MICHIGAN CITY – Through planning, community engagement, and participation from the community, St. Stanislaus is continuing to transform its vision into reality – one brick, one blessing, and one project at a time.
The preparation work for the “Embracing Our Future Brick by Brick Capital Campaign” actually began around 2021-22, with engineering assessments and construction bids. A formal feasibility study was conducted in February 2023. The Diocesan Consultors approved the project on Sept. 6, 2023. The parish then hired a consultant and worked with them to develop strategy. It officially kicked off the Brick by Brick Campaign with donations from the steering committee and parish council in December 2024.
“We believe the completion of this project will have a profound impact on our parish, and the timing is significant,” said Camille Higdon, financial advisor and capital campaign co-chair.
St. Stanislaus Kostka is located in the heart of the newly designated mid-town redevelopment district in Michigan City. Extensive changes to the infrastructure, housing, and commercial investment are well underway. Higdon said the anticipated growth within the immediate neighborhood is exciting and brings the potential for greater membership and resources that could assist with expanding outreach in the community. Improving the condition of the church building she believes is essential in preparing for such growth.
Although the parish was actually founded in 1891, the current church building was completed in 1926, following 10 years of construction that coincided with World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and local economic recessions. At the time, parishioners were primarily blue collar, Polish immigrants, brought to this area during the Great Wave of immigration from Europe. Much of the initial construction was completed by those early parishioners, including the foundation, which is believed to have been manually excavated with shovels and buckets.
The church was constructed with approximately 250,000 bricks. The 87 stained glass windows were transported by barge from Europe and most are inscribed with the name of the founding families that donated the window. The 900-pipe organ is still the primary source of music for liturgies, weddings and other events. Most of the artwork and statuary is original to the church.
“Architecturally, the building is magnificent and as you marvel in the size, detail and beauty of this church, one can only imagine the determination and sacrifice of those early parishioners,” Higdon said. “We believe as current members, it is our obligation and privilege to perpetuate that which was entrusted to us.”
The parish is planning a 100th anniversary celebration for October 2026 to commemorate the actual dedication of the church.
Currently, the church is halfway through the proposed two-phase, $3M capital campaign. The primary repair issues pertain to the exterior masonry of the entire church, with the bell towers and church walls in various stages of deterioration.
Due to the significant project scope, it was broken down into two phases. Through parishioner donations and a $400,000 grant from Indiana Landmarks (funded by the Lily Endowment), the Phase 1 bell tower repairs are now underway. This includes fabricating and replacing the 16 columns in both bell towers, replacing spalled bricks, and tuck-pointing the towers and entire front section of the building. Anticipated completion of Phase 1 repairs is late summer, 2026. The projected cost of Phase 1 is $1.5 million, and with those funds secured, they are now concentrating efforts on funding Phase 2.
Phase 2 repairs are also considered critical and will replace all other spalled bricks and tuck-point the remaining church façade. Also included will be an evaluation and required repair to secure our stained-glass windows, with the rose windows being the most vulnerable. We have been awarded a $250,000 (2:1) matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places (funded by the Lily Endowment) for this phase of the project, and are now in the process of raising the remaining amount to match the grant requirement and cover the estimated $1.5 million for Phase 2.
Higdon said the campaign has been successful, first and foremost, due to the unwavering dedication and love parishioners have for the church.
“Although a much more diverse congregation today, many are generational members with a great appreciation and connection to their personal histories at St. Stan,” she said. “We have also been fortunate to have the support of outside grant funding by organizations that believe in our abilities and respect the rich history of St. Stanislaus Kostka.”
Higdon stressed that the two-phase project aims at preserving the historic church building, a landmark and symbol of faith in Michigan City for 100 years. She said the structure is a reminder of the earliest years of community development and has remained steadfast to its initial purpose.
“The restoration enables us to maintain our positive economic impact and continue serving the community,” she said.
Father Walter M. Ciesla said it is a great joy to be the pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, where he has served the community for over 25 years. He feels the parish is blessed with a very generous and dedicated congregation. He shared that not only have they embraced the capital campaign, but they continue to support parish expenses, including the school.
“We hope and pray the parish will continue with dedicated staff and parishioners willing to live our mission,” Father Ciesla said. “We ask God to keep the workers safe and bless our parishioners and friends. As we continue, may we journey in hope and remember the words: ‘Jesus, I trust in You!’”
For more information on the “Embracing Our Future Brick by Brick” campaign, visit https://ststanschurch.com/campaign.
Upcoming event: Author and Catholic speaker Kevin Matthews will be speaking at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday. June 13. He will be bringing the "Our Lady of the Broken" statue that was recently blessed by Pope Leo.
Caption: St. Stanislaus Kostka Church held a Phase 1 Kickoff Celebration & Brick Blessing on July 27, 2024. This joyful event was held outside in front of the church with approximately 100 parishioners and friends in attendance.(Photo provided)
