St. John the Baptist Polish National Church turns 100 with Thanksgiving Mass

Oct. 16—FRACKVILLE — The Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky, prime bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church, celebrated a 100th anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday at St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church.

Bishop Mikovsky headed a delegation of clergy, including the Right Rev. Bernard J. Nowicki, diocesan bishop, who participated in the centennial Mass.

About 100 people attended the solemn service in the church on West Oak Street.

Before Mass began, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., and Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., presented proclamations from the state Legislature.

Argall wished the congregation continued blessing and good fortune in its next 100 years.

Twardzik attributed the church's longevity to faith, leadership and good spirit among its members.

Frackville Mayor Kim Phillips read a proclamation declaring Sunday as St. John the Baptist Polish National Church Day in the borough.

Ann Marie Wycheck, who chaired the anniversary committee, said planning for the event began a year ago.

"My roots are here," said Wycheck, a retired elementary school teacher.

Wycheck followed in the footsteps of her father and uncle, who were both longtime presidents of the congregation.

The Rev. Robert P. Plichta, pastor, thanked the visiting clergy and expressed appreciation for the hard work done by the anniversary committee.

"We made it," an ebullient Plichta shouted, holding up the proclamations from the state and borough.

At 4 p.m., the delegation of priests walked in procession down the sidewalk along West Oak and entered the church from the front vestibule.

The congregation stood as the entourage, wearing white vestments, made its way to the altar.

"It's a milestone for the church," said Lance Nelson, 76, church recording secretary who served as an usher. "It's the people, though, that are the most important part of the church."

St. John the Baptist is one of two Polish National churches in Schuylkill County. The other is Ss. Peter & Paul in McAdoo. Holy Ghost Church in Shenandoah was merged with the Frackville parish in 2014. St. Joseph in Middleport closed this year, and its members joined the Frackville parish.

The Polish National Catholic Church is an independent Old Catholic church based in the United States. It has about 26,000 members in the U.S. and Canada.

Bishop Mikovsky is based in Scranton. The Rev. Plichta has been pastor since 2009.

St. John the Baptist was organized Jan. 1, 1923; ground was broken in May of that year. A temporary church was erected, and the first Mass was celebrated at Christmas 1923.

Joining Bishop Mikovsky in celebrating the Mass were: the Very Rev. Lucian Urbaniak, pastor of Good Shepherd in Plymouth, Luzerne County; the Rev. Boguslaw Janiec, pastor of St. John the Baptist, Hazleton; and the Rev. Joseph R. Cyman, pastor of Holy Cross Church in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

The Very Rev. Thaddeus J. Dymkowski, of Wilkes-Barre, was a guest.

Cindy Eickhoff, organist, accompanied the church choir.

Contact the writer: rdevlin@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6007