Pope John Paul II Polish Center

Pope John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda (Orange County)
Polish social, cultural and religious focal points in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area

by Stanley Stankiewicz

The John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda (Orange County), is the newest of the Polish social, cultural and religious focal points in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area.

After World War II, many Polish immigrants from various parts of the world migrated to Southern California. Initially they attended social functions and religious services in the Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish, on Adams Blvd., in Los Angeles.

Having distanced themselves in far-away residences in Orange County and in Long Beach, the Polish Community held their weekly services in the Orange County churches of St. Anthony CIaret and St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim. The congregation also held weekly masses at an Anaheim funeral chapel, and finally in Rosary High School in Fullerton. These religious services were ministered by Polish priests of the Society of Christ, who traveled a great distance to serve the needs of the faithful.

When the Diocese of Orange became a reality, the late Bishop William Johnson appointed Reverend Joseph A. Karp the spiritual director for the Polish Community in Orange County. This was to satisfy the spiritual and social needs of the Polish faithful living in the area of the Diocese of Orange. The aims: "to keep alive in the hearts of the Polish Faithful the rich religious and cultural heritage & traditions of their forefathers; to preserve the Polish language among the first and second generations and to allow full participation in the Liturgical functions for the newly arrived into this area."

When the need for a Polish permanent home in Orange County was realized, a movement towards this end gathered momentum. This movement began with a meeting in Fullerton's Rosary High School. The extra effort of Community members contributed to many successful fund raising Harvest Festivals (Dozynki) at Rosary High School, Servite High School and Yorba Linda. Charles Rogalski was the founder of the Harvest Festival. Regina Kobzi, Anita Kozak, Richard Kobzi, Anthony Krawczak and Art Borodich presided over all subsequent festivals.

A committee was formed to see the Bishop and to obtain his permission to acquire the building and surrounding property previously owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The committee members were: Stanley Pawlowski, Martin Krawiec, Robert Kraszewski, Marie Romanski and Regina Kobzi. The contractor for the remodeled church and hall was Alex Kuryllo, who, with the family Labudas, was the largest donor.

The first mass at the John Paul II Polish Center was celebrated by Fr. Karp on January 16, 1983. Since that time the Center has truly become a center for Polish activities such as: Polish language classes (for beginners and advanced), bingo games, Polish Scouting, speakers and various club meetings.

One of the enduring traditions of the Polish Community in Orange County is the continuation of an old Polish custom of celebrating the harvest of the crops (Dozynki) in the autumn months. The Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda begins with a procession wherein the field workers present "gifts of the earth" to the Lord and Lady of the manor following the successful harvest. After the procession, the Polish folk dance groups, and singing groups perform. Delicious ethnic food is then enjoyed by all. On October 19, 1986, the John Paul II Polish Center dedicated a plaque in memory of the Polish martyr of faith, Father Jerzy Popieluszko. The Bell Tower was erected as a symbol of unity of this community calling the members to the worship of Almighty God. The bells (three bells) were cast in Poland in 1987 and were donated by late Anthony Pedzich and wife Isabella. On November 26, 1989, the Feast of Christ the King, the bell tower was dedicated.

For over two years preceding the acquisition of the Yorba Linda property, the Community worked hard to establish the John Paul II Polish Center, and is grateful for Fr. Joseph Karp's leadership and perseverance in this effort. The Polish Community is also indebted to the following pioneers who worked so hard from the initiation to the fulfillment of a dream to have a Polish Center: the Stanek, Rogalski, Kobzi, Kaminski, Kozak, Kronebusch, Kuras, Baczynski, Carter families ... and others too numerous to mention.

Because of Father Karp's capable leadership, the John Paul II Polish Center in Orange County continues to satisfy the needs of the community. The church can accommodate 400 persons during church services and an additional 400 in the adjoining church hall. Over 1,800 families are listed on the Center's membership roll.

Father Karp was born in Brooklyn, New York and orphaned at the age of 14. At age 23 he entered St. Mary's Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan, and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on April 22, 1967.

On Sunday, May 3, 1992, Reverend Joseph Karp celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination at the Pope John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda. The celebration began with a solemn Mass. The co-celebrants at the altar were Bishop M. Driscoll (Orange Diocese) and Father Karp. Well wishing priests came from far and near. Some came from Poland, and from various American cities and townships. One special person was Rev. Milewski, Rector at Orchard Lake where Father Karp was ordained 25 years ago.

Following the Mass, a reception was held for the celebrant. There were over 800 well wishers present. Mrs. Anita Kozak was Chairman, Mrs. Regina Kobzi Co-Chairman, along with a large group of well wishing, enthusiastic helpers.

From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.