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St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Watson As more people of the Orthodox faith settled in the town of Watson the need for a church grew evident. On April 4,1948, a meeting was called at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Polowich with Gregory Choma as acting chairman and Louis Polowich as acting secretary. A decision was made to organize a Ukrainian Orthodox Parish to which Tom Romaniuk, Louis Polowich and Onufrey Kotyk were elected as a committee to purchase land for a cemetery.
Throughout 1948 several meetings were held under the chairmanship of Tom The first Annual Meeting was held on November 28, 1948.Signing as members of the congregation were: Peter Strelic, Emil Strelic, Harry Zagwolski, Steve Shawchenko, Peter Zagwolski, John Zagwolski, Nick Unilowsky, Wasyl Prosko, Onufrey Kotyk, Steve Woytila, Metro Hleck, Nick Androsin, Nick Magas, Gregory Choma, Peter Nykyforuk, Louis Polowich, Lukey Manchur, Michael Korolyk, Metro Manchur, Michael Sakundiak, Matt Magas, Tom Romaniuk, William Zagwolski, Harry Kotyk, Nick Magus (Daphne), Peter Komonoski, and John Herbeniuk. Elected to the Executive for 1949 were: President, Metro Hlech; Vice-President, Tome Romaniuk; Secretary, Louis Polowich; Treasurer, Nick Unilowski. In 1949, land was purchased and the building of the church began. The main carpenters were Matt Magas and Metro Hleck; however, all the members participated by donating money and labour towards its construction, the men worked on the building and the ladies prepared lunches for them. In 1951, the exterior was completed and during the next several years the interior was completed and furnished with most of the church and liturgical necessities purchased by the members who then donated these to the church. The first baptism in the parish was celebrated on April 21, 1949, when John and Rose Magas baptized their first child, Olga Darlene; the first marriage took place on May 4, 1952, when Nicholas Spizawka and Ann Dyok exchanged their vows; the first funeral was that of Gregory Choma. His interment took place in the parish cemetery on September 3, 1953; in 1955, the first 50th Wedding Anniversary to be celebrated was that of Mr. and Mrs. Wasyl Prosko. In June 1959, the parish celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The celebrant for the occasion was the Very Reverend Dr. Sawchuk assisted by Rev. Fr. Mayba and Rev. Fr. Zaliskewich. Following the service Rev. Dr. Sawchuk blessed and sealed the church’s corner stone. Throughout the years various activities were held throughout the parish. There were Sunday School classes, Mother’s Day and Taras’ Shevchenko concerts; however, these were limited because of the small number of children and young people. ***************** Lesia Ukrainka Ukrainian Women’s Association
The Ukrainian Women’s Association, Lesia Ukrainka Branch, was organized on January 23, 1949. The first executive was: president, Anne Polowich; secretary, Olga Unilowsky; treasurer, Katherine Choma. The first ladies’ church attendants (altar ladies) were Mary Magus, Emily Kotyk, and Anne Prosko. A special recognition to the Lesia Ukrainka Branch is hereby extended. For thirty years the ladies worked diligently and faithfully towards the betterment of the church by serving fowl suppers and dinners, conducting bake sales, selling tickets, and keeping the church clean and tidy. By 1979 its membership decreased considerably and those remaining were of an older age. At a meeting held on December 9, 1979, the members voted to disband as a branch of the Women’s Association but to continue work as church members. The St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Watson extends a hearty vote of thanks to all the members of the Ladies’ Aid for their faithful work! The congregation has always strived to fulfill its obligations to the Consistory, to the Wadena Church District and presently to the Ituna-Wadena Church District. We believe that our Church serves the Ukrainian populace of the Orthodox faith in the Watson area very well. Submitted by
Russell C Sawchyn Friday, December 28, 2001 |
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