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 in 2025
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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 historic Roman Catholic church located in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware. It stands as an important building for the Polish community in Wilmington. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 because of its special history and design.
A Home for the Polish Community
Polish families started moving to Wilmington around 1880. These new settlers were Catholic and needed a place to worship. At first, they attended services at Sacred Heart Parish. A special Mass was held for them there starting in 1887.
In the same year, the Polish community created the St. Joseph's Society. This group helped form a new church parish. In 1896, Father John S. Gulcz became the first full-time pastor for the Polish community. He was born in Poland and came from New York. He helped organize the building of a new, larger church.
Education and Community Life
In the early 1900s, the Felician Sisters helped educate over 500 students at the parish school. This shows how important education was to the community.
Starting in 1956, the church began holding an annual May Polish Festival. This festival became a fun tradition. It celebrates Polish culture and brings people together.
The Church's Design
St. Hedwig's Church was designed by Brilmaier & Sons. This was an architecture firm from Milwaukee. Father Gulcz admired their work. The church was built in 1904. It is in the late Gothic Revival style.
The building has a special shape called "cruciform." This means it looks like a cross from above. It is made of soft gray brick with details made of limestone. The front of the church has three double doors. These are flanked by two tall spires, each about 80 feet high.
St. Hedwig's is the only church in Delaware with twin towers. When it was finished, it was the largest Catholic church in Wilmington.
Gallery
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c.1914
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Entrance detail, November 2010
