Church of St. Adalbert

About the Church

St. Adalbert Church is a Roman Catholic parish located in Schenectady, New York. It is the sixth Catholic church in the city, established for the Polish immigrant community in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood.

History

The parish was organized in 1903 due to the influx of Polish immigrants and the economic development of the region. In July 1903, the first church, school, and rectory were dedicated, built within seven months for $33,000. The original church burned down in 1909, and the current building was erected in 1910 for $45,000. In the same year, a school was opened with about 200 students. Later, St. Adalbert College was established, the third Catholic high school in the city, featuring classrooms, an auditorium with 2,000 seats, a laboratory, a library, a gymnasium, and other facilities.

In 2023, the parish celebrated its 120th anniversary with ceremonies at the parish center, led by Rev. Matthew H. Frisoni, the pastor and judicial vicar of the Albany diocese. Special guests included Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

Patron

The church is named after St. Adalbert, a missionary bishop from Bohemia, a friend of Prince Bolesław Chrobry of Poland. He was killed by pagan priests on April 23, 997, during a mission in East Prussia.

Activities

The parish offers Masses, including Sunday Mass at 11:00 AM. It runs a parish center and continues the traditions of the Polish community in Schenectady.