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HISTORY OF ST. CYPRIAN PARISH
PART I – 1753-1957
(Taken from “The Story of St. Boniface Church” Centennial Book by Frederick C. Nies, M.A., 1957)
In the register of Fort Duquesne, there is an authentic record of the death of Sieur de Marin, a part of which is recorded here: “In the year On thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, on the twenty-ninth of October at half past four in the evening, died in the fort of the Riviere aux boeufs, under the title of St. Peter, Paul Esquire, Sieur de Marin, Chevalier of the royal military order of St. Louis, Captain of Infantry and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the beautiful river, aged sixty-three years, having received the sacraments of Penance, Extreme Unction, and the Viaticum. His remains were interred in the cemetery of the same fort and during the campaign of the beautiful river… This notification was signed by Father Denys Baron, P.R., Chaplain. The phrase of the foregoing entry, ‘under the title of St. Peter,’ refers to the chapel which, as Washington mentions in his journal stood inside the fort. The signatures show that Le Gardeur had arrived at Le Boeuf before the death … or at any rate, before the burial of Marin. Father Baron, the Recollect priest who administered the last rites to the dying Marin, was Charles Brown, who on entering the Recollect branch of the order of St. Francis had taken ‘Denys’ as a given name. He undoubtedly officiated at Niagara and wherever else the force he accompanied had rested. He subsequently was chaplain at Fort Duquesne.” (“From an Old Frontier of France”, Severance, Vol. II, p. 23) The fact that there was a church in this area as early as 1753 is absolutely certain. However, what happened to that chapel and to Catholicism in the area would be a matter for intensive research. Catholicism was a well-founded religion in Waterford at that time. Apparently the people were French Catholics.
The fact that there was a church in Waterford, too, is historical. Back in 1878, the Erie Observer contained this notice: “The new Catholic Church in Waterford Depot will be dedicated on Sunday the 22nd inst. commencing at 11 o’clock. Bishop Mullen will be assisted by Father Dunn of Union.” Sept. 19, 1878. This note is interesting since it locates the church at Waterford Depot and mentions the fact that it was a mission of the church of the present Union City. The Lake Shore Visitor gives an account of the dedication ceremony: “WATERFORD’S NEW CHURCH: The Church of St. Cyprian at Waterford, this county, was dedicated last Sunday by Bishop Mullen assisted by the Rev. J.M. Dunn of Union who attends the Catholics of that neighborhood. The ceremonies consisted of the dedication, Mass by Father Dunn, and sermon by the Bishop. The church will accommodate about 300 persons, but on Sunday double that number were present half of whom were Protestants. We expect the church will accomplish great good in that part of the county, by enlightening the population and dispelling their prejudices. Father Dunn and the few Catholics around Waterford, have done a good work, and done it without contracting any debt.” (LSV, Sept. 28, 1878). While the latter part of this note sounds like a play on the priest’s name, nevertheless the note is interesting insofar as it gives the name of the church and estimates its size (which estimation is probably too large; 200 would have been closer) and gives the nature of the religious atmosphere of the community. In 1880, the Observer came out with another interesting note: “The Catholic Church at Waterford Station was built in 1878 at a cost of $800. Rev. Father Dunn of Union officiates.” (April 1, 1880). Finally another fact appeared, namely the cost. And to the best of the knowledge of the writer this is the church which was assigned to St. Boniface in May of 1940.
Up to that time it had been ministered by the priest from Union City. However, at the time that the church was turned over to the care of Father Miller, the church had become weather-beaten through lack of care. Father Ring, at that time pastor of St. Theresa’s, Union City had let the church fall into disuse. Father Miller and his assistants did everything within their power the next few weeks to help clean the place for Divine Service and to get rid of the unwelcome “roving visitors” that knew nothing about God, but simply used his house for their home. Apparently things were in readiness for Sunday, June 2 and Mass was celebrated there for the first time in many years at 10:30AM daylight savings time.
Then came talk of the first big social event. The church needed renovation. Renovation required funds. Such an activity would help produce some of the money, for it would be supported by the many friends of St. Boniface Church who were interested in seeing Father Miller accomplish his purpose in Waterford just as he had done in the home parish and at the mission of St. Peter’s.
“WATERFORD PARISH TO HOLD ITS FIRST ANNUAL FETE: St. Cyprian parish will holds its first annual lawn fete in the Church grove Wednesday Aug. 14. The Rev. Victor F. Miller, Pastor of St. Boniface Church Hammett, to whom St. Cyprian parish was recently assigned, announces the appointment of the Rev. Francis S. Franklin to direct this first social affair of the revivified parish. The serving of refreshments together with the presentation of several bazaar features of the social will begin at 2 o’clock PM. A large attendance is expected in view of the traditional interest the Waterford parish holds for the people of the Erie district. Many recall that Waterford with its French Fort Le Boeuf was the cradle of Catholicity for this section and probably was the scene of the first Mass to be celebrated in Erie County. IT will be with pleasure that many visitors will review the rebirth of the Waterford church. A complete new concrete foundation has given a correct poise to the old church and a new roof has insured its preservation. The interior has been renewed by the installation of electricity and a thorough cleaning. The parishioners are cooperating admirably in the renaissance by volunteering their labor in applying the white coat of paint to the exterior of the church and by beautifying the grounds. They are also getting into shape the church grove near the railroad station where the lawn social will be held.
More than 130 were in attendance at Mass last Sunday and there is every indication that historic Waterford will once more take its place under the sun.” (LSV-R, Aug. 9, 1940).
Then came the process of renovation. The bare interior was painted, additional pews were installed, a baldachino was erected over the altar, a beautiful backdrop for the altar hung, and a new automatic heater installed. The repairs and improvements totaled $526.02, and furniture $19.95. By Christmas time everything was in readiness for the first Midnight Mass to be held in its history. “The first Midnight Mass in its history will go a long way toward watering the faith of the members of St. Cyprian Church, Waterford… Thus it was that the 130 adorers of the Christ Child who jammed the little church worshipped at the Midnight Mass sung by the Rev. Francis S. Franklin, assistant pastor of St. Boniface Church, under conditions that equaled those at any cathedral.” (LSV-R, Jan. 3, 1941).
The annual report for that first year was very revealing. The first lawn fete netted $370.16; the most Rev. Bishop made a donation of $300.00; the collection for the Catholic University was 60c. The Debt Statement included two items: Remodeling balance $400.00, Circulating Heater, $85.00. The three Trustees who signed the books for St. Cyprian were John Cantlon, Paul Thompson, and Elmer Wick.
Father Miller remained as Pastor of the combined parishes for only six more months. During that time another lawn fete was held to increase the parish funds, there were several more donations of money. But Father had to spend more on improvements - $118.16. There was a cash balance of $25.81 when Father left, but the indebtedness was still $480.00 in unpaid bills. In the list of Trustees Stanley Wisniewski replaced John Cantlon.
Within a few days Father Schlindwein surveyed the situation at Waterford". Action followed. The first check that he signed after coming to St. Boniface, was check #1781 made out on Aug. 19, 1941 in favor of Schaffner Bros. for $9.84 for St. Cyprian’s picnic. The next month Father went to the local officials to request the erection of a sign indicating the time of the Sunday Mass. Opposition followed, but with the good will and determination of Rollo McCray, the sign MASS AT ST. CYPRIAN’S CHURCH AT 10:30 was erected in the park.
On April 1, 1942 the first Requiem held in the church in two decades was celebrated by Father Schlindwein for the soul of Mrs. Bridget Cantlon.
As for the Sunday Masses there, in the early days of the parish, only one Mass was held at 10:30 as the sign indicated. Later the sign had to have some additions and changes. During the summer time there were two Masses for the convenience of the campers and tourists in the area. The sign read: Sunday Masses Summertime 9:00 and 11:00, Winter Schedule 10:30. Another change was made. There were two Masses scheduled for the fourth Sunday of every month. Finally in March of 1956, the church became too crowded for the one Mass and the regular schedule was arranged for two Masses throughout the year, 9:00 and 10:30.
A triduum was held in Polish in 1949. It was not well attended and the practice was discontinued. However, three or four times a year, a Polish priest is asked to go to the Mission on Saturdays to hear Polish Confessions. Father Barr, a weekend assistant for almost five years, usually fulfilled that obligation; however, when he was not available, a priest would come form St. John’s Kanty College.
As time progressed and the people developed a greater interest in the parish, they would make donations of appurtenances for the altar and the church in general; now and then repairs and improvements were necessary and Father would call on John Gorniak and a few other faithful parishioners to see that the work was done.
Then in 1949 an Altar Society was formed with Mrs. Edward Davis as the first president. She was succeeded in office by Mrs. George Bonnell, Mrs. Adam Ostryniec, Mrs. Gerald McMahon, Enrico Mangoni, Mrs. Merle Phelps, and Mrs. Paul Davitt. The meetings of the Society are held on the third Tuesday of the month in the home of its members. The Altar Society has served two important functions: since its inception it has taken charge of the maintaining of the altar and the cleaning of the church, and has sponsored most of the parish activities.
Probably one of the most important of the promotions was the Communion Breakfast. These breakfasts were always family affairs; a principal speaker was obtained. Mrs. Bertha Winter Mahoney (1950), Miss Lena Lavella (1951), and Miss Genevieve Meehan (1952), followed in order. The entertainment was provided by some of the local talent from the Accordion Band – Jacquie Mangoni, Marge Davitt (Parishioners of St. Cyprian’s), Patty Santo Pietro and Jeanne Jackson. In 1952 Jimmy Manucci and the Tune Toppers also entertained. Ordinarily the breakfasts were held at the Waterford Hotel, but in 1953 when a suitable place was not available, the breakfast was cancelled. Since then, the parishioners have been asked to take part in the Communion Breakfasts sponsored at St. Boniface.
Socially the Altar Society has taken over the sponsorship of the Summer Festivals. These however, were already fixed social events on the annual calendar, originally held under the name of socials and dinners. During the pastorate of Father Miller lawn socials were held. Father Schlindwein continued this practice on August 13 of 1941, just one week after his arrival. The next year however, he switched the date from August to July so that both mission picnics would not be held in the same month. With the years these dinners became a minor edition of the Summer Festival of the parent parish, and preparations were made two and three days in advance. Chickens were killed and cleaned at Mangoni’s, brought over to St. Boniface’s kitchen for roasting, and returned the next day to Waterford. Lists were compiled of the workers for the various booths, and tickets and chances sent to all the parishioners. (One thing must be noted: practically each year that St. Cyprian’s has sponsored an outside event, the rain has halted the picnic in one way or another.) Ordinarily the parish raffles war bonds or watches or cooking equipment, and with each of these two pairs of pillow cases made by Eileen Bonnell.
The Society has also sponsored Bingo Parties at various times throughout the year. In the earlier days they were held at the IOOF Hall, but in 1953, after the Center was built by the parishioners it was used until it was rented to the Elgin Manufacturing Company.
Suppers of one kind or another were also on the agenda – Sauerkraut and Pork Suppers, Spaghetti Dinners, a Smorgasbord – all were used to acquire some fudns for the proper maintenance of the church. Bake Sales, Rummage Sales and Shampoo and Vanilla Sales also helped the cause.
For the entertainment of the members, each summer there is a family picnic at Turnwald, which also serves as a meeting for the election of officers; Christmas parties too are held at the homes of various members.
The Society has been quite generous toward the Church. With the money acquired from these events and from the “White Elephant” at their meetings, they have purchased many articles for the church, the most valuable of which is the chalice used at Mass each Sunday and Holy Day, a beautiful momento of the Society’s interest in the things of God.
A choir was also formed under the direction of Mrs. Gerald McMahon, organist, to sing at the monthly High Masses during the winter and on Easter and Christmas. At these latter two functions Eleanor Perkins accompanies on the violin.
One of the biggest projects in the annual routine of the parish is the system of catechetical instructions. No Catholic school is located in Waterford. Because of the distance morning travel to St. Boniface’s school is almost impossible. During the winter, some of the back roads are so badly blown over with snow that travel is completely blocked. As a result, it is necessary to make the best of a bad situation. As a second choice then, catechetical instructions are conducted every Sunday during the school year and for six weeks during the summer, beginning ordinarily the third week in June and ending about the first week of August with First Holy Communion. A picnic at Waldameer follows the next day for all the children who were so faithful in attending the sessions. During the winter, the parents bring the children to mass and two Sisters are provided to handle the instructions; during the summer sessions, the St. Boniface School bus picks the children up at various centers and transports them to the church. This has been a very successful venture each year, but it is by no means the solution to the problem. At best it is a temporary measure which can only be remedied by a school of its own, since the Waterford area is increasing in size and population.
Towards the end of the summer in 1953, work began on the construction of a Center for the parish, the work being done in the evenings by the parishioners. The original building was 30x60 feet in size. By the end of November under the direction of the pastor and the church committtee the building was completed. Its first social event was a Bingo and Feather Party. About two years ago, the Elgin Laboratories, a branch of the Erie Resistor, approached Father Schlindwein with the idea of renting the building for industry. Under the advice of the church committee and the society, the Center was rented. The company each month sends its rental fee to the treasurer of the society which in turn is given to the bank in payment for a note borrowed for the construction of the building. It has been the policy of the company to pay for its own expansion. In this Centennial Year, with the renewal of its lease for 5 years the building will be enlarged and the area around the building will be paved.
The trustees of the church since the coming of Father Schilindwein have been Elmer Wick, George Bonnell, and Paul Thompson. However in 1955 George Bonnell died and Paul Thompson moved to Baltimore. Mr. John Gorniak and Mr. Ward Goldsmith were chosen to replace them. However, during the next year Mr. Goldsmith moved into Erie leaving a vacancy which will probably be filled in this Centennial Year.
There are a few interesting sidelights to the story of the parish: Confessions are heard each Sunday before the Masses; Communion Sunday has been established for the 4th Sudnay of the month; each year the Waterford American Legion has a Mass said for their beloved deceased on the Sunday nearest Decoration Day; the Waterford Catholic Girl Scouts have set aside a Sunday in March for their Communion Sunday; the parish sacrificed two of its sons in World War II, Joseph Francis Karovich and John Skwaryk.
The first baptism of a St. Cyprian’s parishioner after the parish was attached to St. Boniface was administered to Henry (Harry) Joseph Cline, the son of Harry Cline (ac) and Clara Stellmach, by Father F. Stewart Franklin on Sunday June 30, 1940. The first wedding united James a McGrath and Gertrute Tuszynski in the holy bond of matrimony on January 25, 1941, with Father Franklin officiating. The first funeral Mass to be held in St. Cyprian’s after belonging to St. Boniface was that of Mrs. Bridget Cantlon, 89 years of age, the mother of John Cantlon, one of the trustees, the Mass being said by Father Schlindwein on April 1, 1942.
PART II - 1957-1985
(Taken from the booklet for the 25th Anniversary of St. Cyprian as an independent parish.)
In 1960 St. Cyprian was declared a parish having its own status rather than being a mission. Rev. Eugene Coleman was named pastor; he resided in a trailer home on the parish grounds. At this time Elgin Laboratories moved to Waterford Borough and the parish began using the Parish Center for worship.
Following the pastorship of Father Coleman, St. Cyprian was administered by several priests who did not reside within the parish: they had ministries elsewhere and commuted to Waterford.
On April 30, 1962 the Rev. John Thompson of Gannon College became administrator. From July 1967 until June of 1969 the Rev. John Snyder of St. Mark Seminary served St. Cyprian Parish. Fr. Snyder is credited with forming the Holy Name Society in 1968.
Rev. Bruce Allison of St. Mark Seminary was assigned to St. Cyprian in 1969 and was later named Administrator in 1976. Fr. Allison formed the Parish Council at St. Cyprian, which replaced the Board of Trustees mentioned earlier. Chancery records indicate that the following people served as Trustees for varying periods of time between 1957 and 1970: Adam Ostryniec, Walter J. Meek, Gerald P. Gilmore, Bernard Foust, Joseph Majerik, Conrad Klein, Joseph Papotnik, Karl A. Gloekler, Joseph Dugan, Lewis Bolkey, Robert M. Nosko, Samuel Faulhaber, Francis Rinderle, John McClellan, Louis Rinderle, Sr., Andrew Plaza, and Arthur Kreider. For many years the laity of the parish had active roles as religious education teachers, ushers, choir members and directors, sacristan and maintenance personnel. As the ideas of Vatican II become more fully implemented the laity began serving as lectors, cantors, and special ministers. Eventually four commissions were formed to coordinate these activities through the Parish Council. These commissions included Administration, Service, Worship and Education.
More changes marked the history of St. Cyprian Parish. In 1971 the old wooden church structure was torn down. Then, in 1975 a new boiler room, kitchen and meeting room were added to the parish plant.
In 1983 Msgr. Homer C. DeWalt became administrator of St. Cyprian Parish in addition to his ministries at Gannon University, St. Julia’s Parish and Springs Manor in Cambridge Springs, PA. Under the direction of Msgr. DeWalt, St. Cyprian celebrated its Silver Anniversary as a parish (1960-1985). The three day celebration, Sept. 14, 15, 16, included concerts by the Erie Chamber Orchestra, John Sulkowski Band and the Son-Shine Group. It also featured refreshments, parish talent, and a dance with Joel Miller as D.J. The celebration was highlighted by special liturgies culminated by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Murphy on the feast of St. Cyprian, Septemeber 16.
In 1986 the Rev. John Fischer was named pastor of both St. Matthew in the Woods and St. Cyprian in Waterford. This would begin to draw the two parishes together as they shared a common pastor.
In 1996 the Rev. Richard Powers, a former Gannon University Mathematics Professor, was named pastor of St. Cyprian and St. Matthew in the Woods parishes.
In 1999 the Rev. Thomas J. Whitman was named pastor of the two parishes. In 2000 the St. Cyprian Parish Vision Committee was created. Surveys were sent out to all parishioners and a vision for the future began to form.
HISTORY OF ST. CYPRIAN PARISH
PART I – 1753-1957
(Taken from “The Story of St. Boniface Church” Centennial Book by Frederick C. Nies, M.A., 1957)
In the register of Fort Duquesne, there is an authentic record of the death of Sieur de Marin, a part of which is recorded here: “In the year On thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, on the twenty-ninth of October at half past four in the evening, died in the fort of the Riviere aux boeufs, under the title of St. Peter, Paul Esquire, Sieur de Marin, Chevalier of the royal military order of St. Louis, Captain of Infantry and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the beautiful river, aged sixty-three years, having received the sacraments of Penance, Extreme Unction, and the Viaticum. His remains were interred in the cemetery of the same fort and during the campaign of the beautiful river… This notification was signed by Father Denys Baron, P.R., Chaplain. The phrase of the foregoing entry, ‘under the title of St. Peter,’ refers to the chapel which, as Washington mentions in his journal stood inside the fort. The signatures show that Le Gardeur had arrived at Le Boeuf before the death … or at any rate, before the burial of Marin. Father Baron, the Recollect priest who administered the last rites to the dying Marin, was Charles Brown, who on entering the Recollect branch of the order of St. Francis had taken ‘Denys’ as a given name. He undoubtedly officiated at Niagara and wherever else the force he accompanied had rested. He subsequently was chaplain at Fort Duquesne.” (“From an Old Frontier of France”, Severance, Vol. II, p. 23) The fact that there was a church in this area as early as 1753 is absolutely certain. However, what happened to that chapel and to Catholicism in the area would be a matter for intensive research. Catholicism was a well-founded religion in Waterford at that time. Apparently the people were French Catholics.
The fact that there was a church in Waterford, too, is historical. Back in 1878, the Erie Observer contained this notice: “The new Catholic Church in Waterford Depot will be dedicated on Sunday the 22nd inst. commencing at 11 o’clock. Bishop Mullen will be assisted by Father Dunn of Union.” Sept. 19, 1878. This note is interesting since it locates the church at Waterford Depot and mentions the fact that it was a mission of the church of the present Union City. The Lake Shore Visitor gives an account of the dedication ceremony: “WATERFORD’S NEW CHURCH: The Church of St. Cyprian at Waterford, this county, was dedicated last Sunday by Bishop Mullen assisted by the Rev. J.M. Dunn of Union who attends the Catholics of that neighborhood. The ceremonies consisted of the dedication, Mass by Father Dunn, and sermon by the Bishop. The church will accommodate about 300 persons, but on Sunday double that number were present half of whom were Protestants. We expect the church will accomplish great good in that part of the county, by enlightening the population and dispelling their prejudices. Father Dunn and the few Catholics around Waterford, have done a good work, and done it without contracting any debt.” (LSV, Sept. 28, 1878). While the latter part of this note sounds like a play on the priest’s name, nevertheless the note is interesting insofar as it gives the name of the church and estimates its size (which estimation is probably too large; 200 would have been closer) and gives the nature of the religious atmosphere of the community. In 1880, the Observer came out with another interesting note: “The Catholic Church at Waterford Station was built in 1878 at a cost of $800. Rev. Father Dunn of Union officiates.” (April 1, 1880). Finally another fact appeared, namely the cost. And to the best of the knowledge of the writer this is the church which was assigned to St. Boniface in May of 1940.
Up to that time it had been ministered by the priest from Union City. However, at the time that the church was turned over to the care of Father Miller, the church had become weather-beaten through lack of care. Father Ring, at that time pastor of St. Theresa’s, Union City had let the church fall into disuse. Father Miller and his assistants did everything within their power the next few weeks to help clean the place for Divine Service and to get rid of the unwelcome “roving visitors” that knew nothing about God, but simply used his house for their home. Apparently things were in readiness for Sunday, June 2 and Mass was celebrated there for the first time in many years at 10:30AM daylight savings time.
Then came talk of the first big social event. The church needed renovation. Renovation required funds. Such an activity would help produce some of the money, for it would be supported by the many friends of St. Boniface Church who were interested in seeing Father Miller accomplish his purpose in Waterford just as he had done in the home parish and at the mission of St. Peter’s.
“WATERFORD PARISH TO HOLD ITS FIRST ANNUAL FETE: St. Cyprian parish will holds its first annual lawn fete in the Church grove Wednesday Aug. 14. The Rev. Victor F. Miller, Pastor of St. Boniface Church Hammett, to whom St. Cyprian parish was recently assigned, announces the appointment of the Rev. Francis S. Franklin to direct this first social affair of the revivified parish. The serving of refreshments together with the presentation of several bazaar features of the social will begin at 2 o’clock PM. A large attendance is expected in view of the traditional interest the Waterford parish holds for the people of the Erie district. Many recall that Waterford with its French Fort Le Boeuf was the cradle of Catholicity for this section and probably was the scene of the first Mass to be celebrated in Erie County. IT will be with pleasure that many visitors will review the rebirth of the Waterford church. A complete new concrete foundation has given a correct poise to the old church and a new roof has insured its preservation. The interior has been renewed by the installation of electricity and a thorough cleaning. The parishioners are cooperating admirably in the renaissance by volunteering their labor in applying the white coat of paint to the exterior of the church and by beautifying the grounds. They are also getting into shape the church grove near the railroad station where the lawn social will be held.
More than 130 were in attendance at Mass last Sunday and there is every indication that historic Waterford will once more take its place under the sun.” (LSV-R, Aug. 9, 1940).
Then came the process of renovation. The bare interior was painted, additional pews were installed, a baldachino was erected over the altar, a beautiful backdrop for the altar hung, and a new automatic heater installed. The repairs and improvements totaled $526.02, and furniture $19.95. By Christmas time everything was in readiness for the first Midnight Mass to be held in its history. “The first Midnight Mass in its history will go a long way toward watering the faith of the members of St. Cyprian Church, Waterford… Thus it was that the 130 adorers of the Christ Child who jammed the little church worshipped at the Midnight Mass sung by the Rev. Francis S. Franklin, assistant pastor of St. Boniface Church, under conditions that equaled those at any cathedral.” (LSV-R, Jan. 3, 1941).
The annual report for that first year was very revealing. The first lawn fete netted $370.16; the most Rev. Bishop made a donation of $300.00; the collection for the Catholic University was 60c. The Debt Statement included two items: Remodeling balance $400.00, Circulating Heater, $85.00. The three Trustees who signed the books for St. Cyprian were John Cantlon, Paul Thompson, and Elmer Wick.
Father Miller remained as Pastor of the combined parishes for only six more months. During that time another lawn fete was held to increase the parish funds, there were several more donations of money. But Father had to spend more on improvements - $118.16. There was a cash balance of $25.81 when Father left, but the indebtedness was still $480.00 in unpaid bills. In the list of Trustees Stanley Wisniewski replaced John Cantlon.
Within a few days Father Schlindwein surveyed the situation at Waterford". Action followed. The first check that he signed after coming to St. Boniface, was check #1781 made out on Aug. 19, 1941 in favor of Schaffner Bros. for $9.84 for St. Cyprian’s picnic. The next month Father went to the local officials to request the erection of a sign indicating the time of the Sunday Mass. Opposition followed, but with the good will and determination of Rollo McCray, the sign MASS AT ST. CYPRIAN’S CHURCH AT 10:30 was erected in the park.
On April 1, 1942 the first Requiem held in the church in two decades was celebrated by Father Schlindwein for the soul of Mrs. Bridget Cantlon.
As for the Sunday Masses there, in the early days of the parish, only one Mass was held at 10:30 as the sign indicated. Later the sign had to have some additions and changes. During the summer time there were two Masses for the convenience of the campers and tourists in the area. The sign read: Sunday Masses Summertime 9:00 and 11:00, Winter Schedule 10:30. Another change was made. There were two Masses scheduled for the fourth Sunday of every month. Finally in March of 1956, the church became too crowded for the one Mass and the regular schedule was arranged for two Masses throughout the year, 9:00 and 10:30.
A triduum was held in Polish in 1949. It was not well attended and the practice was discontinued. However, three or four times a year, a Polish priest is asked to go to the Mission on Saturdays to hear Polish Confessions. Father Barr, a weekend assistant for almost five years, usually fulfilled that obligation; however, when he was not available, a priest would come form St. John’s Kanty College.
As time progressed and the people developed a greater interest in the parish, they would make donations of appurtenances for the altar and the church in general; now and then repairs and improvements were necessary and Father would call on John Gorniak and a few other faithful parishioners to see that the work was done.
Then in 1949 an Altar Society was formed with Mrs. Edward Davis as the first president. She was succeeded in office by Mrs. George Bonnell, Mrs. Adam Ostryniec, Mrs. Gerald McMahon, Enrico Mangoni, Mrs. Merle Phelps, and Mrs. Paul Davitt. The meetings of the Society are held on the third Tuesday of the month in the home of its members. The Altar Society has served two important functions: since its inception it has taken charge of the maintaining of the altar and the cleaning of the church, and has sponsored most of the parish activities.
Probably one of the most important of the promotions was the Communion Breakfast. These breakfasts were always family affairs; a principal speaker was obtained. Mrs. Bertha Winter Mahoney (1950), Miss Lena Lavella (1951), and Miss Genevieve Meehan (1952), followed in order. The entertainment was provided by some of the local talent from the Accordion Band – Jacquie Mangoni, Marge Davitt (Parishioners of St. Cyprian’s), Patty Santo Pietro and Jeanne Jackson. In 1952 Jimmy Manucci and the Tune Toppers also entertained. Ordinarily the breakfasts were held at the Waterford Hotel, but in 1953 when a suitable place was not available, the breakfast was cancelled. Since then, the parishioners have been asked to take part in the Communion Breakfasts sponsored at St. Boniface.
Socially the Altar Society has taken over the sponsorship of the Summer Festivals. These however, were already fixed social events on the annual calendar, originally held under the name of socials and dinners. During the pastorate of Father Miller lawn socials were held. Father Schlindwein continued this practice on August 13 of 1941, just one week after his arrival. The next year however, he switched the date from August to July so that both mission picnics would not be held in the same month. With the years these dinners became a minor edition of the Summer Festival of the parent parish, and preparations were made two and three days in advance. Chickens were killed and cleaned at Mangoni’s, brought over to St. Boniface’s kitchen for roasting, and returned the next day to Waterford. Lists were compiled of the workers for the various booths, and tickets and chances sent to all the parishioners. (One thing must be noted: practically each year that St. Cyprian’s has sponsored an outside event, the rain has halted the picnic in one way or another.) Ordinarily the parish raffles war bonds or watches or cooking equipment, and with each of these two pairs of pillow cases made by Eileen Bonnell.
The Society has also sponsored Bingo Parties at various times throughout the year. In the earlier days they were held at the IOOF Hall, but in 1953, after the Center was built by the parishioners it was used until it was rented to the Elgin Manufacturing Company.
Suppers of one kind or another were also on the agenda – Sauerkraut and Pork Suppers, Spaghetti Dinners, a Smorgasbord – all were used to acquire some fudns for the proper maintenance of the church. Bake Sales, Rummage Sales and Shampoo and Vanilla Sales also helped the cause.
For the entertainment of the members, each summer there is a family picnic at Turnwald, which also serves as a meeting for the election of officers; Christmas parties too are held at the homes of various members.
The Society has been quite generous toward the Church. With the money acquired from these events and from the “White Elephant” at their meetings, they have purchased many articles for the church, the most valuable of which is the chalice used at Mass each Sunday and Holy Day, a beautiful momento of the Society’s interest in the things of God.
A choir was also formed under the direction of Mrs. Gerald McMahon, organist, to sing at the monthly High Masses during the winter and on Easter and Christmas. At these latter two functions Eleanor Perkins accompanies on the violin.
One of the biggest projects in the annual routine of the parish is the system of catechetical instructions. No Catholic school is located in Waterford. Because of the distance morning travel to St. Boniface’s school is almost impossible. During the winter, some of the back roads are so badly blown over with snow that travel is completely blocked. As a result, it is necessary to make the best of a bad situation. As a second choice then, catechetical instructions are conducted every Sunday during the school year and for six weeks during the summer, beginning ordinarily the third week in June and ending about the first week of August with First Holy Communion. A picnic at Waldameer follows the next day for all the children who were so faithful in attending the sessions. During the winter, the parents bring the children to mass and two Sisters are provided to handle the instructions; during the summer sessions, the St. Boniface School bus picks the children up at various centers and transports them to the church. This has been a very successful venture each year, but it is by no means the solution to the problem. At best it is a temporary measure which can only be remedied by a school of its own, since the Waterford area is increasing in size and population.
Towards the end of the summer in 1953, work began on the construction of a Center for the parish, the work being done in the evenings by the parishioners. The original building was 30x60 feet in size. By the end of November under the direction of the pastor and the church committtee the building was completed. Its first social event was a Bingo and Feather Party. About two years ago, the Elgin Laboratories, a branch of the Erie Resistor, approached Father Schlindwein with the idea of renting the building for industry. Under the advice of the church committee and the society, the Center was rented. The company each month sends its rental fee to the treasurer of the society which in turn is given to the bank in payment for a note borrowed for the construction of the building. It has been the policy of the company to pay for its own expansion. In this Centennial Year, with the renewal of its lease for 5 years the building will be enlarged and the area around the building will be paved.
The trustees of the church since the coming of Father Schilindwein have been Elmer Wick, George Bonnell, and Paul Thompson. However in 1955 George Bonnell died and Paul Thompson moved to Baltimore. Mr. John Gorniak and Mr. Ward Goldsmith were chosen to replace them. However, during the next year Mr. Goldsmith moved into Erie leaving a vacancy which will probably be filled in this Centennial Year.
There are a few interesting sidelights to the story of the parish: Confessions are heard each Sunday before the Masses; Communion Sunday has been established for the 4th Sudnay of the month; each year the Waterford American Legion has a Mass said for their beloved deceased on the Sunday nearest Decoration Day; the Waterford Catholic Girl Scouts have set aside a Sunday in March for their Communion Sunday; the parish sacrificed two of its sons in World War II, Joseph Francis Karovich and John Skwaryk.
The first baptism of a St. Cyprian’s parishioner after the parish was attached to St. Boniface was administered to Henry (Harry) Joseph Cline, the son of Harry Cline (ac) and Clara Stellmach, by Father F. Stewart Franklin on Sunday June 30, 1940. The first wedding united James a McGrath and Gertrute Tuszynski in the holy bond of matrimony on January 25, 1941, with Father Franklin officiating. The first funeral Mass to be held in St. Cyprian’s after belonging to St. Boniface was that of Mrs. Bridget Cantlon, 89 years of age, the mother of John Cantlon, one of the trustees, the Mass being said by Father Schlindwein on April 1, 1942.
PART II - 1957-1985
(Taken from the booklet for the 25th Anniversary of St. Cyprian as an independent parish.)
In 1960 St. Cyprian was declared a parish having its own status rather than being a mission. Rev. Eugene Coleman was named pastor; he resided in a trailer home on the parish grounds. At this time Elgin Laboratories moved to Waterford Borough and the parish began using the Parish Center for worship.
Following the pastorship of Father Coleman, St. Cyprian was administered by several priests who did not reside within the parish: they had ministries elsewhere and commuted to Waterford.
On April 30, 1962 the Rev. John Thompson of Gannon College became administrator. From July 1967 until June of 1969 the Rev. John Snyder of St. Mark Seminary served St. Cyprian Parish. Fr. Snyder is credited with forming the Holy Name Society in 1968.
Rev. Bruce Allison of St. Mark Seminary was assigned to St. Cyprian in 1969 and was later named Administrator in 1976. Fr. Allison formed the Parish Council at St. Cyprian, which replaced the Board of Trustees mentioned earlier. Chancery records indicate that the following people served as Trustees for varying periods of time between 1957 and 1970: Adam Ostryniec, Walter J. Meek, Gerald P. Gilmore, Bernard Foust, Joseph Majerik, Conrad Klein, Joseph Papotnik, Karl A. Gloekler, Joseph Dugan, Lewis Bolkey, Robert M. Nosko, Samuel Faulhaber, Francis Rinderle, John McClellan, Louis Rinderle, Sr., Andrew Plaza, and Arthur Kreider. For many years the laity of the parish had active roles as religious education teachers, ushers, choir members and directors, sacristan and maintenance personnel. As the ideas of Vatican II become more fully implemented the laity began serving as lectors, cantors, and special ministers. Eventually four commissions were formed to coordinate these activities through the Parish Council. These commissions included Administration, Service, Worship and Education.
More changes marked the history of St. Cyprian Parish. In 1971 the old wooden church structure was torn down. Then, in 1975 a new boiler room, kitchen and meeting room were added to the parish plant.
In 1983 Msgr. Homer C. DeWalt became administrator of St. Cyprian Parish in addition to his ministries at Gannon University, St. Julia’s Parish and Springs Manor in Cambridge Springs, PA. Under the direction of Msgr. DeWalt, St. Cyprian celebrated its Silver Anniversary as a parish (1960-1985). The three day celebration, Sept. 14, 15, 16, included concerts by the Erie Chamber Orchestra, John Sulkowski Band and the Son-Shine Group. It also featured refreshments, parish talent, and a dance with Joel Miller as D.J. The celebration was highlighted by special liturgies culminated by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Murphy on the feast of St. Cyprian, Septemeber 16.
In 1986 the Rev. John Fischer was named pastor of both St. Matthew in the Woods and St. Cyprian in Waterford. This would begin to draw the two parishes together as they shared a common pastor.
In 1996 the Rev. Richard Powers, a former Gannon University Mathematics Professor, was named pastor of St. Cyprian and St. Matthew in the Woods parishes.
In 1999 the Rev. Thomas J. Whitman was named pastor of the two parishes. In 2000 the St. Cyprian Parish Vision Committee was created. Surveys were sent out to all parishioners and a vision for the future began to form.