Frackville church celebrates 100th Anniversary
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH . SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Signs commemorate the 100th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist PNCC in Frackville on Oct. 15, 2023.
FRACKVILLE – Faithful gathered in Frackville Sunday afternoon to commemorate the centennial for St. John the Baptist Polish National Church (PNCC).
The church at 2nd and Oak Streets was organized in 1923 by Polish families in the borough seeking their own parish.
“Many organizations do not make it to 100 years,” State Senator David G. Argall said to parishioners. “That can only be possible because of inspired leadership and people who continue to support this church.”
“You should be very proud that you have reached this milestone, and certainly I wish you continued blessings and good fortune in the future,” Argall continued.
Frackville Mayor Kim Phillips noted how different life must have been 100 years ago, and will be in another 100 years, before presenting a proclamation declaring Oct. 15, 2023 as St. John The Baptist PNCC Day in the borough.
According to a history of the parish posted in its lobby, its founding was inspired by the Holy Ghost PNCC in Shenandoah. Parishioners at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Frackville sought to create their own PNCC parish in Frackville.
Holy Ghost closed in 2014, nine years short of its own centennial, and merged into St. John the Baptist.
On hand for the celebration was Prime Bishop Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, effectively the leader of the PNCC, and Right Rev. Bernard Nowicki, Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese, based in Scranton.
They were greeted by Ann Marie Wycheck, chair of the parish committee, and John Plaxa, with traditional gifts of bread and salt.
Wycheck is the 16th chair of the parish committee in the church’s history.
Rev. Robert Plichta serves as priest for St. John the Baptist, the 13th in its history and 2nd longest serving. A native of Poland, Plichta has served the parish since Nov. 2003.
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