LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Transfigu-
ration Church in Rome, New York

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
100th Anniversary of Transfiguration Church in Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, In the late 19th century, the Poles in Rome, New York, and
the surrounding communities established a fraternal organization under
the patronage of St. Michael, the Archangel; and
WHEREAS, On May 27, 1909, the Rev. Simon Pniak, the pastor of Holy
Trinity in Utica, said the first Mass in a hall on South James Street in
Rome, New York; subsequent masses were offered in private homes and in
the basement of St. Mary's Church; and
WHEREAS, In November of that year, a charter was obtained in the name
of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church and property on the corner of
Henry and South George Streets was purchased; the following year, the
existing house was remodeled into a chapel; and
WHEREAS, The first organizers of Transfiguration Church were: Michael
Hojsak, Adam Balwierczar, Lawrence Trybalski, Andrew Sobolewski, Peter
Patala, Joseph Dabrowski, Joseph Jadwisinczak, John Lesczynski, Frank
Ciszek, Frank Lenio, Peter Przybycien, Frank Krulecki and Martin Gryz-
iec; and
WHEREAS, Before Reverend Stanley Kuprel was appointed the first Pastor
of Transfiguration Church, priests from cities surrounding Rome, New
York, celebrated Mass, including Reverend I. Muszynski, Reverend F.
Fijalkowski, Reverend Deksnis and Reverend F. Plaza; and
WHEREAS, The other Pastors at Transfiguration Church were: Reverend
Eugene Helczynski, Reverend Joseph Czarkowski, Reverend Michael Pawlow-
ski, Reverend Vincent Siavinas, Reverend Stanley Kaczmarczyk, Reverend
John Tarlowski, Reverend John J. Kosior, Reverend Bernard Janczewski,
Reverend John Sciskalski, Reverend Francis Holocinski, Reverend Joseph
M. Kowalczyk, Reverend Adolph A. Kantor, Reverend Matthew C. Luczycki,
Reverend Anthony Pepel, Reverend William P. Gleba, Father Matthew S.
Wieczorek, Father Mark A. Pasik and the current pastor, Father Lucian
Urbaniak; and
WHEREAS, Transfiguration Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining
that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Transfiguration Church in Rome, New
York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in
those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Transfiguration Church in Rome, New York.