On our 110th anniversary: Spotlight on UNA branches (Branch 7) (03/28/04)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

On our 110th anniversary

Spotlight on UNA branches

BRANCH 7, MCADOO, PA.

SOSHESTVIA SVIATOHO DUKHA

Branch 7, located in McAdoo, Pa., was organized as a result of the merger of three smaller branches. Its roots can be traced to a branch of the First Catholic Slovak Jednota that joined the UNA in June 1895.

In 1896, the third convention of the UNA was held in Mount Carmel, Pa. The branch's delegate, Dmytro Kapitula, was nominated to serve as convention secretary, and was elected a supreme advisor. He was also a delegate to the fourth convention held in Mayfield, Pa., on June 8, 1897. In June 1898, at the fifth convention, Mr. Kapitula served in the capacity of convention secretary.

At the 10th convention, held in Philadelphia on July 7-10, 1908, Mr. Kapitula was elected supreme president of the UNA. With his re-election in 1910, Mr. Kapitula would continue a long tradition of service as supreme president and supreme auditor.

The 12th convention was held in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Delegate Anthony Krill of McAdoo was elected to serve as convention secretary, and Mr. Kapitula was elected to yet another term as supreme president. The 13th convention, held in Buffalo, N.Y., in September 1914, re-elected Mr. Kapitula as supreme president.

Following the 1914 convention in Buffalo, several members left the organization. The remaining members re-organized and formed what is now Branch 7 (Soshestvia Sviatoho Dukha). This branch was chartered on April 15, 1915; its charter was signed by Supreme President Nicholas Muraszko and Supreme Secretary Dmytro Halychyn.

Officers of the branch were Mr. Kapitula, Ivan Kohut, S. Makitra and A. Pastuch.

At the 14th convention held in Harrisburg, Pa., Mr. Kapitula was elected to the office of supreme auditor.

Jule Bavolack of McAdoo, secretary of women's Branch 186, the St. Olha Society, was elected as vice-presidentess at the 17th convention held in Newark, N.J., in 1929. This branch eventually merged with Branch 7.

In 1933 at the convention in Detroit, Mr. Kapitula was re-elected as auditor. He was re-elected at each convention thereafter until he died.

On April 27, 1934, Branch 7 along with Branch 85 in Hazleton, Pa., jointly commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Association. A concert was held in the former Strand Theater in McAdoo. The church choir, under the direction of Mr. Laboyko, performed, and schoolchildren presented recitations. The main speaker for the event was Roman Slobodian, supreme treasurer of the UNA; attorney Adam Bavolack spoke in English. A dinner followed the concert held in the church hall.

In 1938, Branch 7 organized and sponsored a baseball team in McAdoo.

During his tenure as supreme auditor, Mr. Kapitula was instrumental in purchasing the property in Ellenville, N.Y., now known as Soyuzivka. On July 4, 1953, he raised the first American flag at Soyuzivka.

Mr. Kapitula served as supreme auditor until his death on December 25, 1953. To recognize this man for his dedication to the UNA, the branch was renamed in his honor.

Branch 7 was involved in commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the UNA in Shamokin, Pa., the cradle of the UNA; the 75th anniversary of the UNA and the 80th anniversary of Svoboda. Branch 7 joined in sponsoring a two-day festival in Lakewood Park, in Barnesville, Pa., on August 18-19, 1973. The festival included a dance and a moleben followed by a concert.

In 1983 Branch 85 from Hazleton merged with Branch 7.

Branch 7 has been involved in church activities and community affairs. The secretary/treasurer of the branch, Helen Slovik, for many years has taught the parish youth and young adults the Ukrainian language. Adolph Slovik is the branch president.

Officers of the branch continually strive to increase UNA membership.

The current officers of UNA Branch 7 are: Adolph Slovik, president, and Helen Slovik, secretary/treasurer.

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