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Karczynski, Alexander John
Choir director, organist, editor, composer. Born in 1882 in Pelplin, Poland. Secondary education (Gymnasium) in Pelplin. Musical studies in Munich; graduated in 1905. Came to U.S. in 1907, settling in Chicago, where he was an organist at SS. Peter and Paul Church up to 1924. Organist at St. John Kanty parish, Indiana Harbor, Ind., 1925-32. Since 1932 organist at Holy Innocents Church, Chicago, Ill. Co-founder and editor of the first Polish quarterly magazine "Przeglad Polsko-Amerykanski" (Polish American Review); co-founder and editor of "Lutnia," an organ of the Society of Polish Organists in America. For some time professor of Polish at Sacred Heart College and St. Ignatius College, Chicago, Ill. Member of P.N.A., P.R.C.U. For ten years choir director of the Alliance of Polish Singers of America and director of many choirs. Composer of many religious, national and folk songs. Won prizes in Chicago, Poznan, Lwow, Lodz. Decorated by P.R.C.U. In 1935 the World Alliance of Poles Abroad presented him with a diploma. Awarded the Golden Cross of Merit by the President of Poland. Address: 858 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, Ill.

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943

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