Historical Sketch - St. Laurentius Church and Parish - 1895

HISTORICAL SKETCHES .

St. LAURENTIUS', 1882.

THE first Polish congregation of Philadelphia was organized in 1882, and for quite a time after that date worshiped in Friendship Hall, at Norris and Sepviva Streets. 

It was in 1885 that their first pastor, the late Rev. Emil Kattein, having secured ample ground at the corner of Vienna and Memphis Streets, built the basement of the present church . It was dedicated on Sunday, December 20, 1885, by Archbishop Ryan, who, in addition to the sermon by the rector, Father Kattein, made an address in which he paid a warm tribute to the Poles as the martyr nation. From that time Divine service was held in it until the dedication of the handsome superstructure, which was built during the pastorate of the second rector, Rev. Adalbert Malusecki, who succeeded Father Kattein in June, 1887, and remained in charge until March, 1895, when he was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. Father Tarnowski. 

Father Malusecki in eighteen months raised the sum of $24,000, and had the church dedicated by Archbishop Ryan on September 21, 1890, his Grace also preaching. The basement was then fitted up as a parochial school.

The new building thus completed and set aside for the service of God is 60 feet wide and 122 feet long, with a height from the floor of the main church to the vaulted ceiling of 60 feet. The walls are of stone, and over the front rise two spires, each of which ascends to a height of 150 feet from the side walk. The adornments of the temple are handsome, rich and tasteful.

(Historical sketches of the Catholic churches and institutions in Philadelphia -1895)