![[Bishop Grochowski Picture]](Grochowski_L.JPG)
Grochowski, Leon, Rt. Rev.
Bishop of Western Diocese, of the Polish National Catholic Church. Born
October 11, 1886, in Skupie, the son of Adalbert and Victoria (Pienkowska)
Grochowski. Educated in Siedlce, Warsaw Gymnasium of Sierzputowski, and in
1903 at Rotwand and Wawelberg Higher School in Warsaw. In 1905, left
Poland and came to U.S., settling for two years in Baltimore, Md. Entered
Theological Seminary in Scranton, Pa. and was ordained in 1910. In 1912
elected member of the Council of National Catholic Church and later General
Secretary. At the Extraordinary Synod of said church he was unanimously
elected bishop and consecrated by Bishop Hodur on August 17, 1924. In
1925 nominated bishop of Western Diocese with headquarters in Chicago,
Ill. Founded the weekly paper "Awakening"; built Cathedral at a cost of
$250,000 dollars. Increased his diocese to 45 parishes and missions.
Residence: 2019 W. Charleston St., Chicago, Ill.
From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943