St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church
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Saint Hedwig's around 1914
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | Linden and S. Harrison Sts., Wilmington, Delaware |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Brilmaier, A. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001024 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1982 |
St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church is a beautiful and historic church located in Wilmington, Delaware. It stands at Linden and S. Harrison Streets. This church is a very important building for the Polish community in Wilmington. It has been a central gathering place for many years. From 1960 to the 1970s, the church also ran St. Hedwig's High School.
The church was built in 1904. It has a special cross shape and is made from soft gray brick with limestone details. Its design is in the late Gothic Revival style. The front of the church has three double doors and two tall spires, each about 80 feet high. St. Hedwig's Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 because of its historical importance.
Contents
The Story of St. Hedwig's Church
How the Polish Community Started the Church
Polish families began moving to Wilmington around 1880. At first, German priests from Sacred Heart Parish helped them with their religious needs. Starting in 1887, a special Mass was held just for the Polish community.
In that same year, the Polish people created a group called the St. Joseph's Society. This group helped form their own church community. Later, in 1896, Father John S. Gulcz became the first full-time pastor for the Polish community. Father Gulcz was born in Poland and came from New York to serve the people of Wilmington. He worked hard to organize the building of a new, larger church. This new church would replace the smaller one used before.
Education and Community Life
In the early 1900s, the Felician Sisters helped teach over 500 students at the church's school. These sisters played a big part in educating the children of the community.
The church also started a fun tradition in 1956. They began holding an annual May Polish Festival. This festival is a way for the community to celebrate their heritage and come together.
The Design of St. Hedwig's Church
What Makes the Church Building Special
The church was designed by a company called Brilmaier & Sons from Milwaukee. Father Gulcz admired their work in Brooklyn, which led him to choose them. Built in 1904, the church shows off the late Gothic Revival style.
The building has a unique cross shape. It is built with soft gray brick, which is actually concrete blocks covered with brick. It also has beautiful details made from limestone. The front of the church is very impressive. It features three double doors and is framed by two tall spires. These spires reach about 80 feet into the sky.
St. Hedwig's Church is the only church in Delaware that has twin towers. When it was finished, it was the biggest Catholic church in Wilmington.
Gallery
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Entrance detail, November 2010
