday evening, July 15, 1971. Between six and six-thirty that evening smoke was first sighted from this historical landmark. Blazes had consumed the church by the hour of seven. The adjacent rectory soon became a victim of the intense heat created by the flames of fire as it was destroying the nearby church. This small wooden church was known and loved by many. It stood atop a hill in Walnut Township in Jefferson County, and was located about four miles southeast of East Pleasant Plain, five miles south of Brighton, and thirteen miles northeast of Fairfield. The cross on the top of the 70-foot steeple could be viewed for many miles from the rolling countryside.
Although the building is gone, the history of this church should be remembered by the descendants of the hard-working pioneer Catholics who were the first members of St. Mary's Parish. It was deep faith and a love of God that caused these men and women to desire a church of their own in which they could worship God. Twenty-eight Polish families with the approval of the Most Reverend Bishop John HENNESSEY, Bishop of Dubuque, branched off from the Germanville Mission Parish of Sts. Peter and Paul to start a Church for Catholics of their own nationality. About 1878, Father Vincent BAZERENSKI, a Priest from Chicago, met with these pioneer Polish settlers in regard to the building of a church, and the idea began to grow.
The people gathered together for a meeting on March 15, 1880, at the home of Albert KASOWSKI for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions for the erection of the church. Mr. KASOWSKI was chairman of this meeting, and also of the building committee appointed that day. Thomas GELSKI was appointed Secretary and Paul SUDA, Treasurer. A site was chosen for the church on the southwest corner of the John GELSKI farm and $1,336.00 was subscribed at that meeting; half to be paid on December 25, 1880 and the second half on December 25, 1881. Another meeting was planned for December 26, 1880, and they adjourned.
The second meeting was held on the appointed day, again the meeting was held at the KASOWSKI home. Those present were informed that Father SHULAK of Chicago, who became the founder of St. Mary's, was satisfied with the location which was selected. Three acres of land were bought at a cost of twenty-five dollars an acre. The members agreed to quarry and haul stone for the foundation and to furnish their native timber for the framework of the church.
In January of 1881 the stone was quarried on the farm of a Mrs. PARKS (sic), "a Protestant lady," it was duly noted in the original Parish records. She gave the rock and four principal sticks of timber. The stone was hauled to the church grounds that winter and the logs for the framework were taken to Harvey's Mill to be sawed. The lumber was sawed in June, and taken to the grounds so all was ready to begin.
In the fall (1881) the foundation was built of the stone by Zacharias MANHART, with assistance of the men of the Parish. He was paid $24.75 for his work, as he was not a parishoner, not being listed on the original Parish rolls. Father SHULAK had drawn up the plans and specifications for the building. The contract for the carpentry work was awarded to Thomas LINN and Walter EDWARDS. They were to be paid $550.00 for the carpentry work and $10.40 extra for painting of the tower.
On December 26, 1881, the little group of pioneers met again. The seond half of their subscriptions had been paid the day before, so now they were ready to build thier (sic) long awaited church. On January 2, 1882, the framework was raised and the building took shape. It was completed in the fall, and Father M. T. SCHEIFFMACHER of Fairfield said the first Mass in October, 1882. He came once a month thereafter to conduct services. Furnishings for the church were donated by members of the parish, and parishoners also built the altars, the tabernacle, and the vestment case.
In the fall of 1883, three acres of land across the road from the church was bought for a cemetery, again at the cost of twenty-five dollars an acre. It was divided into lots, and these lots sold for five dollars if paid for at once, and those who paid later, paid ten dollars per lot. This raised money to pay for the cemetery land and also to buy a bell for the church tower.
On October 21, 1883, Father BAZERENSKI came from Chicago for the dedication of the church, at which time it was dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On November 2, of the same year the cemetery was blessed and the bell was christened by Father SCHEIFFMACHER. A bell is christened as a person would be baptized. The Priest who christened the bell would fast for two days in advance of the event. The bell was named St. John NEPOMUCENE. Mrs. Albert KASOWSKI and Ignatius GELSKI were sponsors. It was raised and placed in the tower the same day. When the church was finally closed and no longer regularly used, the old bell was removed from the tower and is now in the hands of the St. Joseph Catholic Church at East Pleasant Plain. Plans have been made to place it in a tower to be erected near the entrance to the comparatively new and beautiful church at East Pleasant Plain.
Apparently these early settlers were a hardy lot, for they had no heat in the church until two stoves were purchased in November, 1885. They had gone three Iowa winters, worshiping in an unheated church.
A rectory was built around 1890, so the Parish could have a full time resident Priest. A succession of Polish Priests served at St. Mary's, from Father ORZECHOWSKI through Fathers TYSKA, GIGLINGER, SKULIK, KOMINIK, MIPLASZENSKI, BURZYNSKI, OSTROWSKI, DYMINSKI, and others down to Father KOPCZYNCSKI (sic - KOPCZYNSKI), who was the last resident Priest, leaving in 1930.
The little church had its share of weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other events. The first couple to be married there was Maggie ZAHARRIS and Joseph BONDURA. The first person buried in the new cemetery was Mrs. Agnes ZELINSKI. In 1923 Father Joseph WEISS, a newly ordained Priest, said his first Solemn High Mass at St. Mary's.
A native son of the Parish, Frank GELSKI, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas GELSKI, grew up to be ordained a Priest.
After Father KOPCZYNSKI left in 1930, St. Mary's was served by the Priest from East Pleasant Plain who came on alternate Sundays. Eventually this dwindled away to where Mass was no longer offered there, except for funerals. Now the church itself is gone, but the memory will long remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
~~~~
"The Fairfield Ledger"
Thursday, August 5, 1971
Page 1, Column 4
Church Members Open Fund Drive For Bell Tower
BRIGHTON -- Leonard DRISH, Brighton, has been selected to head a drive for funds for the erection of a bell tower to house the bell which was used for many years at St. Mary's Church, Polishville, which was destroyed by fire July 5.
Some years ago after the old church was no longer regularly used, the bell had been removed from the tower for safe keeping.
Those who remember the bell say its clear tones could be hears for miles around each Sunday morning.
The proposed new tower is to be erected at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in East Pleasant Plain.
Shortly after the fire a campaign was organized to raise funds for the project. The first report meeting of the campaign will be held at St. Joseph's Hall tonight at 8 p.m.
Leonard DRISH, chairman of the campaign, is the son of the late Frank DRISH, one of the last trustees of the Parish.
The tower designed to house the 700-pound bell will be fitted with electronic equipment so it will be a swinging bell at a cost of about $2,800.
The tower itself will be 48 feet, six inches to the cross. The bell will clear the top of the roof of the nearby church which is 33 feet. The bell will be 36 feet, six inches from the ground.
The structure will be eight-sided with a diameter of six feet, five and a quarter inches. Above the bell will be a spire of colored translucent material which can be lighted at night. The estimated cost of the tower is placed at about $9,000.
A bronze plaque will commemorate the pioneers of the area who gave unselfishly of their time and limited materials to erect the Polishville Church in 1882.
~~~~
"Fairfield, Ia. Ledger"
Thursday, December 23, 1971
New Tower Erected --
Old Polishville Bell To Ring On Christmas Eve
After a silence of several years, the old Polishville Church bell will ring out again Christmas Eve.
It will call worshippers from the surrounding countryside to the Midnight Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in East Pleasant Plain.
The bell has been placed in a new tower at the church. The tower is designed to house the 700-pound bell and is fitted with electronic equipment so it will ring automatically from its swinging position.
The octagon-shaped tower is 38 feet high to the cone or spire, and is six feet, five inches in diameter. The bell is 36 feet above the ground.
A cone, or spire extends 12 feet above the tower and bell, capped with a ten-foot high aluminum cross.
The cone is constructed of aluminum frame covered with amber-colored translucent material which can be lighted at night.
The cross is built of three-inch square aluminum material. The spire and cross were constructed by David PECH at the Pech Welding Shop located at the north edge of Fairfield.
The tower was built by the Wesley Barton Construction Co., Mount Pleasant, and plans were drawn by Ervin HUNEKE, Fairfield. The tower was designed to blend in with the architectural design of St. Joseph Church.
The bell, 88 years old, ceased to ring when it was removed from the old Polishville church steeple some thirty years ago when the church itself was closed and no longer used for regular services.
The church was erected by pioneer residents of the community in 1882, and the rectory was built two years later in 1890 (sic - seven years later, in 1889).
After it was closed the old frame structure stood forlorn and abandoned. Time, weather and vandals had taken their toll. Most of the ornate interior had been removed or destroyed.
The once attractive and proud building and nearby rectory were totally destroyed by fire of unknown origin July 15, 1971.
The Rev. Francis E. BASS, pastor of the St. Joseph Church, said the sudden loss of the old landmark gave added impetus to a drive that had been started earlier to build a tower at St. Joseph's Church in East Pleasant Plain in which to hang the bell.
Leonard DRISH, Brighton, was named to head the drive for funds to erect the new bell tower. The first report meeting of the campaign was held at the St. Joseph Church Aug. 5.
The campaign surged forward, plans were continued and work started on the project. It is nearly completed. While the bell will start ringing again Christmas Eve, dedication ceremonies will not be held until next spring when all the work is completed.
While the loss of the old church brought sadness to many people in the area, especially older persons who once attended services there, it can be said it did its share in making it possible to have a new place for the old bell. As a result part of the old church still lives on.
(Note: The story for the dedication of St. Mary's bell in the tower at St. Joseph's Church appears on the page for St. Joseph's Church.)