History of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish

Posen, IL

The construction of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church began in 1893 under the leadership of Father Stanislaus Nawrocki. Archbishop Patrick A. Feehan presided over the church’s dedication in October of 1894.  According to memories shared during our Centennial Celebration, “our first church was a wooden building shaped like a cross---very small---only about five or six pews on each side of the center aisle. . . and there were three altars in the front, the main altar, Mary’s altar on the left, and Joseph’s altar on the right.”

Rev. Francis Kroll became the pastor and the first spiritual advisor to the Rosary Ladies (now the Altar and Rosary Society) in 1896.  From the very beginning, the ladies cared for the parish spiritually and physically. They scrubbed and polished the church before major holidays. . . a true sacrifice of labor and love since there was no running water. The ladies boiled the water in nearby homes and carried it to the church in buckets! Later, the Society sponsored dinners, dances, and other events to raise funds and build community. Altar and Rosary is currently the oldest organization still active in parish life.

In 1911, the Blessed Kunegunda Sisters, at the request of Father John Robakowski, opened St. Stanislaus School. The sisters lived in a tiny house sandwiched between the church and the rectory. That house was also the school, where children learned reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. . .all taught in Polish. The sisters left unexpectedly in 1918 and the school remained closed until 1924, when Rev. Felix Kachnowski  invited the Felician Sisters to take over its administration.  Parishioners helped finance the building of a new school which opened in September, 1924. There were 3 teachers and about 100 students. The Felicians ran the school until 1988. After the sisters left, the school board hired principal Diane Wessels, and the school doors opened every fall for 18 more years. In 2006, due to lack of funding and by order of the Archdiocese, St. Stanislaus School closed.

By 1943, a growing congregation needed more space for worship, so additions were made on either side of the main entrance, and from then on it came to be affectionately called “the church with wings.” Father Stanley Rozak, one of the best remembered pastors, initiated a myriad of changes during his tenure, including school expansion and the construction of a Marian Grotto on the corner where the church currently stands.

Between 1950 and 1968, parish grounds underwent several major construction projects. First, perma-stone was added to the church’s exterior. Then, in 1960, new classrooms and a gymnasium enlarged the school to accommodate an enrollment of over 500 students. Finally, the construction of today’s church began and was completed during the pastorate of Monsignor Bernard Sokolowski, the longest serving pastor in parish history (1964-1981).

An energetic young Rev. David Krolczyk accepted pastoral duties for St. Stanislaus in 1988.  Almost immediately, Father Krolczyk clearly asserted his firm commitment to lay ministry, embarking on a campaign to involve as many people as possible in parish work.  His efforts resulted in membership drives for existing parish organizations, as well as host of new ones including a Liturgy Committee, the Ministry of Care, a Bereavement ministry, the RCIA program, and the diaconate ministry. Father David also personally assisted in preparing the church’s ministers and its environment for every major liturgical event.  In September, 1993, all parish workers and organizations pooled their resources to celebrate our Parish Centennial in grand style.

At the turn of the century, St. Stanislaus began to experience important changes in parish life. New neighbors moved into town, bringing with them the rich and colorful religious traditions of Mexico. Observances of the Feast of Guadalupe and Via Crucis, as well as Quinceañera celebrations and liturgical dance, added yet another chapter to the blessed history of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish.  Then, under the grace-filled leadership of Father Pius Kokose, the church continued its mission to serve the people until July 2021 when we welcomed Father Robinson Ortiz, our new Administrator. Our Posen community has been blessed with the presence of many and we will continue to welcome all.

All praise and thanks to our God for the many gifts we have been given!