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Bridesburg's Saint John Cantius Catholic Church
By Andrew Suchniak, Audra Murphy and Jessica Pritchard |
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| St. John Cantius Catholic Church, formed in 1892, has been a center point in Bridesburg since its inception. |
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| Pope John Paul II Catholic School, formerly St. John Cantius School, has also been an important part of the community. |
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| "I wouldn't say that the church is a social gathering, but everybody comes on Sunday to pray," said Laura Winski. "The school here is actually the one to put on all of the community activities. My daughter (right) went to kindergarten there, the same room where I had Girl Scouts as a little girl." |
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| Edna Kruszinksi (left) said, "I was married in the church 52 years ago...They had the best dances." William Condrarowski, who has lived in Bridesburg 81 years, said, "All Saints (down the street) also had a shool. The school here was more popular so they joined forces." Jane Morrow (right) said: "I moved out of the neighborhood to Frankford when I got married. I still go to St. John's for church though." |
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| James Lemanowicz said: "What keeps the neighborhood together is the strong Polish community. St. John's has played a role as a gathering point." |
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| Ethan and Rachel Lemonovicz both attend the Catholic school. |
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| The Catholic school rests directly beside the church and educates students from kindergarten to eighth grade. |
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Hanna Baker (left), Shauna Ferguson (right)
"We actually met here in school," Ferguson said. "Up until third grade it was an extremely traditional method of teaching, punishment and all. Since then it has relaxed." |
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| A statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the front corner of the the church. |
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