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Nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Adams, MA, the church of St. Stanislaus Kostka has served the Catholic community of Adams and neighboring towns for over 100 years.
Dubbed "The Gem of the Berkshires," its stunning interior artistry features resplendent wall and ceiling paintings, extensive statuary, and magnificent stained-glass windows, rivaling those of many major basilicas around the world. Century-old hand-carved wooden altars, confessionals, and Stations of the Cross, imported from renowned workshops in today's Austria and Italy, bear witness to the profound faith of the congregation.
But like any historic building, St. Stan's needs periodic maintenance to keep everything in good repair. Long years of Berkshire wind, rain, and snow have loosened roof slates, snapped snow guards, clogged gutters, and deteriorated steeple ornaments. Most recently, water leakage has led to mold growth in the church basement (Kolbe Hall).
Professional assessments have determined that the church is structurally sound and safe to use for services, but it does require urgent repairs now and other eventual restorations and improvements.
A church as uniquely beautiful and historically significant as St. Stan's cannot be allowed to deteriorate. Our Preservation Committee has developed a four-phase plan totaling approximately $5.1 million to address the repairs and restoration. The Diocese of Springfield has approved fundraising for the $1.3 million Phase I of the preservation plan, stipulating that the funds must be raised by March 30, 2026.
As significant as the projected costs are, the Committee believes that with the grace of God, we can achieve that goal. Your assistance can help save and preserve St. Stan's to inspire the glory of God in future generations.
The target goal of $1.3 million for Phase I must be met
Funds raised and pledged as of November 3, 2024: $583,320 (45% of goal) (details) |
All work involved in the preservation effort has been performed by SSK Preservation Committee members on a volunteer basis:
Expenses have been limited to costs for structural and mold studies, printed materials, postage and mailing, a construction project manager, and Fr. Paul's welcoming video. We are deeply grateful to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, Adams Specialty & Printing Company, and Giuseppe Mignano, who have provided printed materials and videography for our website gratis or at reduced cost. |
A Message from Fr. Paul Norman, Former Pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Adams MA, at Launch of the SSK Preservation Effort in 2024 Welcome to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church! Located in the heart of Adams, Massachusetts, a once thriving mill town, our church is nestled amidst the beauty of the Berkshires and their deep historical roots. Since its dedication in 1905, many people, beginning with our Polish Catholic population, have flocked to St. Stanislaus as it reflects the beautiful artistry expressed through its Polish heritage. From the sacred art depicted on the ceiling of the church to the beautiful architecture of the high altar and the wall paintings behind it, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church tells the wonderful story of our salvation history and lends itself to sacred worship and prayerfulness. Our church proudly serves as the home of the first Divine Mercy Image displayed in the Western Hemisphere. As the childhood home of Rev. Walter Pelczynski, M.I.C, and Rev. Seraphim Michalenko, M.I.C, our church's connection with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception has a lengthy history and continues to be a work in progress. Despite the inspiring history and lasting beauty of our church, years of continued use and the natural weathering of the elements have left it in ill repair. Water leakage has led to mold growth in the basement hall, and the deterioration of roofing slates and century-old steeple trim must be addressed. To restore and sustain our church, we need generous benefactors from all walks of life, from any ethnic heritage, to give from the treasure of their hearts. More and more in this changing world, young families are returning to tradition, beauty and the fullness of God’s truth. Help us to build and sustain the tradition and beauty of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church as we proclaim through word and deed the manifest glory of God. Join our effort today and donate to save and preserve this tabernacle of God's presence among us!
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November 3, 2024 - Fundraising Update
Funds raised: Repairs: Net on hand: Thank you to all our generous donors!
Fr. Paul and the SSK Preservation Committee would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the support received for the SSK Preservation Project. With your prayers and continued support, we strive to meet the $1.3 million goal by the March 30, 2026 deadline set by the Diocese. |
January 2025 - Restoring the Prie-Dieu Kneeler Stands![]() Volunteers cleaning out the church sacristies last year found discarded velvet confessional curtains stamped with the CA-VEL logo on the back. An internet search dates this company's velvets to the mid-1920s. They were likely purchased then for the church's confessionals (installed in 1914), and later replaced by the current curtains, perhaps during the church's 50th or 75th anniversary. The discarded velvet curtains were still in excellent condition, and the volunteers repurposed the fabric to replace the old unsightly coverings on the kneelers. |
January 24, 2025 - Videos Posted of Polish/English Carol Sing![]() |
January 12, 2025 - Roundup Campaign![]() |
December 29, 2024 - Polish/English Carol Sing![]() |
November, 2024 - Roof Repair, Rectory Entrance![]() |
November, 2024 - Drainage Repair, Summer Street Entrance![]() |
November, 2024 - Drainage Repair, Kolbe Hall Entrance![]() |
November, 2024 - Masonry Repair, Hoosac Street Entrance![]() |
November, 2024 - Masonry Repair, Summer Street Entrance![]() |
Monday, November 11, 2024 - Fence Painting Continues![]() |
Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Fundraising Deadline Extended to March 30, 2026![]() |
Saturday, October 26, 2024 - First Pew Dedication Plates Installed![]() |
Sunday, October 13, 2024 - Adams RambleFest and Church Tour![]() |
Friday, October 11, 2024 - Summer Street Scaffolding![]() |
September, 2024 - Status Update Letter #3![]() |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - Chicken Parmesan Dinner![]() |
Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Polish Heritage Train Ride![]() Eugene will also offer a tour of St. Stan's Church after the train ride at 3:00 pm. |
Click here for earlier news items.